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Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 


ate ibrar 
Data Library 


Reference Collection 


MANNED SUBMERSIBLES 


BY 
R. Frank Busby 


OFFICE OF THE OCEANOGRAPHER 
OF THE NAVY 


1976 


. - . : 
ROBERT PALMER BRADLEY 


September 3, 19830—November 28, 1973 


Had I the chance to peel away the years and once again decide which path to follow, it would be 
towards the sea. I would do this for two reasons: Because it is a most intriguing subject and the most 
intriguing people are met on and under its surface. Bob Bradley was, what I can only call, a delight 
and a rare privilege to know. He possessed a sharp, sly sense of humor, a pioneer’s sense of adventure 
and displayed a scholar’s interest in the oceans. Naval aviator, commercial diver, submersible pilot and 
graduate in marine biology are not credentials one would expect from a son of the prairies. But in a 
quiet, certain, almost casual manner, Bob dealt as easily with the deep oceans as he would have the 
wheatfields of his native Kansas. He was quick to befriend, perhaps too quick, for the waters he felt he 
knew and understood claimed his life at 219 feet in Douglas Channel, British Columbia. I miss him; so 
do the other friends he left. In a very real sense, an earlier pioneer of the deep oceans, William Beebe, 
described our loss. 

“When the last individual of a race of living things breathes no more, another heaven and another 
earth must pass before such a one can be again.” 


R. Frank Busby 
Arlington, Virginia 
January, 1975 


FOREWORD 


History records evidence of insatiable human curiosity about our 
world. But it was a more urgent need than curiosity which tempted 
early man to look beneath the surface of the sea and test his limits of 
endurance. He went in search of natural treasure to augment his hard- 
won food supply and for naturally occurring materials that were useful 
in a primitive, comfortless routine of living. Limits were quickly 
reached in his invasion of the ocean depths, and all that lay beyond was 
called mysterious, remaining unapproachable without some form of 
protection against hostilities destructive to the fragile vehicle of hu- 
man life. 

Twentieth century technology has cleared the pathway for safe 
passage through those deep sea hostilities for an invasion of the 
marine environment unparalleled in history. A growing host of varied 
undersea vehicles is entering the ocean’s depths in missions of science, 
engineering and exploration for industrial opportunity, as well as for 
the satisfaction of simple curiosity. 

The U.S. Navy is required, by the responsibilities of its mission, to 
operate throughout the entire ocean environment. Those responsibili- 
ties, in turn, impose requirements for knowledge about our operational 
environment and technology that will operate there, effectively. In 
order to gain knowledge of the deep ocean and its influences upon 
naval operations, we have to go there. One way to go there is to send 
tools which function as extensions of man’s senses and work capabili- 
ties. But, even though modern technology is helping us to develop 
increasingly refined instrumentation and methods for perceiving the 
nature of the ocean depths, there are observations and conclusions 
which cannot be achieved without the benefit of man’s highly devel- 
oped sensory capabilities operating in the immediate vicinity of investi- 
gation and work areas. 

It is the manned submersible which offers us the opportunity to be 
on the scene and perform tasks in a relatively comfortable and secure 
environment at ocean depths or locations which would otherwise be 
destructive to human life. The Navy has developed a small family of 
manned submersibles to investigate the deep ocean and to perform 
various kinds of work included in the Navy’s mission. We are also 
interested to know what others have done in the development of 
manned submersibles, because each effort in the field is helpful in 
solving problems of how to work most effectively in the deep ocean 
environment. 

Our Nation ... indeed, the whole world ... has demonstrated 
renewed interest in developing the technology and the methods neces- 
sary to begin harvesting natural resources from the sea, in quantity. 
Amateurs as well as professionals are at work to design and build 
vehicles of one kind or another which will permit useful work in the 
ocean. Progress toward those goals is assisted by sharing both suc- 
cesses and failures in development efforts. The problems of reaching 
those goals are based on the difficulties of creating technology that 
works in the deep ocean. But the problems are basically the same no 
matter what kind of work is contemplated so a sharing of them and 
their solutions works to speed progress for all. 


ili 


Because of escalating interest in what is required to accomplish 
useful work in the ocean environment, questions are being asked about 
manned submersibles: How do they work? Are there laws that govern 
their construction and employment? What are they capable of doing? If 
they are involved in an emergency what can be done to assist them? 
What are their limitations and their capabilities? Mr. Busby has 
compiled a comprehensive review of the development and operation of 
manned submersibles, providing the marine scientist, engineer and 
surveyor ...as well as the uninitiated explorer of the ocean depths... 
with many answers to questions about these unique vehicles. 

It is the Navy’s intent to encourage a wider and more productive 
exchange of information concerning the requirements for performing 
useful work in the deep ocean and information about recorded achieve- 
ments in design and operation of manned submersibles. Mr. Busby’s 
efforts in collecting and presenting the information within the follow- 
ing pages have contributed greatly to such exchanges among present 
day and future participants in ocean programs that we all hope will 
some day deliver, to a waiting world, a realization of the age-old 
promise of resources from the sea. 


Rear Admiral J. Edward Snyder, 
USN 


Oceanographer of the Navy 


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 


My sincerest appreciation is extended to CAPT Edward Clausner, Jr., 
USN (Ret.), formerly of the Navy Material Command, who found the 
time to listen to my pleas for support and, subsequently, provided the 
resources to fund this effort. He reviewed several of its chapters, 
opened many doors to information and, finally, still manages a smile 
after one and one-half years of near-continual pestering. 

Secondly, my thanks and appreciation are tendered to CAPT Jack 
Boller, USN (Ret.), now Executive Secretary of the Marine Board of 
the National Academy of Engineering. CAPT Boller’s support and 
advice were instrumental in seeing this work reach fruition. 

I am indebted to Rear Admiral J. Edward Snyder, Jr., USN, Oceanog- 
rapher of the Navy. His kindness and hospitality in providing me with 
working space and office facilities, during my tenure with CAPT 
Clausner, was boundless. I am further indebted to Admiral Snyder for 
allowing me to use the name of his office in the many requests to 
private and government institutions for information. 

Although he was not directly involved with the preparation or 
funding of this work, Mr. John Perry, President and founder of Perry 
Submarine Builders, has contributed to its content since 1965. Through 
his gracious hospitality, the Perry staff, their submersibles and shops, 
have been my practical primer for almost a decade. In the course of 
this education, Mr. Perry kindly and indulgently stood by while I 
stumbled through the frustrating process of finding out what wouldn’t 
work underwater and managed to keep a straight face while I attached 
the latest in undersea navigation devices: A bicycle wheel, to his PC- 
3B. In the course of such neophyte shenanigans, Mr. Perry has 
persevered through some difficult times to place manned submersibles 
in the category of practical and useful ‘‘work” boats, rather than 
expensive engineering toys. 

Some 4,000 miles to the northwest of the Perry shops is the firm of 
International Hydrodynamics Ltd. (HYCO), founded by three commer- 
cial divers, Mack Thompson, Al Trice and Don Sorte, of Vancouver, B.C. 
Likewise, these three opened their shops and files to me and provided 
any and all information on their PISCES class submersible. In particu- 
lar, I would like to express my appreciation to Mack Thompson, a 
practical, imaginative, ingenious, submersible designer and manufac- 
turer who responded to every request of mine and made the time 
available for me to participate in dives on the PISCES III. The 
hospitality of the HYCO staff made every visit to Canada a rewarding 
and memorable occasion. 

Now, my reviewers, E. W. Seabrook Hull, as my editor, reviewed this 
manuscript and restructured the narration to the English language 
and the reasoning to that of a relative sanity. Mr. Lloyd Wilson of the 
Naval Oceanographic Office took on the laborious chore of reviewing 
the first proof print. With patience and skill he corrected the hundreds 
of inconsistencies and spelling errors while imposing a sense of disci- 
pline to an exceptionally rambling narration. The following people 
kindly and most thoroughly reviewed individual chapters for technical 
accuracy: CAPT R. K. R. Worthington, USN, (Ret.), the DEEP QUEST 


Submersible System Operations Officer; Mr. Jamie Farriss, Office of 
the Oceanographer of the Navy; Messrs. Larry Shumaker, and William 
O. Rainnie, Jr... WHOI; Mr. William Greenert, Naval Material Com- 
mand; Messrs. Ronald Proventure, William Louis, and Gary North, 
Naval Ship Engineering Center; Mr. John Purcell, Naval Ship Systems 
Command; Dr. R. C. Bornmann, CAPT, USN, Bureau of Medicine and 
Surgery; Mr. Martin Fagot, U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office; Mr. 
Matthew J. Letich, American Bureau of Shipping; LCDR Ian Cruick- 
shank and LT Richard Peyzer, U.S.C.G., and Mr. F. D. ‘“‘Don”’ Barnett, 
Perry Submarine Builders. 

I am particularly indebted to John Purcell and Don Barnett. In the 
face of numerous and frequent requests for data, photographs, advice. 
and explanations, time and again did Mr. Purcell produce precisely 
what I needed or led me to individuals who could and did. Drawing on 
Mr. Barnett’s wide range of experience with TRIESTE I, the STAR 
vehicles, ALUMINAUT and the Perry vehicles, I received an education 
in the operating and design philosophies of both private and govern- 
ment submersible activities. 

A host of individuals provided information and photographs of their 
submersible design and construction; specifically the following were 
most helpful and patient in dealing with my many requests: Douglas N. 
Privitt, General Oceanographics; Terry Thompson, T. Thompson Ltd.; 
Donald Morcombe, Horton Maritime Exploration, Ltd.; Donald B. 
Bline, Westinghouse Ocean Research Laboratory; Donald Saner, Lock- 
heed Missiles and Space Corp.; Robert McGratten, Electric Boat Div., 
Gen. Dyn. Corp.; A. Pete Ianuzzi, Naval Facilities Engineering Com- 
mand; William C. W. Haines, All Ocean Industries Corp.; CAPT Edward 
E. Hennifen, Officer of the Chief of Naval Operations; CDR Robert F. 
Nevin, USN and Joseph R. Vadus, Manned Undersea Technology 
Program, NOAA; Dr. Andres Rechnitzer, Office of the Oceanographer 
of the Navy; Roger Cook, Operations Officer, JOHNSON SEA LINK; 
Paul Dostal, Alvin, Texas; John La Cerda and Mike Witt, Perry 
Submarine Builders; Donald Johnson, Naval Ship Systems Command; 
Thomas Horton, Living Sea Corp.; Robert Watts, Naval Undersea 
Research and Development Center; Burtis L. Dickman, Auburn, Ind.; 
C. Richards Vincent, Houston, Texas and D. W. Murphy, Hawaii Lab., 
Naval Undersea Center. 

The majority of illustrations were reproduced from various transac- 
tions of the Marine Technology Society’s annual meetings; in this 
regard I would like to express my appreciation to the Society and Mr. 
Robert Niblock, its former Executive Director, for granting permission 
to reproduce its material. 

Information on non-U.S. submersibles was mainly obtained by writ- 
ing one or several individuals from various countries who found the 
time and patience to answer another of the many “please tell me all 
you can about” letters that owners and operators of submersibles 
receive. My gratitude and appreciation is extended to the Kenneth R. 
Haigh, Admiralty Experimental Diving Unit and G. S. Henson, Vickers 
Ltd. Shipbuilding Group of the United Kingdom; LCDR Rod Smith and 
LT Paul LeGallis of the Canadian Armed Forces; Dr. Alexander Witte 
and J. Haas, Bruker-Physik AG Karlsruhe, Federal Republic of West 
Germany; Dr. Jacques Piccard, Lausanne, Switzerland; LCDR Masa- 
taka, Nozaki, Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force and Dr. Tamio 
Ashino, Japan Ship’s Machinery Development Association. 


vi 


Finally, we enter the trenches, which, in this case is manned by 
typists, illustrators, and photographers. My appreciation is extended to 
Mr. Dick Moody of the Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy, who 
waded through the morass of governmental contracting to somehow 
see all the illustrations through to timely and accurate completion. Mr. 
Carl Mueller, also of the Oceanographer’s Office, performed all photo- 
graphic reproductions and processing and still exchanges hellos after 
my countless changes of mind, format and requests for processing. Mrs. 
Becky Murray, another OCEANAV employee, had the questionable 
honor of typing the final drafts of this manuscript and did much to 
impose a degree of consistency and order to a most incorrigible subject. 

The photographs which appear with NAVOCEANO (Naval Oceano- 
graphic Office) credits were taken by members of its Deep Vehicles 
Branch which functioned from 1966 through 1970. During this period, 
in which I was the nominal head of the Branch, its members contrib- 
uted not only photographs, but a wide variety of practical expertise 
and critical observations from which I drew heavily to display my 
“expertise.” Specifically, I am grateful to Roger Merrifield, Joe Pollio, 
Mike Costin, Larry Hawkins, Pete Bockman, Tim Janaitis, LeRoy 
Freeman and Dick Young for their years of patience and enthusiasm 
while I fumbled through the alleged role of “Leader.” 

My final thanks and gratitude are to Miss. Jean Michaud, my 
anchorman. Typing the first hand-written chapter as a favor, her 
involvement grew to providing all subsequent typing and the necessary 
nagging to keep the work going when the task seemed unending. Her 
help, encouragement and loyalty were direct contributors to its timely 
completion. 


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TABLE OF CONTENTS 


Dedication 
Foreword 
Acknowledgements 
fl,  WON/ARTRXOVD OCG AMTICO UN a te as ee ee ees Seen eke if 
Mannedisubmersibler Defined ig eta ee a oe ee ee eee 5 
PASE eC] clit Eyl Cee ee ee ee ee eee 28 ee es oe eee eee 5 
Wel clens Galt US umes wane eaten ee ee ee ee a 8 ee 6 
herminologyaandeU mits am eee a Mere eet ae earl ee es ee 7 
Generaleanduspeciticuaublicationsiof Interests ae een ee ee eee 8 
Somes Bloe Silloth: (a aa es ee ee ee ee eee ee 10 
mheMannedeAspectofssubmersibles) 22022222 se Se 10 
2, DESIGN AND OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS ______-_-_-___-~_______--__-_-_ + 13 
EnvironmentalaConstralnts cuss See re eee Se ee ee Pe 14 
Wehicleshertornmancesequinements) (22.25 5-20 as ee ee 16 
FUT aTRC ONSTCE GALTON S eee ees we a ee 18 
Hmerrencvabroced ures ap sass. kaka eee Sea ae Se ee ge i Se es ee 19 
Supportahequinements ses ees) S es Be re eee ee ee ee 19 
he DEER GUEST. Submersibley System os ee ee 20 
SEE CONDEMPORARYE SUBMERSIBLE DEVE LORME NIL 22 31 
Bathyspherestoss athy sca p lime ee ee ee a ee a ee 32 
VCoe aT OS to ECE!S ThE Perce a a Se ee ee ee 42 
Oceanographic ChimatetofitheyMid= Sixties esse ee ee 48 
WeniclespiomAnysOccasion (ses —6 oe ee nae 2 ae a ona eee ed 51 
AS MVoreiConsenvabivierApPLOach=—— ine wl 9/10) spss ee 64 
AP VEAININIE RS US VER ROS LB RS 919482194 eee ee 75 
Dimensional/Rertorm an Cele rns eee ae eee eee ee 76 
Component/Sub=-Systemplherm Sa 2 sas ee eee ae ee aed a a ee ee ee 76 
SubmenrsiblessDescribecdimeesse- ee sees = ie ee a ee eee 86-240 
5, TER OSISNO RID BUGGIES ANID) Sp. COSMU ROCA) a 241 
PSE CSS UCB EU S puememmeaere Sees mame Saree hae Be Raa ee ee Ser ee ee ee 241 
Saye S gee Senet ern eee ee ge oe ee oe SO eee oe ee ee ee 241 
Material sees setae: ree ieee s Sunes See Pi eT eee ee ee ee 247 
ES UPD TT CeAtL Wk i i i Te Sg a a ec 250 
vil BB enetra tions ase oe 2 ese ee ee ee 255 
EStennalts bRUCCURCS samen oan cnet oe Ses ee Oe a eee eee 263 
EXOSCEUCEURC Set Seen eee ny pe ee Be ee ee ee eee 263 
ELAN o's eee Meek cr ne Ce een LB Ae. eas AR ee ee ee 265 
ressureeNes tin Paes ae wee Pl SE ee ee ee ee ee 266 
BressuremhestehiciGliltie spe mene teen ae ets ee ae ee ee ee 270 
TessunereullaVleasume meres TiC ike sts yee ee ee 271 
BCOrrosioncanagltss Control y= 28 2. 8 se == ee a 275 
Cee AIGIGA STUNG ANDI TRRIMCSYSIREMS) | 2222-22222 ee ee 279 
iWeirhtrandavolumertstimatesmea soe. esl ot eee) ty aes ee ees See fs eae 279 
@ompressedpAinandsWeballasting wy) (25 = == set ee 282 
Ballastin gas yS tems tae wee an eg st UNS ee cee ee ae ee ee 285 
IRS SN.S LENT S eee ane mien hae eae ne SEE Cs SA Se ete sn, See ee 301 
(A LOWEREAN DALES DLS TRIBUTION! 22 A. ee ee 309 
Manual lowe nanometer seer ae, eee nt en i Ses ee ts ee ee ES 309 
Bare TIAA GLC HAO We Te eee eee re ee ee ee Fe ee 310 
ELE CEr CREO We Te ee ee ee ee en ed ee Bee, te eee 310 


ix 


Battenes: =<...) Si ere eae et  _  e s , 319 


RuelGells: ...-. 5 ee ee DS  . ee ee ee eee 331 
NucléarJPo we n/a pmeree aee e  E in Te a Ee eee 334 
Gable-To-Surrfacenm pete ee eee ee 334 
WTS SELES CC ve ep a a ea ae 336 
Power Distributiong se 8-6-2 we ee eee eee 338 
Penetr ators ype eee en ae peers cee ee ee 338 
OTA TE CEO TS ip et ek ee a SP 345 
(Gallo les ae ht rats 6 8 cg ee pl LORY: al ng a gtr bes ea = IN A 351 
Jumcetione Boxes) «222s = eee ee ee 355 
Imterferencer sete ee 2 A Se ee ie ee ee ee 361 
85 IMANEUMERABIEITY AND CONTROL. 222 2S Eee 369 
Propulsion!  92aee 2 2o ease oe Se i LO ee ee ee By Al 
Maneuvering 2222 2-2 2 see eee ss Se ee ee eee 381 
IMIGtOTS eects ere at Pee at ho en oA ee Ed ee eee ee 388 
DT AoA OVCES ne ten or et oe eg See oe whee le A | ES Dia 392 
Propulsion*’PowersRequirements» 2222-22222). 2 SOS eee 395 
Controls Devices: 22-4 ae ee Sey Pe Par TE eS 397 
oS hike SUPPORT-AND HABITABIDUIY: 2 EEE EEE eee 409 
Isife Supports se Soe or re ee en 409 
Replenishment. 2222222002 eee ee Ss eee 412 
Removal: os een ee OO a A 419 
Control) ae 5 res ee a ee ee eee 428 
IMOnItONIN Gg) sss. 26 oe a es oe No oe Se ook eee 430 
PhilosophicalbApproach wo222s.22s22cso Soe esos We ee eee 437 
Ss Ore es A oe ae ed se eee 438 
IBENORRANKLIN QF 222) Be eee Ae eee 438 

FS ital ity hepa re ale Se Bo Se 449 
Psy chologicallsAspects). 2.2 2 ae ee eee 463 
10. OPERATIONAL EQUIPMENT, NAVIGATION, MANIPULATORS ______-___--_______-______ 467 
BQUIp Ment” <..e2e2 oes ene oe Hh ee ee ee ee eee 467 
Bnvironmental: 222222 22ssu S222 ss See ee ee eee 468 
Depths a. 8 a2. oe a et ee a I el 481 
SPeGd 2s Soe 2 Foote oF Te ee oh ae a 487 
Pitch(Roll) 2222s .22see 2c 22 oes 2 ee a oe eee 488 
Communications: -—-- - =. eS ee ee eee 488 
INSVIPatON (25.5 a ee ee ae ee ee a ee eee 494 
Surtace(Drackitigw 22262. oe eed ee ee 496 
Submerged Navigation. 22.2.222220 22 eee 503 
Homing? << ae Se oe ae 512 
Manipulators: «:25-22s-5 Sos20 oi oe ee eee 519 
POWER 2s as ae Oe ee es a ye ee ee 523 
Desion/capabilities: 2-2-2 2te 2 ee eee eee 525 

Cla WS oes a2. bes sot eek er ee eee eee 531 
GontTolis 22226. ~oe eee on oh ee eo oe a eee 531 

He sSCIENTMDIGCAND WORK @ UIE MibIND. 2222 ee ee ee eee 537 
Constraimtsions Submersible lias tr Ure rit see ee ee a 538 
Survey Instruments 22 = 2s ae pe ed gee 544 
Researchwlnstruments)-=22.-- ne eee ee 556 
Eneimeenne/Inspection/Salwvage: sels 2= sss = ee 557 
12> “SHA-AND SHORE: SWPPORMT 22223 2 2k ee ee ee 577 
Transportation =< =2. 2. S-. 2222 e soe hes ee eee eee 577 


Sup POs AULOLIN Ss eens ae ee tee On oer eS Se 2S ee 581 


WaunchiketuevaleVlethod sams eee siete ee pe oe es ee eee 592 

Way WSS, eh aaa i a a ee 596 

(Corree yy Guess eee ene ee SO ee ee se ee ee 606 

Tete EL OO KS pee nen eee Sera ee Serene ee a ee eo ee ee 615 

OO Will] eee ene ene eens Wieenae eee) et he Fe ee eee et ee 616 

Parsomnal aracl Snore evens. 2-252 617 

13. CERTIFICATION, CLASSIFICATION, REQUIREMENTS ____--------_---__--____________ 623 

Rotentialetaziands weer se Siew oe oe eet se ee ely 3 ye SL 626 

Sy stemmblaz ands 55 sa s2 2 ee ee ee eee 2 eS eee 626 

Matenaleand sub-system peal ures) aes ee eee 626 

Imstrumentwbeall Wess. = eee on et ee eee ee oe 627 

Oyaereatiore JO ET Tees see ee eee ee 2. RM es eee Se ee oe ee ee 627 

WMaunchiketrievaleMarlure spt se os! 55 0D ie ee eee ee eS Se ee 628 

Environmentalublazards: 22m 26 26 oe ee ee eee 630 

ING uit eees bese Dat oral oan SS Ue es Se St ee ee ee Ree 630 

Memn=Wiad caps ste sek 2 RN be ee Se ee ee eee 632 

WESaNavvaCertificationy. S22 eke Boe | ee ee 636 

MatenialeAdequacy. 0 eee. $e LS ee eee 637 

Operator Competency, amen 22 020 ee eee eee 642 

Operational Satety: <= seemeeees ee 5) eee eee 644 

Americans Dune aulotes hip pingen Glas sili Cay tl Orn See eee ee ee ae er nn ee 644 

WeSeCoast: Guard Requirements: 22-2 ===" i ee eee 646 

Seanchrandulvescueuhesp on silo iit yams mee ee 647 

IVIGAVER SAU eee Seneca. 0 gr me a ee ee ee ee ee 647 

MAS UTE] CO we eee ee ee inne nL eee Ds re ee eee 648 

14 TEM ODE TRIN IDDNWAKOIOS) ANID TOYO AID DIS) ee 651 

HimercencyeAvoldance SystemSa qess ee =. 8 ee ee _ 651 

Emergency Corrective Systems (Submerged) ___--___-_______________________________-- 659 

EAMES E SM CHa SVS UE NISMS UIs fren Ce Cl) seme tna at on yn a ee ee 670 

Dewees to ANSBIe Winclennanirare INGO 2 ee 675 

15. EMERGENCY INCIDENTS AND THE POTENTIAL FOR RESCUE —_____________________- 685 

InCid @niGS hae eae SE ee ee ee ee ee Oe Pe ee een 686 

IREROUE leuemincl_ incline AINSI ee ee 695 

DEEP SUBMERGENCE RESCUE VEHICLES _________-------------------_- 695 & 698 

Swolonmewabas Iesene CMigyinloere 2 695 & 699 

RESCUE INorermtpeL | Rermavenyell se 700 

ArmibientyDivienSwaee see ne 28 ne Sl De ee ee Pe ee are ee ey ee 700 

MiammnedeStilbmensilole sae oo ce aren ee ele eh eee 703 

Wirnimeanmeciave icles ye — ee ae Ea ee ee ee ees Se eee 703 

TD ma Ve DSS ane ty ae A a we Es ee a ee 706 

PESCEStiieincident: 2200 l= 6 = es Be a ee 707 
APPENDICES: 

IE @onwersi ons actors pee 5s ne Ee ee ee ee ee 713 

IAG S LOTTE TEST MVE tai Cl ems cate bynes a 724 

Mite SAO E Rea bre-vand.eost-Dive Checklist, 22-2 s asa eee 730 

GROSSARYORFACR ON MMS VAN DETER MS set ee ee 733 

(CORB OR ADE RIN D) Xeon eran es eee EN er ee ES ASE are Dae Sk ele ee es ee 738 

SHOTS UES Cie ING) BE XGgee tare betnener ves Beek Shee e Er ee es i A ok Vee ENS ee ee 741 

ANIDID SINTON Dae a ee Eee re ee Oe ae ee ends Poe, 4 OLN Reg RS EEE 763 


xi 


INTRODUCTION 


Some four centuries before the birth of 
Christ, Aristotle wrote of small “diving bells” 
used by sponge divers who regularly worked 
at depths of 75 to 100 feet. The bells were 
inverted bowls weighted down by stones. The 
divers would stick their heads in them to 
replenish their air without surfacing. The air 
in the bells, in turn, was resupplied by 
weighted skins filled with air and lowered 
from the surface. 

In 1620 A. D. a Dutchman, Cornelius van 
Drebel, is said to have constructed a sub- 
mersible under contract to King James I of 
England. It was operated by 12 rowers, with 
leather sleeves waterproofing the oar-ports. 
Cans containing some ‘secret substance”’ 
(soda lime?) were opened periodically to pu- 


rify the air. It is said that the craft navi- 
gated the Thames River at depths of 12 to 15 
feet for several hours. 

In 1707 Dr. Edmund Halley (of Halley’s 
Comet fame) built a diving bell with a limited 
“lock-out”? capability. It had glass ports 
above to light the inside of the bell, provi- 
sions for replenishing its air and crude, um- 
bilically-supplied diving helmets which per- 
mitted divers to walk around outside—so 
long as they didn’t lower their heads below 
the water level in the bell! 

In the late 1770’s Connecticut Yankee Dr. 
David Bushnell built and operated a small 
wooden submarine designed to attach mines 
to and blow up British warships. After sev- 
eral abortive attempts, TURTLE, as the ve- 


hicle was named, did account for one enemy 
schooner. 


In the early 1800’s Robert Fulton (inventor 
of the steamship) built two iron-framed, cop- 
per-skinned submarines, NAUTILUS and 
MUTE.The former carried out successful mil- 
itary tests against moored targets for both 
France’s Napoleon Bonaparte and the 
British. Neither craft was ever used opera- 
tionally, however. 


The first “modern” submersible—it could 
be argued—was Simon Lake’s ARGONAUT 
FIRST, a small clumsy-looking vehicle 
launched shortly before 1890. Made of 
wooden planks and waterproofed with pitch, 
it was powered by a gasoline engine snor- 
keled to the surface through a buoy-sup- 
ported flexible hose, and it boasted blowable 
ballast tanks—the first submarine to do so. 
In addition, it sported powered wheels and a 
bottom hatch that could be opened—after 
the interior was pressurized to ambient—to 
permit the hand recovery of bottom samples, 
including oysters. 


These are just a few examples of the long 
history and the nature of man’s early tech- 
nological efforts to function effectively 
within the ocean environment. While Simon 
Lake in the first part of the 20th Century did 
develop a submersible salvage system, in- 
cluding submersible barges, and managed to 
recover a cargo of anthracite coal from the 
bottom of Long Island Sound, the manned 
submersible was not to emerge as a diverse 
and functional means of accomplishing use- 
ful underwater work for over half a century, 
which brings us to where this work com- 
mences. 


In 1965 a delegation from the U.S. Naval 
Oceanographic Office journeyed to Lantana, 
Florida to evaluate John Perry’s CUBMA- 
RINE as an undersea surveyor. 


The “evaluation,” to say the least, was 
cursory and strongly resembled a used car 
purchase. The team (headed by the author) 
gazed astutely at the tiny, yellow craft from 
various angles, rapped its steel hull for 
toughness, caressed its sides for smoothness 
and sat inside to see if they fit. A few hours 
later the team leader had the opportunity to 
dive in the (now pronounced) “sound” vehicle 
for an operational evaluation. The result was 


predictable: One could see out of it, the seats 
were hard and there wasn’t much room. But, 
what else could the amateur do? Had it been 
possible, we probably would have taken a 
bite out of it. 

Since the mid-sixties hundreds of scientific 
and technical articles have appeared describ- 
ing the design and materials of what are now 
called manned submersibles. Several books 
have been published that relate the activi- 
ties of specific vehicles. As a result, the in- 
dustrious student can—with patience and a 
comprehensive library—become quite famil- 
iar with the history, jargon, design and oper- 
ations of submersibles and need not feel like 
a technological ignoramus on his first en- 
counter. 

Unfortunately, as the new student soon 
learns, there is no single point of reference 
from which to begin an education. The infor- 
mation is available, but it is so scattered that 
merely accumulating an adequate bibliog- 
raphy is a chore, and in the course of assem- 
bling this data, the field itself is moving at so 
rapid a pace that most vehicle descriptions 
are in error within a short time of their 
publication. 


Adding to the consternation is the jargon; 
many of the terms used to describe manned 
submersibles, such as “trim,” “blow,” “vent,” 
came directly from military submarines, but 
“viewports,”’ ‘“‘mechanical arms,” “claws” 
and other terms are unique to the submers- 
ibles. Indeed “manned submersible” is not 
used with consistency. “‘Undersea Vehicles,” 
“Deep Research Vehicles,” “Deep Submer- 
gence Vehicles,” ‘Mini-Subs,” “Submersible 
Vessels,” even ‘‘Submarinos” are synony- 
mous. So the quest for an introduction, even 
a nodding aquaintance, may be detoured by 
jargon alone. 

On the other hand there are the partici- 
pants of the field; though not blocked by 
jargon, they have no ready access to the 
technological advancements or even the cur- 
rent progress in their own field. There is a 
wide variety of technical and semi-technical 
journals wherein bits and pieces of experi- 
ence in, and advice on, submersible opera- 
tions and the results of tests or evaluation of 
components can be found, but the time it 
takes to review the literature (even if it 
could all be found in one place) is prohibitive. 


Then, there is the student of maritime 
history who will find excellent documenta- 
tion of the early bathyscaphs and two or 
three accounts of the later vehicles but little 
at all on the techniques and design in the 
field at large. Reference is made later in this 
chapter to documentation within the field of 
deep submergence. It is sufficient to note 
that in terms of documentation the full-scale, 
peaceful invasion of the ocean in the last 
score of years was and remains almost invisi- 
ble. 


This is not to infer that the manned sub- 
mersible is merely a historical curiosity. Doc- 
umenting the ways of deep submergence 
benefits not only the historian but potential 
users and designers as well. If one is to use a 
present capability or improve it and at the 
same time avoid reinventing the wheel, it is 
obvious that one must know the stage to 
which it has advanced. In manned submers- 
ibles the “state-of-the-art” is most difficult to 
measure. For every question there are al- 
most as many answers as there are submers- 
ibles. One might ask, ‘‘of what are they 
built?” The answer is steel, aluminum, plas- 
tic, glass and wood. ‘“‘How deep can they 
dive?” From 150 to 36,000 feet. “How long 
can they stay under?” From 6 hours to 6 
weeks. In short, to find the state-of-the-art, 
one must look at the overall field. Where one 
vehicle is lacking, another is not and where 
one cannot perform a particular task as well 
as another, it might very well outperform its 
rival in a different job. Canvassing the entire 
field to define each vehicle’s capabilities en- 
tails a world-wide search, which few have the 
time or funds to pursue. 

It is to help solve these problems that this 
book is written. Jt is an examination, analy- 
sis and synthesis of the last 26 years during 
which over 100 deep- and shallow-diving sub- 
mersibles have been constructed and oper- 
ated in many parts of the world. Within the 
past year (1973-1974) utilization and con- 
struction have literally skyrocketed follow- 
ing a 3-year period during which submers- 
ibles were, in fact, becoming historical curi- 
osities. 

At this point in time it would seem appro- 
priate, therefore, to see where we’ve been, 
how well we’ve done and where we are. 

The future of manned submersibles is not 


discussed beyond a description of vehicles 
now under construction or about to be built. 
Not that the future looks dim; on the con- 
trary, it looks fantastic. But it looked fantas- 
tic once before and then fell on its face. 
Predicting or even speculating on the course 
of future events in this area is a difficult 
proposition. For example, while gathering 
data for this book, a visit was made to Perry 
Submarine Builders in March 1973. At that 
time the Perry company had just released a 
good number of its employees and was re- 
trenching owing to lack of business. The 
future, for Perry at least, looked rather 
bleak. On a subsequent visit in April 1974, 
the Perry workshops were a beehive of activ- 
ity, and negotiations were underway to relo- 
cate and construct facilities that could han- 
dle the incredible volume of new business. 


So, predictions on the future will be left to 
the more courageous. Also omitted is any 
effort to predict the application of new mate- 
rials, components, instruments or power sup- 
plies. What has been and is being done in 
manned submersibles constitutes the pri- 
mary subject matter of this work. 


As one could anticipate, there are some 
shades of gray, and they color vehicles whose 
construction was started (e.g., ARGYRO- 
NETE, DEEPSTAR 20000) but halted before 
completion. Such vehicles are included be- 
cause they are a part of history and repre- 
sent the thoughts of various deep submer- 
gence participants at that time. So, in the 
engineer’s jargon, credentials to this book 
are simply that steel has been cut. 

There are other benefits to be gained in 
looking backwards, if we look to the periph- 
ery as well; the periphery being the activi- 
ties or operational methods of others and 
their approach to submersible diving. In this 
respect the subject of safety and emergency 
devices comes to mind. Chapter 14 relates at 
some length the devices and equipment car- 
ried on individual submersibles to avoid and 
to respond to emergencies. This listing is not 
presented with the inferred message that 
the submersible operator “must” have all of 
these provisions if he is to operate safely. It 
is given instead, as something to be consid- 
ered. A requirement for distress rockets, ra- 
dio homing beacons and the like may be 
overreacting for the submersible working in 


Ss | &) RG). 


1. Operator/observer 2. Pressure hull 3. Life support/controls 


NS - @ 


4. Exostructure 


7. Fairings/sail 


Fig. 1.1 Submersible components 


4 


a dam or Lake Geneva, but if the same 
vehicle moves its operations to the open sea 
they then warrant consideration. _ hd 

Likewise, there are the different ap- 
proaches to ballasting, maneuvering, life 
support and launch/retrieval. By reviewing 
the many different means to the same ends, 
the operator may find an idea or a different 
arrangement to increase the capabilities 
and/or performance of his vehicle. 

There are, unfortunately, many stumbling 
blocks in trying to categorize and force order 
on such a free-wheeling, dynamic and wide- 
spread activity. In some cases the subject 
refuses to be pigeon-holed, terms must be 
introduced which are arbitrary, modifica- 
tions to the vehicle make near-current de- 
scriptions inaccurate, and many loose ends 
are left. To deal with these problems, this 
chapter is devoted to alerting the reader to 
the nature of such pitfalls, omissions and 
inconsistencies. Other subjects will be dis- 
cussed which, by their rebellious nature, are 
only satisfied with a separate discussion or 
by constant reiteration. 


Manned Submersible Defined 

To limit the scope of this book the following 
defines a manned submersible: A manned, 
non-combatant craft capable of independent 
operation on and under the water’s surface 
which has its own propulsion power and a 
means of direct viewing for the occupants 
who are embarked within a dry atmosphere. 

This definition precludes underwater habi- 
tats which have no independent means of 
propulsion, swimmer delivery vehicles which 
are not “dry” and diver support or delivery 
chambers which are tethered to the surface. 
By definition the tethered vehicles KURO- 
SHIO II, GUPPY and OPSUB should not be 
included, but here is another gray area. KU- 
ROSHIO II and its predecessor KUROSHIO 
I have been a part of submersible history 
since 1960; to omit them would serve no 
particular purpose and would deny their sig- 
nificant role in undersea exploration. Having 
made this exception, GUPPY and OPSUB 
must be included by default. 

Throughout these pages reference is made 
to the “Submersible System;” this system 
includes not only the submersible, but a ship 
or surface craft to support it and an appara- 


tus for putting it in and taking it out of the 
water. Attention is drawn to Figure 1.1 
wherein the submersible system is graphi- 
cally portrayed beginning with its most basic 
component: The human. The importance of 
this “system” concept is dealt with in Chap- 
ters 2 and 12. 


A Field in Flux 

In a certain sense this section should be 
entitled “An Apology” because its message is 
to warn the reader that the vehicle descrip- 
tions in Chapter 4 are, to varying degrees, 
inaccurate. There are two primary reasons 
for these inaccuracies: 1) Many of the vehi- 
cles are no longer in existence and both the 
participants and the records often are un- 
available for authenticating what data is 
available, and 2) the dynamics of the sub- 
mersible industry. The first reason needs 
little else in the way of explanation, but the 
second requires some elaboration. 

Submersibles, like any other capital equip- 
ment, can change owners, and a new owner 
may change not only its design, but its name 
as well. For example, the 1970 Perry-built PC- 
9 (a Perry designation number) was originally 
christened SURVEY SUB I by its owners 
Brown and Root. In 1973, Taylor Diving Serv- 
ices acquired the vehicle and renamed it TS-1. 
Another Perry vehicle PS-2 was built in 1972 
by Perry Submarine Builders for Access of 
Toronto and was later christened TUDLIK. In 
about 1973 the vehicle was transferred back to 
Perry in Florida and reverted back to PS-2. In 
1974 it was purchased by Sub Sea Oil Services 
of Milan; its name has not yet changed, but 
this may soon happen. Arctic Marine’s SEA 
OTTER was originally PAULO I and belonged 
to Anautics Inc. of San Diego. In 1971 it was 
purchased by Candive of Vancouver, B.C. and 
subsequently leased on a long-term basis to 
Arctic Marine which renamed it SEA OTTER, 
while upgrading its operating depth from 600 
to 1,500 feet. In some instances the same 
owner may retain the vehicle, but it dives 
under a variety of aliases. For example Cous- 
teau’s DIVING SAUCER is, to the French 
reader, LA SOUCOUPE PLONGEANTE (this 
name was also used at times in the U.S.), and 
in the course of its history it was occasionally 
called DENICE (after Cousteau’s wife), DS-2 
and SP-300. In 1970 the same vehicle was 


upgraded in depth from 300 to 350 meters and 
became SP-350. 

Such name changes have occurred with a 
number of vehicles, and produce a quandary 
concerning which one to use and what it is 
now. Strictly for convenience, the names used 
herein are the ones with which the author is 
most familiar. The other aliases are given 
under “Remarks” in the individual listings in 
Chapter 4. 


A change of owners generally produces a 
change in the vehicle. Mention was made of 
increasing the operating depth of SP-350 and 
SEA OTTER. This is only one source of error 
in any set of “current” descriptions. The origi- 
nal.SURVEY SUB 1 or TS-1 had port and 
starboard vertical thrusters mounted amid- 
ships, the “new” TS-1 has shock absorbers 
where the vertical thrusters once were (they 
are now fore and aft). It also has increased life 
support duration, a different lift padeye, and 
an expanded suite of operating and surveying 
equipment. This is only one of many examples 
where the vehicle has changed by virtue of a 
new owner, new tasks or different operating 
philosophies. In regards to changing operat- 
ing philosophies, the first five or six Perry 
vehicles used Baralyme as a carbon dioxide 
scrubbing chemical. Now Perry uses lithium 
hydroxide and has replaced the Baralyme in 
some other earlier vehicles with lithium hy- 
droxide. In some cases almost the only thing 
remaining from the original vehicle is the 
pressure hull. AUGUSTE PICCARD, for exam- 
ple, is described herein as it was when first 
constructed. It is presently undergoing exten- 
sive modification for open-ocean surveying 
and except for the pressure hull and propul- 
sion, will bear little resemblance to the origi- 
nal. 

In other instances inaccuracies are intro- 
duced by virtue of changes occurring from the 
vehicle-as-constructed to the vehicle-as-oper- 
ated; those changes can be substantial. The 
operating and design details of DEEP QUEST 
in Chapter 2 were originally obtained from a 
1968 description of the vehicle. Mr. R. K. R. 
Worthington, DEEP QUEST’s Operations 
Manager, kindly reviewed this chapter and 
made numerous and critical changes to reflect 
DEEP QUEST as it now operates. Where a 
particular submersible has always operated 
for the same organization and under the same 


individual, such changes have been relatively 
easy to identify. But, when it has changed 
hands or the principals involved in its opera- 
tions and readiness have been replaced (as is 
the case with the military submersibles), it is 
a research project in itself to ascertain the 
many modifications which have taken place 
on merely one vehicle. 

In short, the descriptions and operating de- 
tails of the submersibles herein reflect them 
at some time in their life—though every effort 
has been made to be as up-to-date as possible. 
Dimensional characteristics, such as length, 
height and width, weights, operating equip- 
ment, safety devices, propulsion arrange- 
ments and other features are all subject to 
change which, except for those vehicles no 
longer operating, is probably continuous. For 
a first approximation the descriptions are 
valid, but if precise details are desired, one 
should contact either the current operator or 
operating manager. In the course of the U.S. 
Naval Oceanographic Office’s submersible 
leasing program, it was quickly revealed 
(sometimes with chagrin) that the marketing 
arms of large corporations were quite often 
ignorant of changes to the vehicle which the 
operators performed. 


Vehicle Status 

It would seem to be a relatively simple task 
to state what a vehicle’s status is—i.e., it is 
either operational or not operational. But, in 
reality, a vehicle’s status may be quite diffi- 
cult to define accurately. ALUMINAUT is a 
typical example. It is now in storage in Flor- 
ida and has not dived since 1969. This does not 
mean, however, that it cannot or will not dive 
again. If a sufficiently profitable contract 
were to appear for ALUMINAUT, its owners 
probably would take it out of storage and put 
it to work. PC-3B or TECHDIVER is another 
example; it hasn’t dived for a number of years, 
but again, under the right financial climate, it 
undoubtedly could be induced to operate. 
Some of the shallow vehicles, such as the 
NAUTILETTE series, only dive in the summer 
months when the weather on the Great Lakes 
is amiable; in the winter they are in storage. 
A few vehicles are on display in museums or 
parks, others have been cannibalized to a 
point where they are now in bits and pieces 
and scattered in backyards. So, in some cases 


it is quite easy to place them in either the 
operating or non-operating category. Those 
vehicles not clearly in either category are 
classed as inactive. Specifically, the following 
definitions are used in this work: 
Submersibles which have been 
reported diving in 1974, includ- 
ing vehicles which are undergo- 
ing test and evaluation and 
those which are undergoing 
modifications preparatory to 
diving. 
Submersibles which, within a 2- 
or 3-month period or less, can 
be made operational. ALUMI- 
NAUT, GUPPY, OPSUB, 
TECHDIVER are examples of 
this category. 
Non-Opera- Submersibles that are incapa- 
tional: ble of operating without major 
refitting. 


Operational: 


Inactive: 


Terminology and Units 

A number of the terms herein will probably 
send the traditional submariner into a deep 
depression. With over a half century of tradi- 
tion behind him, the military submariner has 
a ready-made field of jargon which quite ap- 
propriately applies to the military submarine. 
But, there is no traditional submersible and 
the jargon which has grown around this field 
comes from the aeronautical engineer, the 
scuba diver, the machinist, the scientist, the 
hobbyist and from the traditionalist himself. 
This variety is not surprising: With virtually 
all submersibles having been built and now 
being operated by the non-traditionalist, there 
is no uniformity in the terms used. This has 
not been a handicap to anyone in the field and 
is not likely to become one in the future. 
Indeed, as far as tradition is concerned, the 
operation of a manned submersible literally 
violates every tradition of the submarine serv- 
ice. Where bottoming or grounding a fleet 
submarine is to be avoided in all but dire 
emergencies, it is expected of submersibles. 
Where every attempt is made to keep a sub- 
marine’s lines hydrodynamically clean, there 
is absolutely no desire or need to do so in 
submersibles where speed is of little impor- 
tance. A “long dive” in submersibles is 12 or so 
hours, to the nuclear submariner this would 
hardly classify as a dive. Then again, launch- 


ing and retrieving a fleet submarine between 
dives is not only unthinkable, it is virtually 
impossible. So while the traditionalist might 
blanch, most of the jargon he will find dis- 
tasteful is that which is in more or less com- 
mon usage. A few examples might be in order. 
In some cases the term “brow” appears, this 
is not a typographical error, some vehicles 
(DEEPSTAR 4000) have a brow which over- 
hangs the forward viewport; it is synonymous 
with bow but with a specific kind of bow. 


“Trim” is the means used by a submersible 
to either transfer weight or rearrange dis- 
placement forward or aft to incline the sub- 
mersible’s bow up or down. Trim in a subma- 
rine refers to arranging ballast such that the 
submarine is buoyantly stable at a particular 
depth. Occasionally the term “pitch” is synon- 
ymous with trim in submersibles. 

“Exostructure” herein refers to the struc- 
tural framework external to the hull which 
supports the batteries, propulsion units and 
other components. Surrounding the exo- 
structure may be a “fairing”? which smooths 
out the envelope of the exostructure. Some 
manufacturers refer to the exostructure as 
the “framework” and fairings as the “skin.” 

The term “operator” refers to the individual 
who controls the movements of the submers- 
ible and it is synonymous with “pilot.” Ini- 
tially the term pilot was used and was quite 
descriptive, but in the late sixties the U.S. 
Navy introduced the term operator when it 
invoked certification for the operator(s), i.e., 
pilots, of submersibles. As long as the term 
operator has remained within the military it 
served the purpose, but in the private sector a 
submersible can be and quite frequently is 
owned by one company, operated by another 
and piloted by an employee of the operating 
company. The dilemma, therefore, is apparent 
when one speaks of the operator of the sub- 
mersible, is it the firm or the individual? When 
this confusion looms, the term pilot is used to 
distinguish the individual from the firm. 

Many other terms are used which are gen- 
erally explained within the text, but the best 
appreciation for the diversity from vehicle-to- 
vehicle can be gained by noting the different 
names given to components on the schematics 
in Chapter 4. The names given to various 
submersible components are those used by the 
owners or operators. While it might be taxo- 


nomically satisfying to relabel these compo- 
nents with the same terms, one might find it 
difficult to communicate with the owner 
whose vehicle has been redesignated. 

Finally, we arrive at units of measure or, 
more precisely, the metric system versus the 
English system. Quite evident is the fact that 
nothing has been done herein to advance the 
metric system. Recognizing the practicality of 
it over the English system, the conversion of 
the many values from the latter into the 
former represents a job of considerable magni- 
tude and leads to strange dimensions. A 6- 
foot-diameter pressure hull would become one 
of 1.83 meters and still not be an exact meas- 
urement. So to simplify matters, where the 
original data are in meters, it is so reported, 
and where feet and inches are used, they are 
given. And, as a final apology, a table to 
convert the various units is included in Ap- 
pendix I. 


General and Specific Publications of 
Interest 

Throughout the text reference is made to a 
variety of books, articles and reports dealing 
with specific design aspects or operations of 
submersibles. For the reader who might be 
interested in only one vehicle or particular 
components of submersibles, the following 
books or reports, though referenced later, are 
noted: 


General Listings and Descriptions of Manned 
Submersibles 

Terry, R. D. 1966 The Deep Submersible. 
Western Periodicals Co., North Hollywood, 
Calif., 456 pp. 

Shenton, E. H. 1972 Diving for Science. W. W. 
Norton & Co., New York (describes the major 
components of submersibles in non-technical 
terms) 

Penzias, W. and Goodman, M. W. 1973 Man 
Beneath the Sea. Wiley & Sons, New York (a 
recent listing which contains much technical 
information, but leans toward the technical 
aspects of ambient diving) 


Specific Submersible Diving History and Design 


Beebe, W. 1934 Half Mile Down. Harcourt, 
Brace & Co., New York (construction and div- 
ing history of the bathysphere) 


Piccard, A. 1954 In Balloon and Bathy- 


scaphe. Cassell & Co. Ltd., London (FNRS-2 
and TRIESTE 1) 

Houot, G. S. and Wilhm, P. H. 1955 2,000 
Fathoms Down. E. P. Dutton & Co., New York 
(FNRS-3) 

Cousteau, J. Y. 1956 The Living Sea. Harper & 
Row, New York (early history of SP-350) 
Piccard, J. and Dietz, R. S. 1960 Seven Miles 
Down. G. P. Putnam’s Sons, New York (TRI- 
ESTE I and the events leading to its record 
dive) 

Shenton, E. H. 1968 Exploring the Ocean 
Depths, W. W. Norton & Co., New York (Scien- 
tific diving of SP-350) 

Piccard, J. 1971 The Sun Beneath the Sea. 
Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York (AU- 
GUSTE PICCARD, BEN FRANKLIN, and the 
Gulf Stream Drift Mission) 


Link, M. C. 1973 Windows in the Sea. Smith- 
sonian Institution Press (DEEP DIVER, 
JOHNSON-SEA-LINK, and other undersea ac- 
tivities of Mr. Edwin Link) 


The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 
beginning in 1960 issued yearly reports on the 
design, construction, operations and modifica- 
tions to ALVIN. The first 2 years deal with 
ALUMINAUT, which at that time was a coop- 
erative venture between the Navy and Rey- 
nolds International, but from 1963 on through 
1970 they deal only with ALVIN. These reports 
are entitled Deep Submergence Research and 
each covers a calendar year during the above 
period. Unfortunately they are not widely dis- 
seminated, but are available at WHOI and 
may be found in university libraries where 
oceanographic courses are offered. Careful 
reading of these is literally a course in deep 
submergence components and the painful 
progress of making a manned submersible a 
useful scientific tool. One of the main deficien- 
cies with most reports describing modifica- 
tions to submersibles is that the author tells 
what has been changed but not why it was 
changed or what was the problem. The WHOI 
reports, on the other hand, provide all such 
details, and they explain each change in de- 
tail: Why each change was made, what the 
component or system was lacking and how the 
new approach is intended to improve the vehi- 
cle, its support platform and its launch/re- 
trieval system. They constitute, in substance, 
a technological stroll through deep submer- 


gence problems and developments of the six- 
ties. 

Another series of reports, also not readily 
available, are the handbooks issued by the 
U.S. Navy’s Deep Ocean Technology (DOT) 
Program. Recognizing the severe problems in 
various electrical and mechanical components 
in manned deep submersibles, the Navy began 
this program in the late sixties, and the re- 
sults are profitable reading for both present 
and future submersible operators and design- 
ers. The various components investigated can 
be seen in the list below. Each handbook 
summarizes the problems with available com- 
ponents, solutions to some problems and rec- 
ommendations for surmounting others. The 
reports are limited in distribution to those 
who have a legitimate need for such data, and 
requests should be addressed to: 


Defense Documentation Center 
Cameron Station 
Alexandria, VA. 22314 


As of 1974 the following handbooks have been 
issued which pertain to manned submersibles. 


Handbook of Electric Cable Technology for 
Deep Ocean Applications. NSRDL (A), 6—54/ 
70, Nov. 1970. AD 877-774. 

Rotary Shaft-Seal Selection Handbook for 
Pressure Equalized, Deep Ocean Equipment. 
NSRDC(A), 7-758, Oct. 1971. AD 889-330(L). 
Handbook of Vehicle Electric Penetrators, 
Connectors and Harnesses for Deep Ocean 
Applications. NAVSEC, July 1971. AD 888 
281. 

Handbook of Fluids and Lubricants for 
Deep Ocean Applications. NSRDC(A) MAT- 
LAB 360, Rev. 1972. AD 893-990. 

Handbook of Fluid Filled, Depth/Pressure 
Compensating Systems for Deep Ocean Ap- 
plications. NSRDV(A) 27-8, April 1972. AD 
894-795. 

Handbook of Electrical and Electronic Cir- 
cuit-Interrupting and Protective Devices for 
Deep Ocean Applications. NSRDC(A), 6-67, 
Nov. 1971. AD 889-829. 

Handbook of Underwater Imaging System 
Design. NUC TP 303, July 1972. AD 904- 
472(L). 


Submersible Work and Instruments 


Excluding the DOT handbooks, all of the 
publications listed above contain accounts of 


various work performed by the particular 
submersibles. Additionally, the references in 
Chapter 11 relate specific work accomplish- 
ments by a variety of submersibles. Notewor- 
thy, is reference (1) of Chapter 11, which 
summarized all of the published scientific 
accounts of submersible work through 1970. 
A popularized version of submersibles and 
their accomplishments is contained in: 


Soule, G. 1968 Undersea Frontiers. 


Rand McNally & Company, New York 

The references in Chapter 11 also describe, 
to varying degrees, the instruments used to 
perform certain tasks. The best single refer- 
ence for work tools is Winget’s report (ref. 6, 
Chap. 11) which not only describes a wide 
array of work tools, but also provides the 
manufacturer’s name and address for each 
component used in each device described. 
This report can only be described as a gold- 
mine for the builder or designer of submers- 
ible work equipment. 

Since the seventies most of the literature 
describing submersible work is relatively 
sparse. Perhaps because the work is no 
longer mainly scientific and may be consid- 
ered proprietary information by the user. 
Virtually all recent accounts merely describe 
the job as pipeline inspection, cable burial, or 
the like, with details of the why, how and 
performance of the vehicle and tools omitted. 
Likewise, are accounts of submersible scien- 
tific endeavors sparse regarding perfor- 
mance of vehicles and instruments. Reports 
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration’s Manned Undersea Science 
and Technology Program relate what work 
was done, why and, when possible, its scien- 
tific implications, but nothing regarding the 
performance, problems or solutions is in- 
cluded. Such omissions, though clearly a pre- 
rogative of the user, are unfortunate, be- 
cause identifying and making known the 
problem areas of submersibles is the only 
means of providing direction or goals to the 
designer of future vehicles. 


Soviet Bloc Submersibles 


Conspicuous by its absence is any discus- 
sion of Soviet Bloc submersible design. The 
reason is quite simple: There is no easy way 


to authenticate what information is availa- 
ble. Mr. Lee Boylan of Informatics Inc., 
Rockville, Maryland summarized Soviet-bloc 
submersible development in a 1969 mono- 
graph for the Marine Technology Society 
Journal (v. 3, n. 2) and updated this report in 
1972 in the same Journal (v. 6, n. 5). Mr. 
Boylan’s original work was based on 206 
articles and reports from the Soviet Union 
and elsewhere. It is most comprehensive, but 
Boylan himself admits that his 45-year his- 
tory does not comprise the entire Soviet Bloc 
inventory. There are a few other articles 
which serve to reinforce Boylan’s tabulation, 
but the picture is still confusing. 


From those details that are available, 
Soviet submersible development and use 
have been primarily aimed at fisheries inves- 
tigations. In 1957 the Soviets converted a 
fleet-type submarine into the fisheries re- 
search vehicle SEVERYANKA. Seven re- 
search cruises were conducted by this vehi- 
cle during the next few years. Then it ap- 
pears to have been decommissioned in the 
early sixties. 

At present, Russia, according to Boylan, 
has or has had four submersibles which fol- 
lowed SEVERYANKA; these are: The 6,562-ft 
SEVER 2, the 810-ft GVIDON, the 984-ft 
TINRO 1, and the DOREA for which no 
operating depth is stated. International Hy- 
drodynamics of Canada is constructing a 
PISCES-class submersible (6,500-ft depth) 
and the lock-out vehicle ARIES (1,200-ft 
depth) for the Soviet Union for delivery 
sometime in 1974. 


Admittedly, this is making very short 
shrift of Soviet Bloe undersea efforts. Al- 
though they seem quite active in habitats 
and swimmer delivery (wet) vehicles, there is 
little information available on the actual 
submersible field. A report by V. S. Yastre- 
bov, Head of the Laboratory of Underwater 
Research Technique, Academy of Sciences, 
USSR, tends to confirm that there is really 
very little to report in Soviet submersible 
activities. Yastrebov’s report (presented at 
the Brighton Oceanology International Con- 
ference, 1972) compares the efficiency of di- 
vers and underwater devices. He speaks of 
an unmanned Soviet bottom crawler, CRAB, 
and of manipulator experiments at the Acad- 
emy of Sciences, but every example of sub- 


10 


mersible performance he cites is of a U.S. 
vehicle. Furthermore, of 14 references in 
Yastrebov’s report, 11 are from U.S. sources. 
In another paper given at the Brighton Con- 
ference, V. G. Azhazha of the Central Re- 
search Institute of Fisheries Information 
and Economics analyzed the efficiency of 
submersibles in fishery investigations. Here 
again, except for a brief mention of SEVER- 
YANKA, all of the submersibles mentioned 
are U.S., English or Canadian. One is left to 
conclude, therefore, that Soviet-bloe at-sea 
submersible experience is quite limited, of a 
confidential nature, or both. 


The ‘‘Manned”’ Aspect of 
Submersibles 

The most significant omission of submers- 
ible components in the following chapters is 
the human component. The Deep Submers- 
ible Pilots Association and the Navy’s Sub- 
marine Development Group One have de- 
fined the minimal requirements for an opera- 
tor or pilot. Chapter 12, herein, tabulates the 
number and types of operating and support 
personnel for selected vehicles. Unfortu- 
nately, all of these fall quite short in actually 
defining the nature and qualities of the peo- 
ple who keep the system running efficiently 
and safely. Indeed, if one were to list the 
desirable attributes of a submersible crew- 
man—and the crew includes support as well 
as operating personnel—the final product 
would seem unattainable. 

First, for the most part submersibles work 
far out at sea or in other isolated places 
where public admiration is not the rule. Sec- 
ondly, photographers, press agents and me- 
dia representatives are generally unaware of 
submersible activities until there is an emer- 
gency, and these are quite rare. Thirdly, 
working at sea is arduous, frustrating, con- 
tinuous and, in the submersible business, 
calls for the skills of a seaman, an engineer, 
a diver and a master mariner. The point is 
that the personnel must be highly-skilled, 
dedicated individuals who are willing to 
spend a good portion of their life on a pitch- 
ing, rolling, benevolent prison. The pay is not 
fantastic and residuals for television adver- 
tisements are unknown. One hundred per- 
cent successful missions are rare, and frus- 
trating compromise is generally the rule. 


So one might ask, where do you find such 
people and what do you offer? Quite frankly 
(and somewhat mysteriously), they find you 
and surmounting the challenge seems to be 
reward in itself. Commonality of back- 
grounds, such as education, technical train- 
ing and the like, is not readily apparent. 
Most however, have spent a major portion of 
their adult life working with the sea, either 
in the Navy or with commercial enterprises. 
Many, through various channels, simply 
drift into the submersible area, others specif- 
ically seek out the field. In either case, all 
have a capacity for hard work and seem to 
possess an unusually wide-ranging knowl- 
edge of seamanship, diving, electronics and 
other skills related to submersibles. Admit- 
tedly it would be quite helpful to state the 
desirable background characteristics to look 
for in a submersible operator and the sup- 
port crew, but, in the author’s experience, all 
are quite individualistic and, like submers- 
ibles themselves, defy categorization. Yet 
each seems to have a particular skill that 
contributes to a successful operation. 


In this respect, an incident comes to mind 
of a lost current meter array retrieved by 
ALUMINAUT in 1967 off St. Croix, Virgin 
Islands. ALUMINAUT, at that time, was the 
ultimate in deep submergence technology, it 
represented the best efforts of the best scien- 
tific and engineering expertise industry and 
academia could offer. In the course of re- 


11 


trieval it dived, made the necessary hookup 
and performed perfectly. The final step, how- 
ever, was to reel the retrieving line onto the 
support ship. To complicate matters, when 
the array line began appearing at the sur- 
face it was a snarled and tangled mass of 
nylon rope, wire and current meters. At this 
point the knot-tying and load-handling tal- 
ents of an ex-navy bosun, Mr. Doug Farrow, 
were required for several hours to success- 
fully bring the spaghetti-like mess aboard. 

The “manned” component, therefore, re- 
quires skills which range from those tracea- 
ble to the Phoenicians to those developed in 
the space age. Man’s ancestors, it is said, left 
the ocean in primordial times; since recorded 
history it is evident that he has tried, with 
some success, to return. In earlier days it 
was in wood and leather diving bells and 
suits; now it is in steel and plastic shells. 
Whatever the means, it has always been 
man; never machines, against the sea. The 
instruments, be they submersibles, subma- 
rines, towed devices or whatever, are inani- 
mate, inert and functionless without the in- 
tervention of a human being. Regardless of 
its duration, if the return to the sea is to be 
successful, an arsenal of human talents must 
be drawn from the pages of ancient and 
recent history. The knot tier, the navigator, 
the mariner, the engineer and the theoreti- 
cal scientist all share equal responsibilities 
and all can be found somewhere in the suc- 
cessful submersible system. 


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DESIGN AND OPERATIONAL 


CONSIDERATIONS 


To accomplish its passenger-carrying and 
work functions economically, a submersible 
must be transportable, easily maintainable, 
and amenable to launch/retrieval from a roll- 
ing vessel. A review of the submersibles in 
Chapter 4 reveals the varied approaches to 
these requirements. No matter what the ap- 
proach, there are laws of physics and human 
biology which all successful vehicles must 
obey. There are also logistical and operational 
considerations which, because of their impor- 
tance, are an integral part of the submersible 
diving system; these are its support platform, 
and its launch/retrieval apparatus. 


Five categories have been defined and in- 
clude the design and operational factors with 


13 


which the successful submersible operator 
must contend; these categories are: 

Environmental Constraints 

Vehicle Performance 

Human Considerations 

Emergency Procedures 

Support Requirements 
The factors within these categories are drawn 
from the history of submersible operations 
and deal with the submersible system instead 
of the submersible as an independent opera- 
tor. Inclusion of support requirements may 
seem outside the scope of submersible diving 
principles; but submersibles are not military 
submarines, and none routinely operates in 
the open sea without surface support and, in 
the final analysis, shore support. 


ENVIRONMENTAL 
CONSTRAINTS 


Pressure 

A fundamental consideration in the design 
of any vehicle transporting man or equipment 
underwater is pressure. Pressure may be re- 
sisted, as it is by the submersible’s pressure 
hull, or it may be compensated, as is the case 
with many battery packs, propulsion motors, 
etc. Once the submersible’s operating depth 
has been established, the pressure at that 
depth will determine the dimensional and 
compositional characteristics of the vehicle 
and its components. 

Pressure in the ocean is a function of depth, 
and for routine oceanographic calculations the 
33-foot depth is equal to about 1 atmosphere 
(14.7 psi). To moderate depths, say to several 
thousand feet, seawater may be considered 
incompressible and the following expression is 
used: 


Di pa wh 


where p is pressure in pounds per square inch 
(psi), p, is atmospheric pressure (psi), w is a 
1.0-ft head of standard salt water equal to a 
pressure of 0.4447 psi and h is depth in feet; 
then 


p = 14.7 + 0.444h psi 


At greater depths, the compressibility of 
water must be considered and, to obtain a 
more accurate value, the density of seawater 
may be taken as varying linearly from 64 pef 
at the surface to 66.6 pef at 30,000 feet 
(Fig. 2.1). Neglecting atmospheric pressure, 
the pressure at depth h then is approximately 

2 
p= 0.444h + 0.3(2 7) psi (ref. 1) 

Hence, at 6,000 feet, the pressure on the 
surface of a body is 2,674.8 psi acting normal 
to every exposed surface. 


Seawater Conductivity 

Various devices in submersibles, e.g., mo- 
tors, batteries, pumps, are immersed in a pro- 
tective liquid which serves as an ambient 
pressure compensator and an insulator 
against loss of power to seawater. The intrin- 
sic dielectric conductivity of seawater is ap- 
proximately 4 mhos/m (milliohms/meter) or 4,- 
000 times greater than that of fresh water; 


14 


and, it increases with temperature, salinity, 
frequency of the propagating wave and pres- 
sure (1). A common cause of failure in electri- 
cal systems is contamination of the compen- 
sating/insulating fluid by seawater, where as 
little as 0.1 percent contamination reduces the 
resistivity of some fluids below recommended 
limits (8). Various forms of corrosion (pit, crev- 
ice, stress, layer, etc.) attack metals in seawa- 
ter. Protective coatings and/or sacrificial 
anodes should be considered in the initial de- 
sign stage. 


Temperature 

The temperature of seawater (Fig. 2.1) has, 
among others, two important effects on sub- 
mersible diving: 1) The occupants must deal 
with extremes of temperature caused mainly 
by loss or gain of heat through the pressure 
hull; and 2) the pressure hull material must be 
capable of retaining its desirable characteris- 
tics (crack arrest) under cold temperatures 
encountered above and below the surface. 


Light 

Sunlight has been observed to penetrate the 
ocean to depths as great as 2,300 feet (4), but 
usable sunlight for detailed external viewing 
generally terminates at 1,000 feet even under 
the very best of conditions. Consequently, the 
submersible user must rely on artificial light 
sources for external illumination. Because of 
the lateral and vertical variability of hght 
transmission properties and the frequent 
blinding effects of backscatter throughout the 
oceans, lighting for each diving mission is 
approached on a case-by-case basis. 


WEIGHT DENSITY, LB/FT* SALINITY, PARTS PER THOUSAND TEMPERATURE, °F 


64 65 66 3334858687 30. 40 +50 60 70 80 
= = Surface : 


, 7 souTe 


7,000 


6,000 
SSE 


2,000 


DEPTH, FATHOMS 
12,000 
E 


DEPTH, FEET 


18,000 


ee ee 
3,000 


xe 


4,000 
24,000 


— 
0 
30,000 


o 10 20 
TEMPERATURE, °C 


Fig. 2.1 Seawater density, salinity, and temperature as function of ocean depth. 
[From Ref. (2)] 


Currents 

Currents in the ocean and contiguous 
waters range in horizontal speeds from less 
than 0.05 knot (Pacific deep water) to 15.5 
knots (Skjerstadt Fjord, Norway), and they 
fluctuate rapidly both spatially and tempo- 
rally (5). Where currents are strong, the sub- 
mersible must be able to maintain control and 
headway to conduct its task and maneuver 
safely. 


Density 

Since seawater density varies not only with 
depth (Fig. 2.1), but with temperature and 
salinity as well, vehicle buoyancy calculations 
must be based on the specific diving location. 
In some instances, underwater discharge of 
fresh or brackish water near the bottom has 
caused significant loss of positive buoyancy on 
a submersible working close to the bottom (6). 


Acoustics 

Light and radio waves attenuate rapidly in 
the ocean. Depending on the frequency of the 
signal and oceanographic conditions, sound 
waves may travel for thousands of miles. 
Sound, therefore, is used for communications 
between ship and submersible, for tracking of 
the submersible from the surface and for a 
variety of data collection instruments. The 
velocity of sound in seawater varies from 
about 4,775 to 5,150 feet/second and increases 
with increasing temperature, salinity and 
pressure (5). If sound is traveling vertically 
downward, the effect of refraction (bending) is 
relatively slight; as the beam direction ap- 
proaches the horizontal, refraction may be- 
come quite great. The usual situation (Fig. 2.2) 
is for sound speed to decrease initially with 
depth as the temperature decreases; hence, 
the upper part of the sound beam travels 
faster than the lower part and a shadow zone, 
into which the sound beam does not pene- 
trate, is left near the surface. Such refraction 
may occur at any depth in the ocean; its 
effects can control the ranges from which a 
submersible can be tracked from its surface 
support and still maintain voice contact. 


Sea State 

The operational limits of submersibles’ 
launch/retrieval devices are determined by 
wave height (the vertical distance from wave 
trough to crest) and period (the time interval 


15 


between successive crests passing a station- 
ary point); the condition is generally termed 
Sea State, and its boundaries are presented in 
Table 2.1. Sea state, as defined in the accom- 
panying table, is misleading as a measure of 
the ability of a launch/retrieval apparatus, for 
it does not take into account wave period. For 
example, launch/retrieval may be ruled out in 
low sea states if the period is on the order of 8 
to 10 seconds; but, if the period is doubled or 
greater, the frequency of the wave crest’s 
passage is less and time may be sufficient to 
complete the hook-up of lift lines between 
successive crests. One must be aware that the 
sea surface is rarely calm and is in a constant 
state of change. If a submersible system is to 


SPEED OF SOUND, 
FT/SEC 


4900 4950 5000 


4000 


DEPTH, FEET 


6000 


; a 
10,000 


Fig. 2.2 Typical variation of speed of sound with depth in the ocean. 


be economically practicable, the ability to de- 
ploy and recover the vehicle safely under av- 
erage weather conditions is Just as important 
as pressure hull integrity. 


Bottom Conditions 

The ocean floor ranges in composition from 
soft, fine muds to hard rock cliffs; a submers- 
ible can be expected to operate within these 
ranges. During operations requiring a vehicle 
to transit near the bottom, search missions for 
example, the pilot generally prefers to “fly” 
just off the bottom, a few pounds negatively 
buoyant. This procedure makes vertical con- 
trol of the submersible much easier. Over a 
rough, hard bottom, rugged skegs or other 
devices (wheels, skids) are used to protect the 
pressure hull and other components. On a soft 
bottom the submersible may accumulate sedi- 
ment, the weight of which can become great 
enough to restrain the vehicle from surfacing. 
ALUMINAUT, for example, accumulated ap- 
proximately 4,000 pounds of sediment in this 
manner during an operation off the coast of 
Spain. 


VEHICLE PERFORMANCE 
REQUIREMENTS 


No one submersible is designed to perform 
all the underwater tasks that may arise, but 
there is a commonality of vehicle performance 
requirements which may be found by analyz- 
ing past dives; these requirements are listed 
below. 


Viewing 

Some means for external viewing is re- 
quired. Viewports (windows) provide the easi- 
est and most reliable solution, but their loca- 
tion and quantity are arbitrary and fre- 
quently dictated by other characteristics of 
the hull configuration. Acrylic plastic pressure 
hulls are available which can provide pano- 
ramic viewing. Television cameras are an ad- 
junct to direct viewing and, with low light 
level amplification, may provide greater range 
and resolution. Optical viewing systems, e.g., 
periscope-type, have also been employed. 


Buoyancy 
Archimedes’ principle defines the magni- 


16 


tude of upward buoyant force: any object 
immersed in a fluid is buoyed up by a force 
equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. 
Three states of submersible buoyancy are de- 
sired: Positive, negative and neutral. Displace- 
ment volume (D) determines the buoyant 
force, and buoyancy is expressed by the ratio 
W/D, i.e., weight of vehicle (W) to weight of 
displaced water. Buoyancy regulation under 
different vehicle load and water density condi- 
tions requires variable ballast systems which 
may include one or more of the following: 
Water ballast tanks, steel shot, gasoline filled 
tanks, or interconnected hard and soft con- 
tainers. 


Trim 

To correct unequal weight distribution 
along the longitudinal axis which might cause 
the vehicle to have an up or down angle from 
the horizontal, or to intentionally obtain such 
an up or down angle for the dive mission, a 
trim system is required. This system, through 
a variety of methods, acts to transfer weight 
or ballast forward or aft. 


Stability 

Stability is that property of a body that 
causes it, when disturbed from a condition of 
equilibrium, to develop forces that tend to 
restore it to its original condition. Equilib- 
rium is a state of balance between opposing 
forces which may exist in three states: Sta- 
ble, neutral, and unstable. For example, if 
when an angle is put on a ship forces are set 
up which act to reduce the angle, the ship is 
stable. Neutral equilibrium exists when a 
body remains in its displaced position after a 
force that displaced it is removed; unstable 
equilibrium exists when a body continues 
movement after a slight displacement. Sta- 
bility in a submersible is intimately related 
to center of buoyancy and center of gravity. 
The center of buoyancy is the geometric cen- 
ter of volume of the displaced water. The 
center of gravity is the effective center of 
mass. These two centers are indicated as B 
and G, respectively, in Figure 2.3a. When a 
floating body is in stable equilibrium, its cen- 
ter of buoyancy and center of gravity are in 
the same vertical line. Another term which 
must be introduced to understand stability 
is metacenter, which is the point of intersec- 


| 
| 
| 


iT 


| 
| 


Fig. 2.3 Change of center of buoyancy metacenter during submergence. 


tion of a vertical line through the center of 
buoyancy of a body floating upright and a 
vertical line through the new center of buoy- 
ancy when it is inclined a small amount as 
indicated by the letter M in Figure 2.3b. 


When a surfaced submersible is tipped as 
shown in Figure 2.3b, the center of buoyancy 
moves from B to B1 because the volume of 
displaced water at the left of G has been 
decreased while the volume of displaced 
water to the right is increased. The center of 
buoyancy, being at the center of gravity of 
the displaced water, moves to point B1 and a 
vertical line through this point passes G and 
intersects the original vertical at M. The 
distance GM is known as the metacentric 
height. This illustrates a fundamental law of 
stability. When M is above G, the metacen- 
tric height is positive and the vessel is stable 
because a moment arm, GZ, has been set up 
which tends to return the vessel to its origi- 
nal position. It is obvious that if M is located 
below G, the moment arm would tend to 
increase the inclination. In this case, the 
metacentric height is negative and the ves- 
sel is unstable. 


When on the surface, a submarine presents 
much the same problem in stability as a 
surface ship. However, differences are appar- 
ent as may be seen in the diagrams in Figure 
2.3c, where the three points B, G, and M, 
though in the same relative positions, are 
much closer together than is the case with 
surface ships. 


17 


As noted above, when a ship on the surface 
heels over, there is a shift in the position of 
the buoyancy center because of the volume 
shape change below the waterline. In the 
case of a submerged submarine, no such 
change takes place because all the volume of 
the submarine is below the surface of the 
water. Thus, for submerged stability, the 
center of gravity must be below the center of 
buoyancy. 

During the process of going from the sur- 
faced condition to the submerged condition, 
the center of gravity of the submarine, G, 
remains fixed slightly below the centerline of 
the boat while B and M approach each other. 
At complete submergence, G is below B, and 
M and B are at a common point. These 
changes are shown diagrammatically in Fig- 
ure 2.8¢. 

As the ballast tanks fill, the displacement 
becomes less with the consequent rising of B 
and lowering of M. There is a point during 
submergence when B coincides with G. Due 
to the configuration of the upper part of the 
hull, B would only move a short distance 
from G if a list were taken at this point. In 
this condition, the stability is least; and the 
time spent at this low-righting stage must be 
minimal. When the ballast tanks are fully 
flooded, B rises to the normal center of buoy- 
ancy of the pressure hull, and stability is 
attained with G below B. 

To keep the center of gravity low, batteries 
and other heavy items are carried as low as 
possible where they have the greatest effects 
on stability. Submersible transverse meta- 
centric heights (submerged) are quite small 
and range from 3 to 12 inches. 


Power 

Electric power is compatible with all pro- 
pulsion, lighting, hotel, and virtually all in- 
strument requirements and is the exclusive 
ultimate power source in all deep submers- 
ibles. Long duration power can be supplied 
from the surface through a cable, but at the 
expense of maneuverability; conversely, ma- 
neuverability is retained using self-con- 
tained batteries, with a corresponding limi- 
tation in operating time. Two power options 
predominate in shallow (less than 1,000-ft) 
submersibles: Manual and electric. Transfer 
of manual power through the pressure hull 


can be by direct mechanical linkage (limited 
to shallow depths owing to compression on 
the hull with consequent size reduction of 
thru-hull penetrations) or by hydraulics. 


Maneuverability 

The requirements for maneuverability 
vary considerably in speed and degree, but 
generally the vehicle is expected to be capa- 
ble of controlled movement in the vertical 
and horizontal. For many if not all missions, 
the vehicle must be able to “hover” (dynami- 
cally or statically) at a given depth or dis- 
tance above the bottom. 


External Attachments 

For maximum mission adaptability, the ve- 
hicle should have external attachment 
points for installation of various instruments 
or devices to conduct undersea tasks. Since 
few, if any, of these instruments are stand- 
ard in weight, size, shape, or mode of opera- 
tion, a degree of flexibility in such attach- 
ment points is desirable. In the probable 
event that such devices will require electri- 
cal power and/or control, provisions must be 
made to furnish spare electrical connectors 
and thru-hull penetrators. 


Lock-out/Lock-in 

If the submersible is designed for trans- 
porting and supporting divers, provisions 
must be made for ballasting the vehicle 
when they leave (to restrain it from ascend- 
ing) and deballasting when they return. 
Hatches and viewports in the diver’s com- 
partment must be double-acting to resist not 
only external pressures, but internal pres- 
sures as well. Communications must be ar- 
ranged between the diving compartment and 
the unpressurized part of the pressure hull; 
and, when surfaced, a means of providing 
food or medical aid must be incorporated in 
the design if decompression is required. 
Whereas the egress/ingress hatch will be on 
the keel of the submersible, and the vehicle 
might be bottomed during diver operations, 
space between the hatch and bottom must be 
sufficient to allow easy access to the hatch. 
Consideration must likewise be given to per- 
sonnel transfer to a decompression chamber. 


Weight and Size 


The submersible’s dry-weight (in air) and 


18 


physical dimensions will govern the methods 
of launch and retrieval as well as the size of 
its support ship and the methods available to 
it for land and air transport. 


Payload 

There are no minimum or maximum pay- 
load standards, and they range from less 
than 100 pounds to several tons. The larger 
the payload requirements, the larger the ve- 
hicle size and, correspondingly, the greater 
the necessary support efforts become, with 
resultant lowered mobility. Trade-offs are 
possible whereby a non-essential manipula- 
tor, for example, might be replaced with an- 
other instrument or a lock-out chamber re- 
placed with a different module for a particu- 
lar dive. Distribution of payload weight and 
balance must be considered to assure that 
vehicle trim and control are not jeopardized. 


HUMAN CONSIDERATIONS 


Respiration 

Oxygen must be supplied, and carbon diox- 
ide must be removed for the duration (6-12 
hr) of a normal dive and for an extended 
period in the event of an emergency. Moni- 
toring devices must be included to maintain 
proper levels and to check for the presence of 
contaminants. In the event of diver support, 
storage and supply of air or mixed gas (e.g., 
helium/oxygen) must be accommodated. 


Temperature/Humidity 

In shallow tropical dives, temperatures 
(°F) and relative humidity (%) reach into the 
90’s; with depth, or in the high latitudes, the 
temperature can fall into the 40’s with a 
corresponding humidity decrease. Both these 
extremes bear heavily on human perfor- 
mance and must be dealt with successfully. 
Deep diving in the tropics can combine both 
extremes and includes condensation on the 
interior walls of the hull with consequent 
drippage; this can be detrimental to equip- 
ment as well as to human occupants. 


Food/Water 

Normal and emergency food and water ra- 
tions must be carried; limited power or the 
possibility of its entire loss restricts the type 
of food and preparation possible. 


Waste Management 

Means must be provided to accommodate 
metabolic wastes and to treat and store such 
wastes for the duration of the dive. 


Fatigue 

The internal arrangements for pilot and 
passenger(s) must be such that the efficiency 
of both is not decreased by uncomfortable or 
awkward layout of instruments and controls. 
Similarly, long periods at the viewports can 
be extremely taxing and detrimental to the 
mission if pilot or observer is forced into 
awkward positions to view or work. 


EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 


Entanglement 

To minimize the fouling potential with for- 
eign objects such as wreckage, cables, or 
ropes, submersibles should have smooth, 
streamlined exterior surfaces and objects ex- 
tending beyond the fairing should be kept to 
a minimum. When possible, objects that offer 
a potential for fouling should be jettisonable. 


Power Loss 

In the event of a complete electrical power 
loss, the vehicle should have mechanical 
means of surfacing either by jettisoning com- 
ponents, dropping extra ballast or blowing 
water ballast. An emergency power supply to 
operate critical emergency components 
should be considered. 


Fire and Noxious Gasses 

Emergency breathing apparatus and fire 
extinguishers within the pressure hull are 
required in the event of fire and release of 
noxious or toxic gasses. Nonflammable wir- 
ing insulation should be used for all power 
cables and control wiring. Only insulation, 
paint, plastics, and other materials free of 
detrimental outgassing should be used inside 
manned spaces. 


Deballasting Loss 

A number of vehicles contain backup de- 
ballasting procedures in the event that the 
normal deballasting does not function or is 
insufficient. These include jettisoning of bat- 
teries, instruments, manipulators, or trim 
liquids (mercury). Where depth allows, many 


19 


vehicles may be flooded by ambient sea- 
water or pressurized by compressed air to 
open the hatch for emergency exit. In a few 
cases, the entire positively buoyant pressure 
hull can be manually released from the re- 
mainder of the vehicle, whence it will free- 
float to the surface. 


Tracking Loss 

Owing to inaccuracies in tracking proce- 
dures or accidental loss of acoustic contact, a 
submersible may surface out of contact with 
its support ship and be completely on its 
own. Emergency signaling devices and ra- 
dios are required. Some vehicles have such 
low freeboard that to open the hatch in any- 
thing higher than sea state 1 could swamp 
the pressure hull. In this case, emergency 
flares might be impossible to employ, and if a 
long period of time must be spent with the 
hatch closed awaiting outside assistance, the 
endurance of the emergency life support sys- 
tem to sustain the passengers could be ex- 
ceeded. The color of the submersible might 
also be critical to visual sighting. A white 
submersible, with only 1 or 2 feet of its 
conning tower or sail protruding above the 
surface and posed against a background of 
whitecaps, is extremely difficult to see. Fur- 
thermore, radar may be ineffective owing to 
the sail being masked by sea return. 


SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS 


Transportation 

Weight and size are the factors controlling 
a submersible’s transport and, hence, mobil- 
ity. Land, sea and air transportation are 
possible; but, for some vehicles, this means 
dismantling major components. Deployment 
at the site of embarkation requires lift and 
possible rail facilities not available at many 
ports. 


Support Platform 

There are few, if any, occasions when a 
submersible will not require a support plat- 
form. At the very least, this platform will be 
required to tow the vehicle to the dive site 
and track it while submerged. In open-sea 
operations, the platform will act to maintain 
the vehicle, house its support and scientific 
crew, and perform work tasks in conjunction 


with the submersible. Proper selection of 
such a platform is critical to the effective- 
ness of the submersible system. 


Launch/Retrieval Apparatus 

Unless the submersible is too large for 
launch/retrieval at sea, an apparatus is re- 
quired to deploy and retrieve it after each 
dive. Four basic methods may be utilized. 
One is a device to attach to and lift the 
vehicle out of the water, such as a crane. The 
second involves deballasting a submersible 
platform onto which the submersible is ma- 
neuvered. Third is the mechanical hoisting of 
an elevator platform attached to a surface 
vessel. A fourth approach involves the 
mother submarine concept in which the sub- 
mersible is launched or retrieved and trans- 
ported by a completely submerged platform. 
In the event of external repairs or mainte- 
nance to the submersible, the mother subma- 
rine may be required to surface. 


Tracking and Navigation 

While the submersible is submerged, a 
method of tracking from the support plat- 
form is required to locate it, to clear the area 
for surfacing, and to join with the vehicle 
after the dive. If the mission requires know- 
ing precisely where the submersible was, 
such as surveying, a method of geodetic posi- 
tioning is necessary. This might be served 
through the tracking system if the support 
platform maintains a running log of its own 
and the submersible’s relative position, or it 
may be an in situ navigation network by 
which the vehicle itself maintains a real-time 
display and record of its underwater posi- 
tion. 


THE DEEP QUEST 
SUBMERSIBLE SYSTEM 


To demonstrate one manufacturer’s ap- 
proach to meeting the constraints and re- 


Fig. 2.4a) The submersible system DEEP QUEST (LMSC); b) Schematic of DEEP QUEST as designed with potential diver lockout compartment and transfer bell. (LMSC) 


quirements of submersible diving, Lockheed 
Missiles and Space Corporation’s DEEP 
QUEST system will be examined (Fig. 2.4a). 
DEEP QUEST is not necessarily the most 
successful approach, but its 8,000-ft opera- 
tional depth capability and support systems 
confront and offer solutions to the majority 
of problems encountered. (The following data 
was attained from refs. 7 through 11.) 


ENVIRONMENTAL 
CONSTRAINTS 


Pressure 

The manned compartment (pressure hull 
of DEEP QUEST) consists of two intersect- 
ing spheres welded together with a 20-inch- 
diameter opening between the two and a 20- 
inch-diameter opening (hatch) atop the aft 
sphere. The spheres are 7 feet in outside 
diameter (OD), 0.895 inch thick, and are com- 
posed of 18 percent nickel, 200-KSI-grade 


maraging steel. A weldment of four hemi- 
heads and interconnecting “Y” rings form 
the basic structure. A collapse depth of 13,- 
000 feet (5,772 psi) provides a safety factor of 
1.6 at its operating depth of 8,000 feet (3,554 
psi). DEEP QUEST has been designed to 
incorporate a diver lock-out compartment 
and a transfer bell as shown in Figure 2.4b, 
but these are not affixed to the submersible 
at present. 


Seawater (Corrosion Protection) 

To protect the fairings and foundations, 
piping, variable ballast tanks, high pressure 
air tanks, and electrical inverter/controllers, 
a multi-coat polyurethane Laminar X-500 
finish has been applied. The pressure hull is 
isolated from contact with the aluminum 
outer hull by mounting it on rubber pads and 
clamping it down with a phenolic collar. It is 
further protected by a mild steel anode sys- 
tem. Whenever possible, dissimilar metals 
are electrically isolated by non-conductive 


VIEW DOME (RECESSED) 


DIVER LOCK-OUT 


ACCESS TRUNK 


INSTRUMENTATION SPHERE 
PILOT'S SPHERE 


VERTICAL THRUSTER 


MANIPULATOR 


CHAMBER (CON- 


CEPTUAL) en 


VIEWPORT 


TRANSFER BELL 
(NOT STANDARD) b 


Fig. 2.4 b) Schematic of DEEP QUEST as designed with potential diver lock-out compartment and transfer bell. (LMSC) 


21 


mountings. Small zone anodes are utilized 
freely to protect against electrolysis. 


Temperature 

To control the pressure hull’s internal tem- 
perature there are two temperature sensors 
_in each of the two spheres which activate an 
electrical damping system to apportion air 
through three heat exchangers. Excess heat 
(from personnel and operation of electrical 
equipment) is conducted through the hull 
wall. Electrically powered heater strips sup- 
ply additional heat if that produced by equip- 
ment operation is insufficient. Toughness 
(crack arrest) of the pressure hull’s marag- 
ing steel was improved by careful modifica- 
tion of the chemical composition of the steel. 


Light 

To provide external lighting at depth, 
DEEP QUEST has nine fixed lights ranging 
in power from 500 to 2,500 watts; these may 
be individually controlled. On each of the two 
television pan and tilt mechanisms is a 500- 
watt flood light for trainable illumination. 
Currents 

To counter adverse currents, in addition to 
maneuvering, DEEP QUEST may employ 
two 7.5-hp, stern-mounted axial thrusters 
and one 7.5-hp lateral water-jet bow thrus- 
ter. 


Density 

A steel shot (1,900 lb dry weight) releasable 
ballast system is used to adjust for minor 
seawater density changes. DEEP QUEST 
normally operates submerged in a slightly 
heavy (negative buoyancy) condition, taking 
advantage of her lifting body outer hull con- 
figuration and vertical thrusters. 


Acoustics 

To minimize the effects of sound refrac- 
tion, the submersible’s support ship TRANS- 
QUEST attempts to maintain a position 
nearly above DEEP QUEST during the dive. 
Two 27-kHz acoustic pingers are affixed to 
the submersible; one is omnidirectional and 
one is vertically oriented by a parabolic re- 
flector. A directional hydrophone antenna on 
TRANSQUEST provides the relative bearing 
to DEEP QUEST and a modification to the 
submersible’s underwater telephone (UQC) 


22 


provides range information on a digital read- 
out. 


Sea State 

TRANSQUEST?’s \aunch/retrieval system 
(see Chap. 12), a hydraulically-powered ele- 
vator platform mounted in the open-stern- 
well, is marginally effective at sea state 4 in 
short period waves, optimizing at longer pe- 
riod swells. 


Bottom Conditions 

DEEP QUEST’s outer hull is streamlined 
and rugged. Two skids on the bottom of the 
vehicle protect it against damage and hold it 
high enough off the bottom to inhibit the 
possibility of accidentally taking aboard sedi- 
ment. Object avoidance/search sonar pro- 
vides for full-scale range indications from 15 
to 1,500 yards. 


VEHICLE PERFORMANCE 


Viewing 

For direct viewing, DEEP QUEST incorpo- 
rates two viewports: one in the forward hull 
looks down and forward; one in the aft hull 
looks directly down through a hatch located 
on the bottom of the aft hull. The aft view- 
port is equipped with an optical remote view- 
ing system incorporating an external “fish- 
eye” lens. Augmenting the viewports are two 
(port/starboard) pan- and tilt-mounted TV 
cameras; one bow-mounted TV camera, and 
one sail-mounted, 360-degree-vision, peri- 
scope-scanning, TV camera, and a fifth cam- 
era mounted as desired to observe a particu- 
lar area or equipment for the specific dive. 


Buoyancy 

Four ballasting/buoyancy components are 
incorporated in DEEP QUEST (Fig. 2.5): 1) A 
Main Ballast System, consisting of two for- 


‘ ward and two after tanks (port/starboard), 


provides 12 percent reserve buoyancy on the 
surface and is blown free of water by com- 
pressed air; 2) a Shot Ballast System, con- 
sisting of 1,900 pounds (wet) of steel shot in 
two cylindrical hoppers mounted outboard in 
the longitudinal C.G. plane provides ‘‘fail 
safe” ballast which is electromagnetically 
held and dropped in the event of a total 
power loss or metered out as desired; 3) 


34,000 pounds of syntactic foam (36-pef ave. 
density) neutralizes negative buoyancy of 
fixed structure and equipment; and 4) mova- 
ble lead ballast (26-lb bricks), up to 3,000 
pounds, provides the means of adjusting trim 
and weight as calculated pror to each dive. 


Trim 

The longitudinal moment (trim) of DEEP 
QUEST can be changed 30 degrees up or 
down during the dive by pumping oil from 
one to another of two, 18-inch-diameter, pres- 
sure-compensated, spherical tanks located 
fore and aft; each tank is initially half filled 
with 720 pounds of mercury which are sepa- 
rated from the oil by a rubber diaphragm 
and forced forward or aft by the pumped oil. 
A further refinement on DEEP QUEST is a 
port/starboard list tank system which 


RUDDER 
(YAW) 


HORIZONTAL 
THRUSTERS (1) 


BATTERIES 


MOVE 
RIGHT 


BATTERIES 


= LATERAL 
REV-FWD THRUSTERS (2) 


MOVE 
EERT 


DIVE 
PLANE 
(PITCH) 


' 


VERTICAL THRUSTER CONTROL 
(UP/DOWN) 


DYNAMIC CONTROL 


VERTICAL 
THRUSTERS (3) 


changes the roll or transverse moment (+10 
degrees) of the vehicle in a fashion similar to 
the trim system. 


Stability 

The surfaced metacentric height (GM) of 
DEEP QUEST is 12 inches; the submerged 
metacentric height (BG) is 3 inches. The short 
BG requires that careful consideration 
be given to attachment location and weight 
of additional equipment. 


Power 


Main power is supplied by two, 120-VDC, 
pressure-compensated, lead-acid batteries 
supplying a total of 230 kWh which enable 
the vehicle to cruise at a speed of 2 knots for 
18 hours. For scientific or other work instru- 
ments the following is available: 


PAYLOAD AREA 
MAN-IN-SEA MODULE 
VARIABLE BALLAST TANKS (2) 
PRESSURE SPHERES 


BOW VIEW 


STATIC CONTROL 


Fig. 2.5 DEEP QUEST's dynamic and static maneuvering ability. 


23 


120 VDC (nominal) 
29 VDC + 2% 
115 VAC rms + 2.5 V, 60 Hz, single phase 
115 VAC rms + 2%, 400 Hz, single phase 
Two independent 28-VDC, silver-zine batter- 
ies within the pressure hull provide 3.6 kWh 
of emergency power. 


Maneuverability 

The axial, vertical, and lateral propulsive 
units, as described in Figure 2.5, in conjunc- 
tion with stern planes and a rudder, provide 
five degrees of freedom (pitch, roll, heave, 
yaw, surge) and a dynamic maneuvering ca- 
pability through the speed range of 0 to 3.5 
knots. Static roll and pitch rotational mo- 
ments are applied by weight transfer in the 
trim and list systems. An automatic pilot 
(course, speed and pitch angle) and an auto- 


Fig. 2.6 


24 


matic depth control are additional control 
adjuncts. 


External Attachments 

DEEP QUEST offers several areas for at- 
tachment of instruments, and a jettisonable, 
steel framework or “brow” may be attached 
on the bow to carry a variety of instruments 
including a 700-pound coring device or a 1,- 
500-pound reel of line. Abaft the pressure 
hull is an enclosed area within the fairing of 
approximately 385 cubic feet; this area may 
be used to accommodate instruments or tools 
of widely varying dimensions and weights. In 
the event that these areas are not desirable 
or usable, it is possible to attach instruments 
to the top of the vehicle by bolting down 
“Unistrut” configurations as desired (Fig. 
2.6). Within the after pressure sphere two 19- 


“Unistrut’’ instrument attachment to DEEP QUEST's fairing. (NAVOCEANO) 


inch-wide, 59-inch-high, standard electronics 
racks are available for installation of equip- 
ment; within the entire pressure hull ap- 
proximately 20 cubic feet of space are availa- 
ble for additional equipment. Electrical pene- 
trations through the pressure hull are pro- 
vided for additional equipment; these consist 
of twenty-six, 2-wire (No. 18) AWG circuits 
and four, 2-wire (No. 16) AWG circuits. Extra 
leads can be made available by alternate 
substitution means. 


Lock-out/Lock-in 

A 25-inch-diameter door on the after pres- 
sure sphere is configured to join with a ““man- 
in-sea”’ module to provide diver lock-out/lock- 
in facilities for at least two divers. The mod- 
ule, when installed, will occupy the enclosed 
area now available for additional instrumen- 
tation. A transfer bell may be attached to the 
bottom hatch of the after pressure sphere for 
transferring personnel to or from manned un- 
dersea stations at atmospheric pressure or to 
rescue personnel from disabled submarines 
configured to accommodate the transfer bell. 


Payload 

In excess of 2,000 pounds (wet weight) may 
be carried within the diver module area. A 
total of 7,000 pounds may be accommodated by 
relocation of buoyancy (syntactic foam) mate- 
rial. 


HUMAN CONSIDERATIONS 


Respiration 

Oxygen is carried within the pressure hull 
in four bottles (0.37 ft? each at 2,250 psi), two 
of which are spares. Oxygen is automatically 
bled into the cabin by a solenoid-actuated 
differential pressure control switch maintain- 
ing cabin pressure at 2 inches of water above 
a l-atmosphere reference chamber. Carbon 
dioxide and other contaminants are removed 
by blowing a portion of the circulated air 
through lithium hydroxide/activated charcoal 
cannisters. An emergency blower is available 
for backup contaminant removal. Cabin pres- 
sure is monitored and displayed on a gage in 
the forward sphere. Oxygen and carbon diox- 
ide partial pressures are detected by sensors 
and displayed; a red light alarm is activated 
when these pressures are beyond allowable 


25 


limits (O,: 140 to 180 mm Hg; CO,: 8 mm Hg 
max.). A Mine Safety Appliance universal kit 
is carried to identify trace contaminants. 


Temperature/Humidity 

With seawater temperature between 28° 
and 55°F, cabin temperature is controlled, as 
explained previously, at 70°F + 10°F. Relative 
humidity is maintained at 60% + 20% by 
condensation of moisture in the heat exchan- 
gers. All parts of the pressure hull’s interior, 
with exceptions of the heat exchange portion 
and hatches, are covered with 5/8-inch-thick 
polyvinyl! chloride (Ensolite) insulation. 


Food/Water 

Normal diving food rations consist of sand- 
wiches and other foods prepared daily prior to 
each dive. Emergency dehydrated food is car- 
ried to sustain four people for 48 hours. Water 
is carried in plastic containers. 


Waste-Management 

Wide-mouth plastic jars enclosing vinyl bags 
are carried for collection and storage of liquid 
and solid wastes. Wescodyne germicide is used 
as a stabilizing agent and activated charcoal 
for odor control. A folding camp-type toilet 
seat with plastic waste bag is carried. 


Fatigue 

Pilot and co-pilot are provided with cush- 
ioned seats in the forward sphere. No perma- 
nent facilities are provided for the two observ- 
ers other than a foam-rubber cushion located 
on the deck between the pilot and co-pilot 
upon which the observer may lie to use the 
forward-looking viewport. The dimensions of 
the pressure hull are sufficient to provide 
headroom for standing and stretching. 


EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 


Entanglement 

DEEP QUEST’s streamlined fairings pre- 
sent minimal entanglement potential. Its ma- 
nipulators, pan and tilt mechanisms and for- 
ward instrument brow are jettisonable. All 
propellers are shrouded and screened to pre- 
vent entanglement with rope or wire. 


Power Loss 
An emergency power source is carried in- 
side the pressure hull on each dive. In the 


event of a total power (normal and emer- 
gency) loss the steel shot is automatically 
dumped. Emergency power can be used to 
operate jettisoning circuits, underwater tele- 
phone, radio, and life support equipment. 


Fire and Noxious Gasses 

An emergency breathing system for four 
people is carried which consists of four full- 
face masks coupled to a common rechargeable 
LiOH/chareoal cannister and oxygen supply 
with a breathing bag which acts as an accu- 
mulator. A pressure of 1.5 inches of water 
above cabin ambient pressure is maintained 
in the emergency system to prevent contami- 
nated air from entering. The system provides 
a total of 3 hours for each person. Two 2.5- 
pound CO, fire extinguishers are carried at all 
times. When a fifth person is carried, an OBA 
(Oxygen Breathing Apparatus) is added. 


Deballasting Loss 

In the event that normal ballasting meth- 
ods and power are lost, the following may be 
dropped to gain positive buoyancy as “indi- 
cated: 


TRIM HG 

1,250-LB STEEL 
SHOT 
1,700-LB 


Not included above are the jettisonable me- 
chanical arms and brow and breakaway pan 
and tilt mechanisms (Fig. 2.7). 


Tracking Loss 

If DEEP QUEST becomes separated from 
TRANSQUEST, it has several options while on 
the surface for communication and location. A 
radio direction finder on the support ship may 
home in on a 2182-kHz voice transmitter, or a 
Coast Guard aircraft may home on a 121.5- 
MHz signal transmitted from a self-powered, 
omnidirectional emergency beacon aboard the 
submersible. A transducer affixed to the bot- 
tom of the submersible allows for UQC com- 
munication when surfaced. A floodable sail 
over DEEP QUEST’s top hatch allows for 
opening of the hatch in inclement weather to 
flush out cabin air if required. Surface view- 
ing capability without opening the hatch is 
attained through use of the sail-mounted tele- 
vision periscope. DEEP QUEST’s interna- 
tional orange sail and rudder provide excel- 
lent contrast against all spectrums of water 
color. A pressure-switch actuated, sail- 
mounted, flashing xenon light is provided for 
nighttime visual location. 


BOW RACK 


MANIPULATORS 
PAN & 
TILT 


LISTHG FWD BATTERY 
00-LB CELLS 
3,500-LB 


Fig. 2.7 DEEP QUEST 's jettisonable components. 


26 


SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS 


Transportation 

As it is one of the larger deep submersibles, 
DEEP QUEST is normally considered only sea 
transportable. However, with the sail and 
stern planes removed, DEEP QUEST could be 
air (C-141) and land (tractor, trailer, rail) 
transportable. At its home port, San Diego, a 
marine railway is available to transport it in 
and out of its shop. 


Support Platform 

The Motor Vessel TRANSQUEST (see Table 
12.2 for specifications) was specifically de- 
signed to support DEEP QUEST in extended 
open-sea operations, but it is somewhat lim- 
ited by its size (108 ft) and speed (6.2 knots 
max.). 


UNDERSIDE 
VIEW 


TRACKING PINGER 


\ VELOCIMETER 


DOPPLER 
SONAR 
TRANSDUCERS 
GYRO COMPASS 


VERTICAL GYRO 


1 
' 
X-Y PLOTTER ' 
i] 


PRESSURE 
TRANSDUCER 


Launch/Retrieval Apparatus 
(See sea state above.) 


Tracking and Navigation 

Tracking of DEEP QUEST was outlined 
under Acoustics above and is utilized to vector 
DEEP QUEST to desired locations as well as 
to track her movements. Three systems are 
available aboard DEEP QUEST for naviga- 
tion independent of the surface (Fig. 2.8). The 
first system consists of a gyrocompass (provid- 
ing heading azimuth which is further cor- 
rected to true heading by a vertical reference 
gyro and the navigation computer), a Doppler 
sonar log (provides vehicle speed relative to 
the bottom), and an analog computer which 
processes the direction and speed information 
and plots the vehicle’s course on an x-y plot- 
ter, as well as presenting the information to a 


CTFM SONAR 
CRT DISPLAY SCOPE 


‘ TRANSPONDER 


> 
\ 

2 . 
m Vy 
WZ 
w 1% 
\ 
~ 

\ 


TRANSPONDER \ 


TRANSPONDER 


Fig. 2.8 DEEP QUEST’s navigational components. 


data recorder. The second system uses gyro- 
compass or remote reading magnetic compass 
(Magnesyn) heading and flowmeter speed (or 
odometer distance) through the water to ob- 
tain a manual navigational track. A third 
system utilizes the laterally-trainable Straza 
Model 500 CTFM sonar mounted on the sail 
which transmits and receives sonar signals 
and generates both audio and visual outputs 
in the pressure hull and, in addition, provides 
a cathode ray tube with digital readout of 
range to a target. Using fixed bottom. objects 
as landmarks or range and bearing of 
transponders placed on the sea floor, DEEP 
QUEST can employ the CTFM to obtain a plot 
of its progress relative to them. By using a 
down-looking depth sounder/strip chart re- 
corder and upward-looking depth sounder in 
conjunction with the CTFM and transponders, 
accurate post-dive navigational charts may be 
constructed. 


The DEEP QUEST submersible system is 
one of the most sophisticated in existence and 
was designed to accomplish such diverse tasks 
as research, surveying, engineering, search 
and retrieval, diver support and rescue. Rela- 
tive to the shallower diving submersibles, it 
may appear unduly complex. Undoubtedly, 
one can do without a great number of DEEP 
QUEST’s capabilities if the operational tasks 
are merely for viewing and simple work func- 
tions. The trade-offs are obvious: The simpler 
the submersible, the simpler the tasks it may 
perform. Nonetheless, the basic design and 
operational aspects outlined above must be 
confronted and solved by all submersibles to 
varying degrees; where one or several of these 
functions have been slighted—and no sub- 
mersible is without fault—the weakness is 
apparent. 


A common weakness, undoubtedly the most 
crucial obstacle to wide-scale submersible em- 
ployment, resides in the operational concepts. 
Possibly influenced by independently-operat- 
ing, self-sufficient military submarines, sub- 
mersible architects have tended to overlook or 
underestimate the critical role played by sur- 
face craft in supporting extended open-sea 
operations. In the formative years, the many 
technical problems of deep submergence over- 
shadowed this surface dependency, but, once 
they were solved and submersibles routinely 
dived without crippling malfunctions, inade- 


quacies of surface support came into proper 
perspective and still plague vehicle owners. 
Future submersible designers must, if they 
hope to achieve more effective diving records, 
be cognizant of the fact that small, maneuver- 
able, battery-powered vehicles are inextrica- 
bly bound to their surface support platform 
for safety, sustenance and operational effi- 
ciency. 


REFERENCES 

1. King, D. A. 1969 Basic hydrodynamics. in 
Handbook of Ocean and Underwater 
Engineering, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New 
York, p. 2-1 thru 2-32. 

2. Warren, W. F. 1961 Seawater Density in 
the Ocean as a Function of Depth and a 
Method of Utilizing This Information in 
the Design of Pressure Vessels Which 
Will Remain in a Constant Depth Range 
Between the Surface and Bottom. Naval 
Ord. Lab. NOLTR 61-179, AD 273634. 

38. McQuaid, R. W. and Brown, C. L. 1972 
Handbook of Fluids and Lubricants for 
Deep Ocean Applications. Naval Ship Re- 
search and Development Lab., Annapolis, 
Md., Rept. MATLAB 360, 249 pp. 

4. Busby, R. F. 1967 Undersea penetration 
by ambient light and visibility. Science, 
v. 158, n. 3805, p. 1178-1180. 

5. Encyclopedia of Oceanography 1966 Ency- 
clopedia of Earth Science Series, v. 1, 
edited by R. W. Fairbridge, Reinhold Pub. 
Corp., New York. 

6. Personal Communication with A. Markel, 
Reynolds Submarine Services, Inc., 
Miami, Florida. 

7. Lockheed Missiles and Space Corp. 1967 
DEEP QUEST Summary Description. 
LMSC No. 5-13-67-3, Sunnyvale, Califor- 
nia. 

8. ————,, 1968 Lockheed DEEP QUEST 
Submersible System. LMSC/DO80197, Re- 
vision B, Sunnyvale, California. 


9. ————,, DEEP QUEST Research Subma- 
rine. LMSC/DO15168 (unpub. manuscript). 
10. ————_, DEEP. QUEST-The Versatile 


Submarine. Ocean System Marketing 
(Sales Brochure), Sunnyvale, California. 

11. Shumaker, L. A. 1972 New Developments 
in Deep Submersible Operations (unpub. 
manuscript). 


TABLE 2.1 SEA STATE CHART 


Wind and Sea Scale For Fully Arisen Sea 


Sea-General Wind Sea 


Wave Significant Range 
(Beaufort) Range Height Feet — of Periods 
Description Wind Force Description (Knots) Average (Seconds) 


Sea like a mirror. Calm 


Ripples with the appearance of scales are formed, but without Light 
foam crests. Airs 


Small wavelets, still short but more pronounced. Crests have a Light 
glassy appearance and do not break. Breeze 


Large wavelets. Crests begin to break. Foam of glassy ap- Gentle 
pearance. Perhaps scattered white caps. Breeze 


Small waves becoming longer; fairly frequent white caps. Moderate 
Breeze 


Moderate waves, taking a more pronounced long form; many Fresh 
white caps are formed. (Chance of some spray.) Breeze 


Large waves begin to form; the white foam crests are more Strong 
extensive everywhere. (Probably some spray.) Breeze 


Sea heaps up and white foam from breaking waves begins to Moderate 
be blown in streaks along the direction of wind. (Spindrift Gale 
begins to be seen.) 


Moderately high waves of greater length; edges of crests 
begin to break into the spindrift. The foam is blown in 
well-marked streaks along the direction of the wind. 
Spray affects visibility. 


High waves. Dense streaks of foam along the direction of 
the wind. Sea begins to “‘roll’’. Spray may affect visibility. 


Very high waves with long overhanging crests. The resulting 
foam, in great patches, is blown in dense white streaks 
along the direction of the wind. On the whole, the surface 
of the sea takes a white appearance. The rolling of the sea 
becomes heavy and shock-like. Visibility affected. 


Exceptionally high waves (small and medium-sized ships might 
be for a time lost to view behind waves). The sea is completely 
covered with long white patches of foam lying along the direction 
of the wind. Everywhere the edges of the waves are blown into 
froth. Visibility affected. 


Air filled with foam and spray. Sea completely white with driving Hurricane 10-(35) 
spray; visibility very seriously affected. 


29 


CONTEMPORARY SUBMERSIBLE 


DEVELOPMENT 


As surface craft progressed century-by- 
century from muscle, through sail, steam, 
diesel-electric and nuclear power, peaceful 
undersea explorers merely dabbled beneath 
the surface from cable-suspended spheres 
and open-bottomed diving bells. Then, in less 
than a score of years, mankind virtually 
leap-frogged to the greatest known ocean 
depths and produced an astounding array of 
undersea vehicles for science, industry and 
recreation. 

One interested in undersea history cannot 
help but wonder: Why the 1960’s? What pres- 
sures or inducements were then active to 
encourage investment of millions of dollars 
in undersea exploration that were not pres- 
ent earlier in the twentieth century, or, for 


31 


that matter, in any earlier period? Undoubt- 
edly, economic gain was the major underly- 
ing motive, but what made several giant 
American corporations and numerous small 
companies and individuals believe there was 
a market or need for such capabilities? There 
is no single factor that prompted this surge 
of activity; instead, the influences of several 
separate and concurrent events were at 
work; for example: 

—A demonstrated technological ability 
to reach the greatest known ocean 
depth in 1960, 

—A space program amounting eventu- 
ally to $35 billion, 

—Loss of the U.S. Navy nuclear subma- 
rine THRESHER -resulting in a pro- 


gram recommending large sums for 
deep submergence, 

—Increasing Federal funding for oceano- 
graphic programs, 

—An oil industry moving farther out and 
deeper into the sea, 

—Scientific reports detailing the many 
results and advantages of ocean study 
from manned submersibles, 

—Serious scientific desire to study the 
deep sea in situ, 

—A burgeoning market in recreational 
undersea diving, 

—A military interest in materials and 
techniques for deep submergence vehi- 
cles, 

—Increased recognition of mineral re- 
sources and ever dwindling terrestrial 
resources, 

—Forecasts by military and government 
officials and private industry of the 
promising aspects for deep submers- 
ibles, and 

—Individual awareness of the grandeur 
and beauty of the deep sea through 
tasteful and exciting cinematic and tel- 
evision productions. 

To varying degrees, these events and pres- 
sures worked to produce a 1970 worldwide 
fleet of over 100 shallow and deep submers- 
ibles—up from less than a handful a decade 
earlier. Another factor, impossible to meas- 
ure, is the pure desire of man to challenge 
and overcome the hostility of the deep ocean. 
When he replied “Because it’s there!” to one 
inquiring why climb a mountain, Mallory 
also offered an explanation for many who 
challenge the abyss. 


BATHYSPHERE TO BATHYSCAPH 
(1934-1960) 

“When once it (the deep ocean) has been 
seen, it will remain forever the most vivid 
memory in life, solely because of its cosmic 
chill and isolation, the external and abso- 
lute darkness and the indescribable beauty 
of its inhabitants.” 

So wrote naturalist William Beebe (1) in 
describing the events leading to his record- 
breaking, 3,028-ft dive in 1934. 

Before Beebe and his engineer associate, 
Otis Barton, descended to this unprece- 
dented depth, man’s involvement with the 


32 


deep ocean reached a maximum of 600 feet 
(2); this was with the aid of heavy metal 
diving suits which reportedly seized or con- 
tracted arthritis at the joints within a few 
hundred feet of depth. 


Barton’s BATHYSPHERE (a word coined 
by Beebe meaning deep sphere) was a single 
spherical steel casting 54 inches in inside 
diameter and 1'/2 inches thick. The 22/2-ton 
sphere was supported on deck by a set of 
wooden skids (Fig. 3.1). A 14-inch-diameter 
entrance hatch was sealed by a 400-pound 
steel door bolted to the sphere. Watertight 
integrity between door and sphere was ac- 
complished by a circular metal gasket fitting 
into a shallow groove and packed with white 
lead to prohibit leaking at shallow depths. 
Three viewports were available, although 
only two were used; these were composed of 
fused quartz glass 3 inches thick and 8 
inches in diameter. The third viewport was 
sealed with a metal plug when spare win- 
dows were subsequently exhausted. Oxygen 
was carried in the sphere in two 80-gallon- 
capacity tanks at 1,800 psi and automatically 
bled into the cabin. Carbon dioxide was re- 
moved by circulating air through soda lime 
and calcium chloride was carried to control 
humidity. 

The BATHYSPHERE was lowered from the 
surface on the end of a non-twisting steel- 
core cable of 29-ton breaking strength. A 
second cable served as a conductor for a 
telephone and two lights, which were aimed 
through a viewport for external illumination. 
The power cable was tied by rope to the lift 
cable at intervals and passed into the pres- 
sure sphere through a stuffing box. Power 
for the lights was provided by a surface 
generator and a battery supplied the tele- 
phone power. In the event of telephone fail- 
ure, an arrangement was made whereby a 
light in the sphere could be keyed from above 
to signal; a further arrangement made it 
possible to key a light on deck from within 
the pressure sphere. 


Built in 1929 by Barton, and donated by 
him to the New York Zoological Museum in 
1940, the BATHYSPHERE progressively 
made record dives over a 4-year period off 
Bermuda. Beebe’s purpose in these dives 
was to pursue his studies of deep-sea orga- 
nisms which he began several years earlier 


Fig. 3.1 Internal arrangement of the bathysphere of 1934. From left to right—Chemical apparatus with its blower; 
four trays and pan; oxygen tank and valve; telephone coil and battery box—the telephones are plugged into this box 
and it is connected by the wire shown on the two hooks above the oxygen valve, with the telephone wires in the 
communication hose; thermometer-humidity recorder, and below it the left hand sealed window; barometer; 
switch-box at top of sphere; central observation window, immediately below switch-box; oxygen tank and valve; 
searchlight. The communication hose is shown as it enters the bathysphere through the stuffing-box. [From Ref. (1)] 


33 


from a laboratory on Nonsuch Island. Finan- 
cial support came from both the Zoological 
Museum, where he was Director of the De- 
partment of Tropical Research, and later 
from the National Geographic Society. 

Beebe’s accounts of BATHYSPHERE’s 
dives in Half Mile Down are exciting, in- 
formative and extremely readable. Indeed, 
his voyages aroused public interest to the 
point where his narrative during the 1,500- 
to 2,200-foot portion of a dive on 23 Septem- 
ber 1932 was transmitted live to the United 
States and Europe by the National Broad- 
casting Corporation. Professor Beebe in the 
1930’s and 40’s was as familiar an undersea 
figure as Jacques Cousteau would be a score 
of years later. 

In spite of Beebe’s successes the BATHY- 
SPHERE and its mode of operation has sev- 
eral deficiencies for the undersea biologist; 
some were minor, others were potentially 
serious. 

—With a weight displacement ratio of 
1.49, the BATHYSPHERE would sink 
like a rock if the cable broke. 

—External pressures squeezed, from 
several inches to several feet, the elec- 
trical cable into the cabin on each dive. 
Packing the cable in ice to contract it 
before tightening down on the stuffing 
box alleviated this problem somewhat. 

—A voltage drop from 110 V to 75 V 
caused by the resistance in 3,600 feet 
of cable reduced the lights’ candle 
power (2,628 to 732) and required 
switching to a more powerful genera- 
tor for photography. The lights, shin- 
ing through the glass viewport, heated 
it to a dangerous level. 

—The cramped quarters in the 4'/2-foot 
sphere made a dive of 31/2 hours almost 
the limit of endurance. 

—Every up-down motion of the surface 
ship was transmitted to the sphere and 
only a flat calm allowed a specified 
depth to be maintained. 

—Although corrected to an acceptable 
degree—by packing with white lead lu- 
bricant—leakage around viewports 
and hatch cover occurred frequently. 

The lack of horizontal maneuverability 
prompted Beebe to take, what must be con- 
sidered, daring measures on shallow reef- 
exploring dives. Towed along by the surface 


34 


ship, and with fixed wooden rudders at- 
tached to stabilize the sphere, Beebe ob- 
served the bottom at close range and relied 
solely on voice command to the ship to raise 
the BATHYSPHERE when a vertical obsta- 
cle appeared in his path. On one such voyage, 
he relates an encounter with a towering 
coral head which came perilously close to 
colliding with the dangling sphere. One must 
stand in awe of these early pioneers, for in 
the thirties a parting of the cable, even at 
shallow depths, virtually guaranteed a death 
warrant. 


To one early undersea adventurer, Menotti 
Nani, the technical and environmental perils 
of deep submergence were apparently inci- 
dental. Mr. C. R. Vincent, an early 1930’s 
metal alloys fabricator of Newark, New Jer- 
sey, was approached by Mr. Nani to con- 
struct a 300-ft, 1-man submersible of his de- 
sign. Mr. Vincent, now of Houston, Texas, 
recently related this experiment in a Febru- 
ary 1974 issue of “The Ensign” and called 
the little boat another ‘“‘Novelty of the 
Depression Era.” Constructed almost en- 
tirely of Krupp stainless steel, the submers- 
ible (Fig. 3.2) had four tiny glass viewports 
aft and relied upon the ejection of com- 
pressed air for propulsion. Mr. Nani’s origi- 
nal intention was to demonstrate the feasi- 
bility of this type of submersible for observa- 
tion and, with modifications, submarine res- 
cue. But, except for a few test dives in the 
Passaic and Hudson Rivers, the prototype 
never realized its potential and slipped qui- 
etly into obscurity. Its demise, however, 
could not be attributed to lack of daring on 
Mr. Nani’s part, for at one point his plans 
envisioned riding in the submersible as it 
was dropped from the George Washington 
Bridge. The New York City police, however, 
considered the plan to be without scientific 
merit and refused permission. 


In spite of the high public interest and 
many scientific revelations of the BATHY- 
SPHERE, a period of deep-sea inactivity fol- 
lowed its successful dives. To the clairvoy- 
ant, a hint of where the next activity might 
arise could have come from the many refer- 
ences by Beebe to the stratospheric balloon- 
ing accomplishments of a Swiss physicist, Au- 
guste Piccard, who displayed a keen interest 
in Beebe’s dives. 


Fig 3.2 Inventor Menotti Nani waves a grim goodbye as he prepares for a plunge into the Hudson River. (Mr. C. Richards Vincent, Houston, Tex.) 


Piccard, a towering, innovative research 
scientist, was interested in the study of 
cosmic rays, and, because of the earth’s pro- 
tective atmosphere, designed a stratospheric 
balloon to carry him and his instruments 
above the atmosphere for unhindered meas- 
urements. On August 18, 1932, the Professor 
ascended from Zurich to a world record 72,- 
177 feet. Financed by the Belgium National 
Fund for Scientific Research or Fonds Na- 
tional de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS), 
the balloon was named FNRS, and in 1933 its 
gondola hung prophetically over the BATHY- 
SPHERE in the Hall of Science of the Cen- 
tury of Progress Exposition at Chicago. 

Beebe was a biologist whose major interest 
in the BATHYSPHERE was its ability to 


35 


provide him with a better means to conduct 
his studies; he was a user of technology, not 
a developer. Piccard, on the other hand, be- 
came a developer of technology and a user of 
the laws of physics. His initial interest was 
cosmic ray study which forced him to modify 
and apply the stratospheric balloon in the 
same manner that Beebe applied the BATH- 
YSPHERE. Subsequently, he developed a ve- 
hicle the marine scientist could use to pene- 
trate the oceans as he did the atmosphere 
(3). The seed of this undersea vehicle germi- 
nated for some time in the Professor’s mind, 
and in 1939 the FNRS granted him some $25 
thousand to construct a bathyscaph or deep 
boat, christened FNRS-2. But before he pro- 
gressed into the actual construction stage, 


World War II intervened and halted all 
thoughts of peaceful research. 


At the commencement of WWII the follow- 
ing state-of-the-art existed in military and 
other undersea circles: Diesel-electrie sur- 
face-powered military submarines were oper- 
ating at a maximum depth of 312 feet and, 
under normal conditions, stayed underwater 
some 20 hours using what air was in the boat 
when the hatches were closed. Lithium hy- 
droxide was scattered throughout the sub- 
marine for carbon dioxide absorption if the 
situation warranted. Ambient-pressure div- 
ing, i.e., where the diver is exposed to sea 
pressure and not inside a pressure-resistant 
suit or capsule, had progressed to the stage 
where 243-foot dives, breathing helium-oxy- 
gen, were a practicality (4). Earlier subma- 
rine disasters in 1925 (USS S-51) and 1927 
(USS S-4) demonstrated the need for devel- 
opment of better diving techniques and res- 
cue devices. In conjunction with the Bureau 
of Mines, the U.S. Navy’s Bureau of Con- 
struction and Repair began investigations 
into all aspects of prolonged deep-diving at 
ambient pressure. This work progressed to a 
point where an Experimental Diving Unit 
was established in Washington, D.C., in 1927, 
which went on to develop chambers for res- 
cuing trapped submariners, as well as de- 
compression tables and gas mixture for di- 
-vers. The benefits of this research paid off in 
1939 when the USS SQUALUS went down in 
243 feet of water off the Isle of Shoals in the 
North Atlantic. Forty of the trapped crew 
were rescued by the newly developed rescue 
chamber and with the assistance of divers 
breathing helium-oxygen. 


Ambient pressure diving up to 1943 was, 
BATHYSPHERE-like, tethered to the sur- 
face for support in the form of air and verti- 
cal movement. Devices did exist for the diver 
to carry his own oxygen or air supplies, but 
oxygen is toxic at depths greater than about 
35 feet, and the compressed air device, in- 
vented by a French Naval officer, Com- 
mander Le Prier, in 1925, released a diver- 
regulated, continuous fiow of air into a face 
mask which, by design, imposed very short 
diving limits. 

In 1943 another French Naval officer, 
Jacques Cousteau, teamed with engineer 
Emil Gagnan and produced the demand reg- 


36 


ulator to provide air from tanks only when 
the diver inhaled and automatically in- 
creased the air pressure to equalize pres- 
sures inside the body with water pressure 
outside. The demand regulator and the imag- 
inative artistry of Cousteau later produced a 
revolution in the field of recreational and 
commercial diving. 

With the close of hostilities, Piccard once 
again asked for, and received, the pre-war 
funds allocated for FNRS-2. FNRS-2 served 
as the prototype for all future bathyscaphs. 
Its purpose was to dive deep (10,000 ft origi- 
nally), allow the passengers to view outside, 
range about the bottom and to do so with no 
cable to the surface and with a wide margin 
of safety. 

In many respects, FNRS-2 was a reversal 
of the principles which made FNRS soar. The 
pressure sphere, with a W/D ratio greater 
than 1, would sink unless restrained; the 
Professor constructed an oval-shaped, thin, 
metal-walled float wherein six compartments 
held 6,600 gallons of gasoline which, being 
lighter than water, would float and hold the 
cabin (Fig. 3.3) at the surface.* Gasoline was 
valved off by the pilot to begin the descent, 
and water immediately replaced the gasoline 
to maintain a pressure within the tanks 
equal to that without. FNRS-2 carried sev- 
eral tons of iron shot in steel tanks which 
were restrained from dropping by doors held 
closed with electromagnets. In the event of a 
complete power failure, the doors opened and 
dumped all shot. Similarly, other tanks held 
scrap iron and gravel for additional ballast 
which also jettisoned in the “fail-safe”? man- 
ner. The iron shot could be dumped incre- 
mentally to slow down descent or increase 
ascent. A 7-foot-long cable attached to the 
sphere held a 100-kilogram (wet weight) flat- 
iron-shaped concrete clump which served to 
hold FNRS-2 in stable equilibrium just off 
the bottom. 

Instead of a cable to the surface, FNRS-2 
carried its own power in the form of two lead- 
acid storage batteries which ran two 1-horse- 
power motors (mounted port and starboard 
at the base of the float). External lights were 
provided for viewing and a carbon dioxide 
removal system and oxygen were carried 
within the pressure sphere. The motors 
served to provide a measure of horizontal 
maneuverability for bottom exploration. 


Fig. 3.3. Bottom view of FNRS-2 showing pressure sphere and float. (Jacques Piccard) 


The pressure sphere was larger than the 
BATHYSPHERE (6-ft 7-in. diam.) and was of 
two cast-steel (Ni-Cr-Mo) hemispheres bolted 
together at an equatorial flange. Entry 
through the hatch was made while FNRS-2 
was on deck; once the passengers were in- 
side, there was no way for them to get out 
unless the bathyscaph was lifted clear of the 
water. 


Of the many innovations produced by Pic- 
card, the viewports of FNRS-2 stand out as 
truly significant. Having witnessed the 
BATHYSPHERE’s problem with cracking 
and chipped glass, Piccard, as early as 1939, 
teamed with countryman Professor Guiltisen 
and produced a conically-shaped window of 
acrylic plastic 5.91 inches thick, 15.75-inch 
outside diameter and 3.94-inch inside diame- 
ter. The conical shape offered wide-angle 
viewing (Fig. 3.4) and plastic, unlike glass, 
does not fail catastrophically; instead, it de- 
forms elastically and passes on excess stress 
to its adjacent parts. This configuration and 
plastic are the bases of all submersible view- 


Fig 3.4 Professor Auguste Piccard inspecting an acrylic plastic viewport, one of his 
many contributions to deep submergence. (Jacques Piccard) 


ports today except for the Japanese submers- 
ible KUROSHIO II. 


Other technological areas where the 
FNRS-2 pioneered was in the pressure com- 
pensation of its batteries and the design of 
thru-hull electrical penetrations; both are 
discussed more fully in Chapter 6. As he 
explained in In Balloon and Bathyscaphe 
(3), Piccard did not consider deep diving a 
particularly dangerous undertaking as long 
as one complied with the applicable laws of 
physics and added a margin for safety. Con- 
sider, for example, the pressure sphere 
which had an operating depth of 2.5 miles 
and a collapse depth of 10 miles, and the 
plastic viewports which would only deform 
permanently at a computed ocean depth of 
18%/s miles. There are so many areas in which 
the innovative Swiss physicist laid the 
groundwork for future deep submergence ve- 
hicles that a mere listing would not do jus- 
tice to his accomplishments. Not only did he 
solve a great many technical problems, but 
he also identified those areas where addi- 
tional research was required. More impor- 
tantly, his efforts and subsequent narratives 
served to galvanize the marine engineering 
community into thinking of the problems of 
deep submergence and the oceanographer 
into thinking of its benefits. For this, con- 
temporary participants of deep submergence 
are indebted. 


On the 26th of October 1948, FNRS-2 made 
its first test dive to 84 feet off Cape Verde 
with Piccard and French biologist Dr. Theo- 
dore Monod aboard. The program called for 
an unmanned dive, which was subsequently 
conducted to 4,544 feet on the 3rd of Novem- 
ber, and, when FNRS-2 surfaced, Piccard 
met with a problem neither he nor his suc- 
cessors have solved successfully: Heavy 
weather. With seas too high for its support 
ship SCALDIS to retrieve it, the float was 
emptied of gasoline after a few hours of 
ponderous towing and replaced with carbon 
dioxide, but even so, the float, not designed 
for towing, was so damaged that further 
diving was precluded. A few weeks earlier, 
Otis Barton took an improved bathysphere 
called BENTHOSCOPE down to 4,488 feet off 
Santa Cruz Island, California. 


The French Navy, who lent a great deal of 
assistance to Piccard in 1948, was presented 


38 


the FNRS-2 in 1950 as an apparent result of 
disenchantment with bathyscaphs on the 
part of the Fonds National. At Toulon, the 
French made several modifications to the 
newly-designed FNRS-3; the most important 
being a new float designed for towing and a 
chute-like affair leading down to the original 
pressure sphere within which the occupants 
could enter or leave the cabin with the vehi- 
cle in the water. FNRS-3 began diving under 
the command of Captain George Houot (5) in 
June 1953 and by February 1954 reached the 
unprecedented depth of 13,700 feet in the 
Mediterranean Sea. 

Still undaunted, Professor Piccard, now 
joined full-time by his son Jacques, pressed 
on with his concept. With financial aid from 
the Swiss government and technical assist- 
ance and grants from Italian industry in the 
city of Trieste, they once more began their 
quest for depth in the form of the new bathy- 
scaph TRIESTE in the spring of 1952. On the 
first of August 1953 the bathyscaph was 
launched. 

The diving principles for TRIESTE were 
identical to those of FNRS-2; the major mod- 
ifications were in dimensions, capabilities 
and, particularly, in the float, now designed 
for surface towing. Specifically, the following 
modifications took place: 

—The pressure sphere was the same di- 
mension as that of FNRS-2 but was of 
forged steel—stronger and more malle- 
able than cast steel. 

—Electrical power was from silver-zine 
batteries carried in the pressure 
sphere. 

—The viewport in the hatch, now on 
hinges, could be used to view exter- 
nally owing to installation of a plastic 
window in the access trunk. (FNRS-2’s 
hatch viewport was blocked by the ap- 
paratus holding the hatch in place.) 

—The float held almost four times as 
much gasoline (22,600 gal) as FNRS-2, 
was stronger and was cylindrically 
shaped with a keel for better towing 
characteristics. A floodable vertical ac- 
cess trunk ran through the float to the 
sphere for ingress/egress to the cabin 
when TRIESTE was afloat. Tanks fore 
and aft in the float could be filled with 
air on the surface to attain greater 
free-board. 


These and many other improvements carried 
TRIESTE to 10,392 feet by September 1954 
off Ponza, Italy. 

In 1957 the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval 
Research provided funds for a series of 26 
dives by its civilian oceanographers and na- 
val officers out of TRIESTE’s home port of 
Castellemare (6). Encouraged by this new 
approach to deep-sea studies, the Navy pur- 
chased TRIESTE in 1958 from Auguste Pic- 
eard for $250,000 (7) and transported it to 
San Diego, California where it came under 
control of the Navy Electronics Laboratory 
(now the Naval Undersea Center). At NEL, 
TRIESTE received a facelifting in the form 
of a new pressure sphere, built by the Ger- 
man firm of Krupp, which allowed it to oper- 
ate to a depth of 36,000 feet (the Terni sphere 
was limited to 20,000 feet) and an increase in 
the float of 6,200 gallons to accommodate the 
new 28,665-pound sphere (8). 

By mid-October 1959 TRIESTE (Fig. 3.5) 
was fully assembled and made ready for its 
first deep-sea dives off Guam under the aegis 
of Project NEKTON. The French-held record 
by FNRS-3 fell on 15 November 1959 with a 
dive to 18,105 feet with Jacques Piccard and 
NEL biologist, Dr. Andres Rechnitzer, 
aboard TRIESTE. Eight dives later, on 8 
January 1960, a 22,560-foot dive by Piccard 
and Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh saw this 
record fall, and on the next dive, Piccard and 
Walsh reached the very bottom of the Chal- 
lenger Deep: 35,800 feet on 23 January 
1960—the contest was over. TRIESTE dem- 
onstrated that any ocean depth could be 
safely reached. The drama of these early 
years is presented in detail by Auguste Pic- 
card (3), Captain Houot (5) and Jacques Pic- 
ecard (9) in their books which chronicle the 
pioneering events leading up to the 1960 
dive; for this reason the many technical 
problems and discouragements along the 
way are left out of the preceding account. 

Just north of TRIESTE’s earlier port at 
Castellemare was a little noticed effort to 
build a deep-diving vehicle, but in this case 
the Italian builder, Pietro Vassena, intended 
to build a submersible for the recovery of 
wrecked ships (10). The submersible (Fig. 3.6) 
was constructed from a “torpedo snorkel” 
submarine built during the war. As early as 
13 March 1948, Mr. Vassena and a companion 


Fig 3.5 TRIESTE just prior to its Deep Dive. (Larry Shumaker) 


Fig. 3.6 Pietro Vassena in the conning tower of his submersible for the recovery of 
wrecked ships. (Gianfranco Vassena) 


reached a depth of 1,234 feet in Lake Como, 
but later, on an unmanned test dive, a lift 
cable broke and it was lost. 


Elsewhere throughout the world, submers- 
ible activity in the 1950’s was minimal. Not 
surprising, Japan, a country dependent upon 
the sea for 64 percent of its protein needs (2 
percent in the U.S.), was an early user of 
submersibles. While Beebe dived to provide 
biological information of an academic nature, 
Dr. Naoichi Inoue, Head of the Faculty of 
Fisheries at Hokkaido University, initiated 
design and construction of the BATHY- 
SPHERE-like KUROSHIO (Fig. 3.7) to inves- 
tigate a major factor in his country’s nu- 
trient resources. By 1960 the 650-ft, 3-man 
KUROSHIO conducted 380 dives for benthic 
(bottom dwelling) and nektonic (free-swim- 
ming) fisheries studies off the coast of Japan. 
Retired in 1960, KUROSHIO was replaced in 
the same year by KUROSHIO II, a larger, 
maneuverable, more capable successor to its 
earlier namesake. 


In the United States two submersibles ap- 
peared in the fifties: SUBMANAUT and 
COLDFISH. Built by Martine’s Diving Bells, 
Inc., of San Diego, California, SUBMANAUT 
(Fig. 3.8) used diesel/electric power on the 
surface and batteries while submerged. Orig- 
inally designed for an operating depth of 
2,500 feet, installation of a 3-inch-thick, 13- 
foot-long, plastic wrap-around window for 
photography decreased its capability to 600 
feet. Launched in 1956, SUBMANAUT shot 
underwater films for various movie compa- 
nies before it was shipped to Miami, Florida 
in 1958 from where it traveled to the Baha- 
mas, Cuba, Italy and Bermuda to shoot other 
movie and television footage. In military 
submarine fashion, SUBMANAUT made sev- 
eral journeys, e.g., Miami to the Bahamas, 
on the surface under its own diesel/electric 
propulsion. In its most notable assignment, 
SUBMANAUT was featured in the MGM 
movie Around the World Under the Sea (11). 


The shallow diving (100-ft) GOLDFISH was 
the 1958 creation of an ex-Navy submariner, 
Mr. Burt Dickman of Auburn, Indiana. 
GOLDFISH was a prototype submersible for 
investigating and photographing insurance 
claims on sunken vessels, but it never real- 
ized this potential although it carried sev- 


Fig. 3.8 Edmund Martine’s SUBMANAUT used diesel engines for surface power 
and batteries when submerged. (Edmund Martine) 


eral hundred people into various Indiana 
lakes over the next 10 years. 

Displaying remarkable foresight in the re- 
quirements for manned submersibles, 
Jacques Cousteau, as early as 1953, began 
design on the 1,000-foot, small, maneuvera- 
ble DIVING SAUCER (Fig. 3.9) which was 
launched in 1959. Cousteau’s desire was to 
build a submersible from which scientists 
could observe and photograph oceanographic 
phenomena in comfort and with a degree of 
access to undersea valleys and narrow can- 
yons not attainable by the large, cumber- 
some bathyscaphs. Cousteau dived several 
times in FNRS-3 and saw the weak and 
strong points of the underwater elevator. 
Several bathyscaph features, such as conical, 


Fig. 3.9 Cousteau’s DIVING SAUCER. The forerunner of Bathyscaph progeny. 
(Westinghouse) 


POWER & TELEPHONE 
CABLE—CANVAS COVERED 


SEARCHLIGHT GUARD 
STROBE LIGHT 
500 W SEARCH LIGHT 
SEARCH LIGHT TURNING & 
ELEVATING CONTROL HANDLES 
CLOCK 
TELEPHONE 
BOURDON-TYPE DEPTH GAGES 
HYDROPHONE RECEIVER 
ADJUSTABLE MIRROR 
SIX INCH 
OBSERVATION WINDOW 
FREE GYRO (ELECTRIC) 
OBSERVER 
SEARCHLIGHT 
POWER CONTROL 
CAMERA PEDESTAL 


A SWIVEL 
0 ADJUSTABLE SLINGS 
HATCH COVER COUNTER WEIGHT 
SUBMARINE-TYPE HATCH 
INFRARED LIGHT 
FOUR INCH OBSERVATION WINDOW 
ASSISTANT 
MAIN SWITCHBOARD 
TELEPHONE 
OXYGEN BOTTLE 
FOUR INCH OBSERVATION 
WINDOW 
STROBE-LIGHT CONTROLLER 
SONAR (ECHOSOUNDER) 


MUD SAMPLING CONTROL 
FIN 


DUCT AS FISH 
FISH CATCHER RESERVOIR 
REVOLVING CHAIR ELEVATING 
FLOOR RUDDER 
MOTOR-GENERATOR FOR GYRO aN =) ie BUOY ROPE 
<a) (EMERGENCY 
PROPULSION MOTOR A y) 
cS LIFTING WIRE) 
SONAR TRANSDUCER CS . scREW PROPELLER 
TURNING GEAR ~O< SoHo ce 
STROBE LIGHT & SPOTLIGHT p>— ; PROPULSION 
FOUR INCH Namen MOTOR STARTER 
OBSERVATION WINDOWS TRANSFORMER 
Sealy ee 


MUD SAMPLING DEVICE 
EMERGENCY RELEASING DEVICE 


BUOY ROPE 
(EMERGENCY 
LIFTING WIRE) 


VENTILATING FAN 

AIR RECONDITIONING UNIT 
ROLLER BEARING 

WOODEN SKIDS 


MAIN CABLE & 
TELEPHONE WIRE 


“KUROSHIO” 


Fig. 3.7 KUROSHIO |. (Courtesy of N. Inoue) 


plastic viewports and pressure-compensated 
batteries went into the DIVING SAUCER, 
but the high degree of transportability, com- 
fort, better viewing, and maneuverability 
were new to the submersible scene. The first 


pressure hull, a disc-shaped, 6-foot 7- 
inch-diameter, 5-foot-high, positively-buoy- 
ant, steel structure was lost in 3,000 feet of 
water off Cassis in 1967, during an un- 
manned test dive, when the lowering cable 


41 


snapped. A cable-suspended weight carried 
the hull to 3,300 feet. Six years hence, Cous- 
teau reports seeing the hull on an echo soun- 
der ‘floating at anchor” 30 feet above the 
bottom. A second hull was completed, and 
DIVING SAUCER (SP-350) commenced div- 
ing in 1959 in the Caribbean from its support 
ship CALYPSO which carried a stern- 
mounted, 10-ton, articulated, hydraulic 
“Yumbo” crane. This was the first open-sea 
“submersible system.” With DIVING SAU- 
CER in the hold of CALYPSO, the submers- 
ible could be transported safely for long dis- 
tances at 12 knots, deployed and retrieved at 
the diving site with the Yumbo crane and 
repaired or maintained at sea in the support 
ship’s hold. At the sacrifice of great depth 
capability, Cousteau brought flexibility and 
wide-ranging to submersible operations. 
Cousteau believed speed to be the enemy of 
observation; he described the slow-moving 
(0.6-knot cruising speed) DIVING SAUCER as 
«" . . a scrutinizer, a loiterer, a deliberator, a 
taster of little scenes as well as big. She gave 
us six-hour periods in which to study accu- 
rately the things below” (13). 


In one case DIVING SAUCER pushed tech- 
nology beyond its limits; the case being its 
original nickel-cadmium batteries which 
short-circuited and burned early in the test 
dives. The reason lay in the batteries’ pres- 
sure-compensated fiberglass boxes which 
were poor heat conductors and allowed the 
compensating oil to reach boiling point from 
battery-generated heat. Brass battery boxes 
with gas exhausts replaced the fiberglass 
boxes, but gasses generated in the new boxes 
and they too exploded. Conventional lead- 
acid batteries replaced the nickel-cadmium 
cells, and DIVING SAUCER proceeded to 
dive with little further trouble from this 
source. 

So far as can be determined, DIVING SAU- 
CER was also the first to use the positively- 
buoyant pressure hull itself as a “fail safe” 
mechanism. At submerged trim, the sub- 
mersible was neutrally buoyant; to surface, a 
55-pound iron weight was mechanically 
dropped and DIVING SAUCER rose bubble- 
like to the surface. 

The submersible scene, when TRIESTE 
ushered in the decade of the 60’s with its 
record dive, may be described as “simmer- 


42 


ing.”” The achievement of record depth by 
TRIESTE was duly noted in the press and 
trade journals, but the space program in the 
United States completely dominated re- 
search development programs. The Federal 
financial climate, however, was friendly to- 
wards other exploration-technologic endeav- 
ors. 


PRE- AND POST-THRESHER 
(1960-1965) 


In the years 1960 through 1963 eleven new 
submersibles appeared; their intended pur- 
poses varied, but they were all relatively 
small (2-man) and shallow diving (less than 
600-foot operating depth); the exception 
being the French Navy’s bathyscaph AR- 
CHIMEDE, a 1961 replacement for the aging 
FNRS-3. Capitalizing on the lessons learned 
from FNRS-3, ARCHIMEDE could dive to 
any known ocean depth; its power supply 
was increased for greater maneuvering; the 
pressure sphere was enlarged to accommo- 
date more research instrumentation; and its 
float was designed for towing at speeds up to 
8 knots. 

In these early sixties, private industry’s 
incentive to build a submersible is not en- 
tirely clear. In the case of government- 
owned vehicles (KUROSHIO II, AR- 
CHIMEDE) the incentive is clearer: KURO- 
SHIO II was built to specifically investigate 
a national food resource; ARCHIMEDE’s 
purpose was to pursue deep-water scientific 
studies and to conduct recovery tasks of mili- 
tary significance. From the limited depth 
and specific tasks, such as recreation, instru- 
ment test platform and insurance claims, the 
impetus for construction seems almost per- 
sonal. In some instances, however, it appears 
that a few larger corporations sensed a new 
market in the offing. One must remember 
that the time it takes for the idea to become 


_ reality in the submersible business can be 


considerable. So when a large, complex vehi- 
cle, such as ALUMINAUT, is launched in 
1964, the influencing forces and decision to 
build predate launch by several years. 
Fifteen years had passed since the end of 
WWII, and the written (14) and photographic 
accounts by Cousteau and his associates on 
the beauty of the sea and religious-like ambi- 


ence of scuba diving, plus the commercial 
availability of relatively inexpensive diving 
gear, produced an annual invasion of the sea 
by newly-trained recreational divers at an 
ever-increasing rate. 

Beginning in 1961 with the first SPORTS- 
MAN 300 and in 1963 with SPORTSMAN 
600, both sometimes referred to as AMER- 
SUB’s (15), the American Submarine Co. of 
Lorain, Ohio constructed shallow one- and 
two-man submersibles aimed at the recrea- 
tional market (as their name implies) as well 
as government and other commercial activi- 
ties. Various reports allude to 20 or more of 
this class having been constructed (16), but 
documentation is lacking. 

A diving enthusiast himself, Florida news- 
paper publisher, John H. Perry, Jr., believed 
that a need existed for recreational submers- 
ibles to provide protection from sharks and 
other predators. In 1962 Perry manufactured 
his first successful “recreational” submers- 
ible (the third one built), the 150-ft, 1-man 
Perry CUBMARINE (at one point called SUB 
ROSA), later designated PC3-X (Fig. 3.10). 
But he soon abandoned the recreational goal 
and felt the market showed a need for indus- 
trial and scientific undersea ‘‘workboats;” to 
this end he produced the 600-ft, 2-man PC- 
3B in 1963. Perry advanced from a “backyard 
builder” hobbyist in 1950-1960 to a profes- 
sional submarine builder—today the full- 
time producer of 12 submersibles of varying 
depths and capabilities and numerous diving 
capsules and several undersea habitats. In 
the process Perry Submarine Builders of Ri- 
viera Beach has become the largest single 
producer of manned submersibles in the 
world. But the impetus towards this produc- 
tion began with the assumed need for a 
recreational vehicle. 

At Long Beach, California, the first “gen- 
eral utility” submersible (17) SUBMARAY ap- 
peared in 1962. The 2-man, 300-ft-depth vehi- 
cle laid claim to a wide range of capabilities: 
“Sea floor surveys, search and recovery, ma- 
rine life studies, underwater photography, 
undersea research/development, inspection 
of pipeline, cables, etc.’”’ Mart Toggweiler was 
the first private owner to pursue the indus- 
trial and scientific undersea market and, ata 
lease cost of $500 daily, his corporation, Hy- 
drotech, subsequently reported 180 SUB- 
MARAY dives by the spring of 1964. 


43 


Fig. 3.10 PC3-X, the first of thirteen submersibles built by John Perry of Riviera 
Beach, Fla. (Perry Submarine Builders) 


More modest capabilities went into the de- 
sign of the first, and only, modern wooden- 
hulled submersible, SUBMANAUT, built in 
1963 by oceanographer James R. Helle of San 
Diego. Unlike its earlier steel-hulled name- 
sake, this SUBMANAUT was built of 3/4-inch- 
thick, laminated plywood “Doughnuts” and 
had a design depth capability of 1,000 feet. 
The 2-man vehicle was to serve as a test 
platform for various electronic devices, e.g., 
pingers, communications systems, developed 
by Oceanic Enterprises, a division of Helle 
Engineering, Inc. 


The same year saw the first, timid-like 
entry of large industry into the submersible 
field, for up to this point the participants 
were either federal governments or private 
individuals. 


The nation’s largest military submarine 
builder, General Dynamic’s Electric Boat Di- 
vision at Groton, Connecticut, put forth the 
first of its STAR (Submarine Test and Re- 
search Vehicle)-class vehicles, the 1-man, 
200-ft-depth STAR I. 

At this point it is interesting to note that a 
number of reports from NEL scientists had 
been published detailing the oceanographic 
discoveries and advantages of man in situ. 
The enthusiasm of the NEL oceanographers 
and their Naval officer associates was infec- 
tious and generated an optimistic future for 
manned underwater research and surveys. 
Significant, unique applications of manned 
submersibles were coming from a respected 
and highly qualified group of oceanogra- 
phers and Naval officers (18); their influence 
was permeating the “new markets” forecasts 
of large American industry. 


Indeed, just a year earlier (July 1962) 
Westinghouse Electric Corporation an- 


nounced plans to build a 12,000-ft DEEP- 
STAR as a laboratory facility for its own 
undersea studies, and, if enough interest was 
shown, they would build further DEEP- 
STARS for lease or sale (19). For further 
reassurance Electric Boat had only to look in 
its own shops where the 51-ft-long, 12,000-ft- 
depth, 20-year dream-child of J. Louis Rey- 
nolds (20) was under construction. ALUMI- 
NAUT, an all aluminum submersible, was 
being built to conduct deep-ocean explora- 
tion into minerals and food resources and the 
salvage of sunken cargo vessels (21). As early 
as 1956 design studies at the Southwest Re- 
search Institute (22) had begun on ALUMI- 
NAUT and the idea was now becoming real- 
ity. 

Meanwhile, oceanographers at Woods Hole 
Oceanographic Institution on Cape Cod were 
closely following the construction of the 6,- 
000-ft, 3-man submersible ALVIN, being built 
at General Mills in Minneapolis. ALVIN 
(named after WHOI oceanographer Alyn 
Vine) was funded by the U.S. Navy’s Office of 
Naval Research and, when completed, would 
come under the technical control and opera- 
tion of WHOI. The Navy’s interest in deep 
submergence was twofold: To demonstrate 
the feasibility of new construction tech- 
niques, materials and subsystems for possi- 
ble application to future military subma- 
rines; and to provide civilian and military 
oceanographers with a vehicle from which 
they, like their NEL counterparts, could con- 
duct oceanographic studies applicable to 
both military and civil requirements. At an 
estimated $1 million, ALVIN would be a rela- 
tively inexpensive test platform considering 
the $180 million plus cost of the then mod- 
ern-day nuclear attack submarines. In addi- 
tion, while the materials/eomponents testing 
was in progress, an equally important set of 
environmental data would be obtained. 

To add further promise of a burgeoning 
undersea market, in April 1963 the U.S. De- 
partment of the Interior asked Congress for 
funds to perform a feasibility study on a 
nuclear-powered research submarine or 
mesoscaph to conduct a wide range of biologi- 
cal and geological studies (23). Explaining the 
need for such funds, the then Secretary of the 
Interior, Stewart Udall, stated: 


““‘We need better eyes in the sea; eyes 


44 


Fig. 3.11 General Dynamics’ STAR / simulates rescue of personnel at 192 feet off 
Bermuda. (Gen. Dyn. Corp.) 


comparable in power to those with 
which scientists are probing outer 
space. We need to apply our techno- 
logical abilities to more intensive 
probing of inner space, the world 
ocean.” 

With such promising indications did Elec- 
tric Boat launch its STAR I (Fig. 3.11) for the 
expressed purpose of more clearly defining 
the problems inherent in underwater engi- 
neering: Materials, structural and hydrody- 
namic design, instrumentation, buoyancy, 
navigation, control communications and life 
support. 

For related purposes, the Data and Con- 
trols Division of Lear Siegler, Inc., launched 
their 600-ft, 2-man BENTHOS V as a test 
vehicle for subsystems, particularly in the 
area of propulsion. 

Into this atmosphere of cautious and hope- 
ful anticipation, a tragedy arrived which 
brought the field of deep submergence to a 
fever pitch. On 10 April 1963 the nuclear 


attack submarine THRESHER (SSN-593) 
(Fig. 3.12) disappeared in 8,400 feet of water 
off the coast of New England and carried 129 
men to their death. A Navy task force was 
immediately fielded to locate the wreckage 
and attempt to determine the cause of the 
sinking. In addition to a variety of devices to 
search the general area—such as towed cam- 
eras and magnetic sensors—the searchers 
also desired to place men on the scene. At 
this time TRIESTE constituted the only U.S. 
capability for reaching 8,400 feet. 

TRIESTE’s performance in 1963 and a year 
later was less than admirable: Too slow tow- 
ing (2-3 knots); too slow submerged (0.9 
knot); awkward to maneuver; surface pre- 
and post-dive preparations could not be per- 
formed when seas greater than 3 to 4 feet 
high prevailed; in short, the bathyscaph was 
simply not able to put the time on the bottom 
required for searching (24). Even with an 
interim overhaul, from which a newly desig- 
nated TRIESTE II emerged with a new float 
designed for faster towing (Fig. 3.13) and 
greater propulsive power and a manipulator, 
it wasn’t much better than an elevator, and 
an unreliable one at that. 

Two weeks after THRESHER met its 
doom, the Secretary of the Navy set up a 
Deep Submergence Systems Review Group 
which conducted a year-long study on deep- 
oceans operations, not only for THRESHER- 
type search missions, but for recovery of 
missile and space components as well. In 
June 1964 the DSSRG released its report. 
Four main categories were addressed: 1) Re- 
covery (rescue of personnel); 2) man-in-the- 


Fig. 3.12 The USS THRESHER which sank in 1962 and carried 129 men to their 
deaths. (U.S. Navy) 


sea; 3) investigation of the ocean bottom and 
recovery of small objects, and 4) recovery of 
large objects. The total amount recom- 
mended for a 5-year program to meet the 
group’s stated objectives was $333 million. 
Specifically, the recommendations of interest 
to submersible builders called for the follow- 
ing: 

Recovery of Personnel: Six rescue units with 

two submersibles in each unit capable of 

rescuing personnel from the collapse depth 

of current submarines (at a later date a 

depth of 5,000 ft was established). 

Recovery of Small Objects and Ocean Floor Investi- 

gation: Two search units of two small sub- 

mersibles each with an ultimate depth ca- 
pability of 20,000 feet. 

Recovery of Large Objects: An unspecified num- 

ber of small submersibles capable of sup- 

porting recovery of intact submarines 
down to collapse depth. 

The recommendations were accepted in 
June 1964 and a Deep Submergence System 
Project was established to execute them. The 
following November a meeting was held in 
Washington, D.C., where the DSSP was de- 
scribed and areas of technological concern 
delineated. Eight hundred industry repre- 
sentatives attended; 1,000 were unable to 
attend owing to lack of space (25). The abso- 
lute finality of sudden, violent death, the 
lack of knowledge as to why and the possibil- 
ity of nuclear contamination, of which no 
evidence could be found (24), produced a re- 
action never before witnessed in the wake of 
a submarine tragedy. 

With increasing attention focusing on the 
deep sea, new submersibles joined the fledg- 
ling 1964 community. The 100-ft NAUTI- 
LETTE continued to pursue the recreational 
field, but John Perry’s PC-3A1, a 300-ft, 2- 
man submersible, went to the U.S. Army for 
a new type mission: Recovery of missile com- 
ponents in the down-range islands of the 
South Pacific. Its sister-sub, PC-3A2, went 
to the Air Force for similar tasks. 

At the Naval Ordnance Test Station, China 
Lake, California, the 2,000-ft, 2-man DEEP 
JEEP was launched. DEEP JEEP, under 
construction since 1961, was built primarily 
to evaluate various design systems and oper- 
ational techniques anticipated for a general- 
purpose oceanographic and work submers- 


Fig. 3.13 The evolution of TRIESTE 1958 (date approximate). (U.S. Navy) 


e ‘ 


Fig. 3.13 TRIESTE—1964. (U.S. Navy) 


46 


Fig. 3.13 TRIESTE 1958 (U.S. Navy) 


ible in underwater test ranges (26). Several 
subsequent U.S. Navy submersibles (HI- 
KINO, NEMO, MAKAKAI, DEEP VIEW) 
were built for purposes similar to DEEP 
JEEP, i.e., to test and evaluate systems and 
materials rather than serve in an opera- 
tional capacity. 

In Woods Hole, ALVIN was launched and 
began testing for a career that would be 


47 


exceeded by none for contributions to under- 
sea technology and science. The 15,000-ft AL- 
UMINAUT (Fig. 3.14) rolled off the ways at 
Groton to play: 


“*. . .a key role in man’s efforts to farm 


the sea, mine it and harness its ener- 
gies.” 
—J. Louis Reynolds (27) 


Two other submersibles appeared in 1964 
for reasons different than any so far. ASH- 
ERAH, a 2-man, 600-ft vehicle (Fig. 3.15), was 
built by General Dynamics for the Univer- 
sity of Pennsylvania Museum with grants 
from the National Geographic Society and 
the National Science Foundation. Named 
after the Phoenician sea goddess, ASHERAH 
would play a major part in mapping ancient 
Mediterranean shipwreck sites under the di- 
rection of archeologist George Bass. AU- 
GUSTE PICCARD (Fig. 3.16), named after 
the now deceased father of deep submer- 
gence, was designed by Jacques Piccard and 
constructed by Giovanola of Switzerland. 
The 93-ft-long, 2,500-ft-depth submersible 
was stationed on Lake Geneva (Leman) and 
conducted daily dives wherein 40 passengers, 
each with his own viewport, cruised the bot- 
tom of the 1,000-ft-deep lake. AUGUSTE PIC- 
CARD was financed by the Swiss National 
Exposition as a tourist attraction; from 16 
July 1964 to 17 October 1965 it conducted 
1,112 dives and introduced over 32,000 pas- 
sengers to the field of limnology. 

That a market for submersibles did, in fact, 
exist was demonstrated in 1964 and early 
1965. Under an arrangement with Cous- 
teau’s OFRS, Westinghouse Corporation’s 
world-wide charter facility brought the DIV- 
ING SAUCER to California where it carried 


; | 
ete aa 
eee 


Fig. 3.14 


48 


scientists and engineers from government 
and academia on a total of 132 dives during 
January—March 1964 and November 1964— 
April 1965. Working primarily in the canyons 
off Southern California, the DIVING SAU- 
CER produced an impressive array of in situ 
oceanographic data and photographic docu- 
mentation. The uniqueness of deep diving 
and its inherent drama received a great deal 
of attention from the media and trade jour- 
nals and served as a further catalyst draw- 
ing attention to hydrospace. The DIVING 
SAUCER operations were the first long-term, 
open-ocean series of dives where industry 
provided the submersible system as a facility 
for diving scientists. 


OCEANOGRAPHIC CLIMATE OF 
THE MID-SIXTIES 

Based on the accelerated development of 
submersibles from 1965 to the present (1975), 
one must conclude that somewhere between 
1963 and 1966 the undersea climate brought 
many companies to the decision to build. Let 
us examine, from the decision-maker’s point 
of view, the atmosphere which influenced his 
thoughts in 1965. 

TRIESTE’s record dive to the greatest 
known ocean depth and the twenty or so 
follow-on second generation submersibles 
were obvious proof that no major break- 


Reynold's ALUMINAUT underway to sea trials off Connecticut in 1964. (Gen. Dyn. Corp.) 


Fig. 3.15 ASHERAH is christened to begin its life as an underwater archeologist for the Univ. of Pennsylvania. (Gen. Dyn. Corp.) 


throughs in technology were required to 
build a safe and satisfactory submersible. 
The Navy’s interest in submersibles was 
more than casual: It now owned three (TRI- 
ESTE, ALVIN, DEEP JEEP) and was 
launched into the multi-million dollar DSSP. 
The DSSP was not the only likely candidate 
for submersible services and sales. Proposals 
were circulating amongst various govern- 
ment activities outlining the need for at 
least one and, in several cases, two submers- 
ibles in Navy test ranges as workboats for 
repair, salvage and other duties. In fact, 
specifications were being prepared in 1965 
for construction of two ALVIN-like submers- 
ibles called AUTEC I and II for the Atlantic 
Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, in the 
Tongue of the Ocean, Bahamas. One of the 
best recommendations one can forward in 
replying to a government Request For Pro- 
posals is a demonstrated capability. When 
such RFP’s began appearing it would, so the 
thinking went, be a strong selling point to 


49 


offer a submersible with a successful track 
record as a demonstrated capability. 

Would the funds be forthcoming? By 1965 
the Federal government had already in- 
vested $26 billion in a dramatic, daring and 
exciting space program; why not the sea? It 
was equally dramatic, mysterious and excit- 


Fig. 3.16 Now a Canadian survey submersible, AUGUSTE PICCARD began its 
career carrying 32,000 people to the bottom of Lake Geneva in 1964 and 1965 
(Swiss Expo.) 


ing. Besides, strong arguments could be ad- 
vanced for pushing back the frontiers of hy- 
drospace with its inherent food and mineral 
resources. That the Federal government was 
paying more than lip service to the ocean 
could be seen in the funds allocated for sup- 
port of oceanography. One conservative esti- 
mate (28) shows Federal funds of $21.3 mil- 
lion devoted to oceanography in the year 
1958. In 1963 the annual amount was six 
times that, or $123.6 million. These figures 
reflect funding concerned only with describ- 
ing and understanding the oceans. If funds 
are included which reflect development of 
fisheries, technology, coastal zone develop- 
ment, mapping, charting, ocean engineering 
and other ocean-related activities, these an- 
nual figures are almost doubled. For exam- 
ple, reference (29) shows $227.6 million in 
1968; reference (30), which includes all ocean- 
related activities, shows $431 million for the 
same year. From 1958 to 1965 the funding 
growth of oceanography was, no matter how 
calculated, phenomenal. 


The Federal government was not the only 
prospective customer. Just off the shoreline 
and expanding outward and deeper was the 
oil industry. For years the diver had been a 
full-time employee of the marine petroleum 
community providing repairs, inspection and 
installation of various devices and hardware 
associated with exploration, development 
and production of offshore oil. Submersibles 
could go deeper, stay down longer, and the 
passengers need do no more than look out 
the viewport. Certainly a market could be 
found in this multi-billion dollar industry. 

Adding further enchantment was the tre- 
mendous surge in recreational diving. With 
interest running high, there must be a mar- 
ket somewhere for small, inexpensive recrea- 
tional submersibles; the tourist concept of 
the AUGUSTE PICCARD was given more 
than a passing glance. If 32,000 people were 
willing to pay for a trip to the relatively 
uninteresting bottom of Lake Geneva, it is 
not unlikely that a continuing and even 
larger number would pay for shallower, but 
far more interesting cruises through the in- 
credibly beautiful coral reefs of the Bahamas 
or Florida. 

When one inspected the existing submers- 
ibles in 1965 they all were employed to a 


50 


greater or lesser degree. Those that were 
not, were hurriedly going through testing 
phases and acceptance trials. DIVING SAU- 
CER just finished a lease on the West Coast; 
ASHERAH was conducting biological surveys 
in Hawaii; AUGUSTE PICCARD was making 
an average of nine dives a day at the Swiss 
Exposition; the government-owned vehicles 
were either diving or testing; and the 
smaller vehicles (PC-3B, SUBMARAY) were 
being kept busy. Another new customer was 
introduced in June 1965 when the U.S. Naval 
Oceanographic Office chartered the PC-3B 
for a series of cable route surveys off the 
coast of Andros Island, Bahamas. This was 
not the Oceanographic Office’s only involve- 
ment in submersibles. In the same year it 
received its first funds for a research and 
development program aimed at evolving de- 
sign specifications, instrumentation and op- 
erational techniques for a 20,000-ft Deep 
Ocean Survey Vehicle. In the process, its 
announced intention was to lease existing 
vehicles and use them in actual surveys to 
get a feeling for the problems involved in 
undersea surveying; over $1 million a year 
for the next 5 years was scheduled for sub- 
mersible leases. 

If the potential submersible builder needed 
further encouragement he could find it from 
government officials, the press and his own 
associates; for example: 


“The President (Johnson) announced 
today that the Department of the Navy 
and the Atomic Energy Commission are 
jointly developing a nuclear-powered 
deep submergence research and engi- 
neering vehicle.” 


—White House Press Release 
April 1965 


“. . . the field (deep submergence) is a 
new one and the future rewards for any 
company which can successfully build a 
vehicle capable of working safely, effec- 
tively and for a proper length of time on 
the bottom of the ocean will be great.” 


—VADM I. J. Galatin 
Chief of Naval Material 
May 1965 (26) 
“*| . . in response to the growing demand 
for both government and industry the 


nation’s naval architects are producing 
a fleet of small, odd-looking submarines, 
most of these aimed at great depths.” 


—TIME 
5 June 1965 


““We’re about where the space industry 
was ten years ago. My guess is that this 
new industry will be larger than aero- 
space.” 


—G. T. Scharffenberger 
Senior V. Pres., Litton Ind. 
NEWSWEEK 
27 September 1965 


‘Despite the recent appearance of more 
non-military submersibles the shortage 
still exists.” 


—R. Loughman, 
General Dynamics Corp. 
—G. Butenkoff, 
Allis Chalmers Mfg. Co. 
September 1965 (29) 


There was yet another factor impossible to 
assess: the magnetic attraction of man to the 
deep ocean. The opportunity to be on the 
very frontiers of abyssal exploration is pow- 
erful tonic. The attraction of things beneath 
the sea is apparent considering the televi- 
sion and cinematic successes of Cousteau 
and others. The foundations of this attrac- 
tion lay in the unknown, the beauty, the 
eternity, the serenity and the brutality of 
life beneath the waves. To the layman, it is a 
spectator’s world; to the average oceanogra- 
pher and marine engineer of the pre-1960’s it 
was a world of inference. Before Beebe, all 
knowledge of the ocean below 100 or so feet 
was derived from instruments hung over the 
side of ships. From such discrete bits of data 
did oceanographers infer the condition of the 
deep. When scientists and engineers, who 
spent years on rolling, pitching ships trying 
to piece together what lay beneath their 
decks, sense the opportunity to see this 
realm with their very eyes, decisions can be 
made which transcend profit-and-loss state- 
ments. Whether large or small, corporations 
are groups of individuals, and the attraction 
of the deep ocean is no less to the engineers 
or vice presidents of General Motors or 


a1 


North American Rockwell than it is to a 
Piccard or a Perry. To an immeasurable, but 
significant degree, this magnetic attraction 
drew the decision-makers of the mid-sixties. 


VEHICLES FOR ANY OCCASION 
(1965-1970) 

Succumbing to the prevailing atmosphere, 
submersible builders in the last 5 years of 
the 1960’s produced the greatest variety of 
deep-sea participants and activities in his- 
tory and, almost overnight, saw the sharpest 
decline. From 19 operational vehicles in 1964, 
the number grew to 60 by the end of 1970. 
Federal support of oceanography, increasing 
by leaps and bounds in the early sixties, 
leveled off in the latter part of the decade, 
and with it the submersibles of large indus- 
try either went into storage or were sold. 
The largest user of submersibles in the U.S., 
the Navy, acquired its own vehicles and dis- 
continued leasing. Trends in vehicle design 
developed which resulted in greater viewing 
capability, diver support and transport, 
greater manipulative capacity and a lessen- 
ing emphasis on great depth capability. 

Indeed, developments and shifting trends 
in undersea technology occurred with such 
rapidity in this period that it must be fol- 
lowed on a year-to-year basis to comprehend. 


1965 

Under an agreement with Cousteau’s 
OFRS, Westinghouse Corp. anticipated the 
delivery of a 12,000-ft DEEPSTAR vehicle in 
1964, but welding problems developed in the 
Vasco Jet-90 steel hemispheres. The attend- 
ant delay and possibility of Navy certifica- 
tion problems was unacceptable to Westing- 
house. Instead, they constructed a sphere of 
HY-80 steel, used by the U.S. Navy in nu- 
clear submarines, and, accepting a depth de- 
crease of 8,000 feet, fitted it to the already 
designed DEEPSTAR. The Vasco Jet hull 
remained in France and would later (1970) 
constitute the pressure sphere of SP-3000 
(31). The new DEEPSTAR 4000 began its 
test dives at San Diego in early 1966. 

In Vancouver, British Columbia three com- 
mercial divers completed the first of their 


Fig. 3.17 PISCES |, Il and III (L to R). Workhorses of the Arctic and North Sea. (International Hydrodynamics) 


PISCES-class vehicles. PISCES I (Fig. 3.17), 
a 1,200-ft, 3-man submersible, was con- 
structed by International Hydrodynamics 
Ltd. (HYCO) “‘. . . to provide a quantum 
jump in man’s ability to work undersea.” 
Reasoning that a submersible offered 
greater depth, duration and exploration 
ranges, the partners of HYCO also saw the 
opportunity to allow the non-diving special- 
ist of any discipline to visit subsurface work- 
sites under “‘shirt sleeve” conditions. A total 
of seven submersibles and hundreds of dives 
would come out of this small, vigorous Cana- 
dian firm in the next 8 years. 


1966 

The role of manned submersibles in under- 
sea search efforts was given a strong boost 
in February 1966 when an American bomber 


52 


collided with its tanker during mid-air re- 
fueling off the southern coast of Spain. Four 
of the aircraft’s H-bombs fell harmlessly on 
land and were recovered; one fell into the sea 
and initiated another THRESHER-type oper- 
ation to find and retrieve the errant, 1.1- 
megaton bomb. The bottom of the ocean at 
2,200 to 3,000 feet off Spain is characterized 
by deep gullies running downslope at a steep 
gradient; shoreward of 2,250 feet it is more 
level and gentle. The precise location of the 
bomb was unknown, and it could be any- 
where from a few feet deep adjacent to the 
coast, to several thousand feet some miles off 
the coast. Virtually every applicable search/ 
identification device the Navy owned or in- 
dustry could offer was brought into play: 
Mine hunting sonar, side scan sonar, under- 
water television, divers and manned sub- 


Fig. 3.18 Explosive experts examine the parachute-fouled H-Bomb recovered from 
2,850 feet off the Southern Coast of Spain in 1966. (U.S. Navy) 


mersibles. The sonar devices worked well in 
flat, nearshore areas, but they could only tell 
that “‘something’’ was on the bottom, not 
what it was. Ambient pressure divers did 
most of the shallow identification along with 
the Perry PC-3B. In the rugged, offshore 
bottom the bomb was concealed from sonar 
contact by ridges between the gullies. The 
offshore search was left to ALVIN, ALUMI- 
NAUT and DEEP JEEP. The latter ran into 
operational difficulties and withdrew early 
in the search. ALVIN located the parachute- 
shrouded bomb at 2,250 feet and attached a 
lift lme which parted during retrieval and 
started the search anew. When the bomb was 
relocated it was now at 2,850 feet, and a self- 
propelled, TV-equipped, cable-powered de- 
vice, CURV (Controlled Underwater Re- 
search Vehicle), was employed to attach a lift 
line for retrieval. In the process of hooking 
up, CURV became entangled in the bomb’s 
parachute and fortuitously both CURV and 
the bomb were retrieved (Fig. 3.18) after 
some 80 days of search/recovery efforts. 


53 


While the performance of all system partic- 
ipants was less than perfect, the bomb was 
found and recovered, an almost impossible 
feat at the time of THRESHER 3 years ear- 
lier. The bomb hunt highlighted the problem 
of undersea navigation, reliability of sub- 
mersibles and the still primitive stage of our 
ability to recover objects from the deep sea 
(32). The bomb hunt, with its attendant pub- 
licity, provided more encouragement to the 
submersible builders. ALUMINAUT’s $304,- 
000 bill for its participation did not go unno- 
ticed either. 

In June 1966 Westinghouse Corporation’s 
DEEPSTAR 4000 (Fig. 3.19) began a diving 
program for NEL that continued into the 
spring of 1968 and covered not only the east 
and west coasts of the U.S., but Central 
America as well. Including a Westinghouse- 
financed series of 11 dives in project 
GULFVIEW in the Gulf of Mexico (33), 
DEEPSTAR 4000 conducted some 500 dives 
from June 1966 through June 1968. It is 
significant that this contract would be the 
longest Navy lease given to any privately- 
owned submersible to the date of this publi- 
cation; the total contract amounted to $2,- 
142,155 (34). 

Another aspect of submersible diving 
which entered the 1966 scene was that of 


Fig. 3.19 Originally slated for 12,000 feet, DEEPSTAR 4000 represented the first 

Westinghouse candidate for deep diving. In its 4-year career the versatile craft would 

conduct over 500 dives and add significantly to our knowledge of the deep sea 
(NAVOCEANO) 


Fig. 3.20 General Dynamic's 1966 entries into Deep Submergence: STAR II and III. (Gen. Dyn. Corp.) 


certification. Prior to 1966 Naval military 
and civilian employees could officially dive in 
privately-owned vehicles with no more than 
the permission of their superiors. In 1966 the 
Navy instituted procedures for certifying 
submersibles to assure that they were mate- 
rially safe to dive. Instructions were later 
issued to certify the operators and the na- 
ture of the mission as well. DEEPSTAR 4000 
was the first commercial vehicle to become 
Navy-certified. To July 1969 all other com- 
mercial submersibles were granted certifica- 
tion waivers. Other government non-Naval 
activities, academia and industry had no 
such requirements until some adopted the 
American Bureau of Shipping’s standards in 
1968. 

ABS does not certify, instead it classifies 
submersibles to conduct a specific task, such 
as transportation or research. The Navy’s 
certification, on the other hand, is for certain 
depths and stated time periods and is only 
concerned with safety of the passengers. 
ABS classification is completely voluntary 
and need not be undergone if the lessee does 
not make it a requirement. Indeed, the only 
Federal regulations governing submersible 
operations then and now are the Coast 
Guard’s regulations applying to small craft. 
Certification and regulations are dealt with 
in more detail in a later chapter. It is suffi- 
cient to note here that many small-submers- 


54 


ible operators feared that the Navy’s certifi- 
cation procedures, which require a great deal 
of expensive testing and documentation, 
would be adopted by the government gener- 
ally. Of nine bills introduced to Congress 
regarding submersible safety since 1968, 
none have become law. 

Further entries to the 1966 submersible 
fleet came from General Dynamics Corpora- 
tion in the form of the 1,200-ft STAR II and 
the 2,000-ft STAR IIT (Fig. 3.20). 


‘1967 


“Unless more small submersibles are 
built in the near future, the demand for 
these craft may exceed the supply.” 


—National Council on Marine 
Research & Engineering 
February 1967 Development Report 


To fill this demand, Lockheed Missiles and 
Space Division launched its sophisticated, 
8,000-ft, 4-man DEEP QUEST. Lockheed was 
the first submersible builder to construct a 
support ship/launch-retrieval system specifi- 
cally designed for its submersible, and DEEP 
QUEST included virtually every type of con- 
trol and maneuvering capability one could 
envision for submersible missions. In addi- 
tion to research, engineering or survey 
tasks, the 40-ft-long vehicle could be fitted 
with a transfer skirt on the bottom of its aft 


Fig. 3.21 Although its early career was short-lived, PAULO / began diving in earnest 
in 1973 as the renovated SEA OTTER. (Anautics Inc.) 


pressure sphere to effect rescue of trapped 
submariners; in essence, it was the first in- 
dustry DSRV and clearly demonstrated 
Lockheed’s expertise in deep submergence. 
Down the coastline from Lockheed’s Sun- 
nyvale plant, another submersible, PAULO I, 
was launched (Fig. 3.21). Built by Anautics 
Inc. of San Diego, the 600-ft, 2-man submers- 
ible was designed for inspection, survey and 
recovery on the continental shelf. 
Beginning in 1967, Captain G. W. Kit- 
tredge, USN (Ret.), constructed the first of 
several 1-man, 250-ft submersibles known as 
the VAST or K-250 series (15). The submers- 
ible was advertised for application to a wide 
variety of tasks, and an acrylic plastic dome 
on the conning tower and a 16-inch-diameter 
forward viewport provided versatility of 
viewing from the 10.5-ft-long submersible. 
Acrylic plastic was tested for the first time 
as a candidate for pressure hulls. Built in the 
latter part of 1966, plastic-hulled HIKINO 
(Fig. 3.22) underwent tests by the Naval 
Weapons Center at Shaver Lake, California 
in early 1967. Several new concepts were 
embodied in HIKINO: An acrylic plastic 
pressure sphere to provide panoramic view- 
ing; cycloidal propellers for maximum ma- 
neuverability with a minimum amount of 
propulsion units; and a catamaran-type 
chassis or exostructure for maximum surface 
seaworthiness and unhindered visibility (35). 
HIKINO was purely a test vehicle, but it was 
a harbinger of things to come. One para- 
mount criticism of submersibles was the re- 


55 


striction on viewing. No matter how many 
viewports a vehicle may have, from the 
standpoint of safety and operational effec- 
tiveness, more seemed desirable. The concept 
of an acrylic plastic pressure sphere had 
been advanced as early as 1963 (36), but this 
was the first instance of its application. The 
wider range of viewing through transparent 
hulls and large diameter bow domes, pi- 
oneered by HIKINO, would see increased 
application in shallow submersibles of the 
70’s. 


1968 

If there was, in fact, a shortage of sub- 
mersibles in 1967, it vanished in 1968 with 
the advent of 12 new vehicles. 

NEKTON ALPHA, a 1,000-ft, 2-man sub- 
mersible built by General Oceanographics of 
Newport Beach, California, originally began 
its career as an in-house capability of this 
company to conduct contract jobs of its own. 
Another 1,000-ft, 2-man vehicle SEA-RAY 
(SRD-101) was built in this year by Subma- 
rine Research and Development Corp., in 
Lynnwood, Washington for inspection and 
salvage tasks at $1,200 per day. 

International Hydrodynamics Ltd., enjoy- 
ing an extended torpedo-retrieval contract 
for the U.S. Navy in a test range off Na- 
naimo, British Columbia, extended its depth 
capability with the 2,600-ft PISCES II. 

Perry Submarine Builders produced three 
submersibles; the first, the 3-man, 1,200-ft 
PC5 went to Pacific Submersibles, Inc., of 
Honolulu; the second two were unique. The 


Fig. 3.22 The plastic-hulled H/K/INO set an early precedent for submersibles of the 
seventies. (U.S. Navy) 


1,350-ft DEEP DIVER (Fig. 3.23) and the 800- 
ft SHELF DIVER were a new breed called 
“lock-out” submersibles. In both vehicles the 
after portion of the pressure hull was a 
sphere in which the pressure could be 
brought to ambient and a hatch in the bot- 
tom opened to allow egress of divers. While 
not a new concept, it was the first such 
design of this period and was addressed pri- 
marily toward support of divers in the petro- 
leum industry. Demonstrating the versatil- 
ity of this concept to support not only divers, 
but also to effect “dry” transfer of materials 
and non-divers to an atmospheric-pressure 
undersea habitat, SHELF DIVER locked 
onto Perry’s HYDROLAB at the 50-ft depth 
in 1968 and transferred crewmen into the 
habitat without them getting wet. 


On the west coast of the United States, 
North American Rockwell Corp. introduced 
their BEAVER MK IV, another “lock-out” 
submersible of 2,000-ft-depth capacity. BEA- 
VER’s sophisticated instruments and sub- 
systems provided a wide array of capabilities 
in all aspects of undersea tasks. Particularly 
innovative were its two mechanical arms and 
accessories which advanced the state-of-the- 
art in manipulative capability by a wide mar- 
gin. 

Also on the west coast, General Motors 
Corporation’s Defense Research Laborato- 
ries at Goleta, California, launched the 6,500- 
ft, 3-man DOWB (Deep Ocean Work Boat). 
Instead of viewports, DOWB (Fig. 3.24) relied 
upon optical systems for viewing; two 180- 
degree-coverage optical domes were in- 


Fig. 3.23 The Perry-Link DEEP DIVER was the first modern submersible to incorporate a diver lock-out feature. (Ocean Systems Inc.) 


stalled; one looked forward and one down- 
ward. Separate images for two observers 
were provided inside through a central opti- 
cal assembly. 

In December, the U.S. Navy added to its 
Fleet the 6,500-ft, 3-man sister submersibles 
SEA CLIFF and TURTLE (originally AUTEC 
I & II) built by General Dynamics (Fig. 3.25); 
TURTLE was slated for assignment to the 
Navy’s AUTEC in the Bahamas, and SEA 
CLIFF was to be assigned to Woods Hole 
Oceanographic Institution (37), though 
WHOI later declined the offer. 

Under contract to the Grumman Corpora- 
tion of Bethpage, New York, Jacques Piccard 
designed and Giovanola Brothers built the 
48-ft-long, 2,000-ft PX-15 in Monthey, Switz- 
erland (Fig. 3.26). Capable of 4- to 6-week 
duration dives, PX-15 (later christened BEN 
FRANKLIN) was foreseen by Grumman to fill 
a needed gap for extended missions which 
submersibles at that date could not perform 
Fig. 3.24 Now astudent training aid, DOWB was the only submersible to relinquish (38). For its first mission BEN FRANKLIN 

viewports in favor of fiber-optics. (Gen. Motors Inc.) would perform a 30-day drift in the Gulf 
Stream relying on the current for propulsion 


erty : } i | 


Fig. 3.25 Earmarked for work boats in the U.S. Navy's Bahamian Test Range, AUTEC | and // were redesignated SEA CLIFF and TURTLE and ultimately came under Submarine 
Development Group-One in San Diego. (U.S. Navy) 


a7 


and a liquid oxygen-passive carbon dioxide 
removal system for life support. BEN 
FRANKLIN was transported to West Palm 
Beach, Florida in 1968 for sea trials prepara- 
tory to the Gulf Stream Drift Mission. 

In the midst of the increasing undersea 
tempo prospects for the future were taking a 
disquieting turn. At an April 1968 Annual 
Conference of the American Society of 
Oceanography in Los Angeles, California, 
Mr. Thomas Horton, former Marketing Di- 
rector of Westinghouse’s DEEPSTAR 4000, 
presented some chilling news to potential 
submersible lessors (39). Alluding to the de- 
pendence of the Navy submersibles now op- 
erating on Navy Research and Development 
programs, Horton foresaw a dire future in 
light of the R&D funding cutbacks of the 
past few years. He pointed out that indus- 


va ee 
ROPICAL - i 


try’s investment in submersibles was far out 
of proportion to the market, and what mar- 
ket was left would experience energetic com- 
petition, with the weaker companies falling 
by the wayside. 

Furthermore, Horton revealed, it was 
doubtful if any leasing programs to date 
were profitable. He stated that Westing- 
house’s 6-month lease of the DIVING SAU- 
CER was not profitable, and surmised that 
International Hydrodynamics, Perry, and 
Electric Boat, among others, had the same 
experience: Profit on sales and loss on leas- 
ing operations. Horton projected that this 
may be due to a lack of capabilities and 
pointed out “. . . sophisticated as they (sub- 
mersibles) may seem, their ability to do eco- 
nomically justifiable tasks in the sea is very 
unsophisticated.” 


Fig. 3.26 On 14 July 1969 BEN FRANKLIN began a 30-day drift off West Palm Beach, Fla. that carried its crew of six 1,500 miles before they left the 49-ft-long submersible. 
(NAVOCEANO) 


58 


With some experience behind them, sub- 
mersible owners were now in a better posi- 
tion to assess their potential profits; the 
outlook was not encouraging. To maintain a 
submersible and its support ship on standby 
is expensive. A small vehicle such as SEA 
OTTER requires some $80,000 to $100,000 of 
business annually to make a reasonable 
profit (40). A mid-depth submersible of the 
ALVIN-class requires between $700,000 to 
$800,000, and ALVIN operates for a non- 
profit institution. It was becoming clear: 
Submersibles were expensive, and the long- 
term contracts required to operate in the 
black were less and less a prospect. 

In August 1968 a near-tragic event oc- 
curred a few hundred miles off Cape Cod. In 
the process of launching, a lift cable on AL- 
VIN’s cradle snapped, and the submersible 
fell into the sea. Miraculously, the crew 
scrambled out before the vehicle sank in 
5,500 feet of water (Fig. 3.27). The following 
summer, ALUMINAUT was able to put a lift 
hook into ALVIN’s open hatch and USNS 
MIZAR pulled it back to the surface; ALVIN 
was diving again in the summer of 1970. 


“TI will be honest with you. This Adminis- 
tration cannot rush full speed ahead into 
marine development programs. The real- 
ities of national priorities and continu- 
ing inflation demand Executive disci- 
pline. All Federal expenditures have 
undergone sharp review. In many cases, 
we were forced to make painful reduc- 
tions.” 


—Address by Vice President Spiro Ag- 
new 
Fifth Annual Conference of the 
Marine Technology Society 
16 June 1969, Miami Beach, Fla. 


What was suspect earlier was now reality: 
There would be no “wet”? NASA, and if sub- 
mersibles were going to ‘make it,” they 
would do so because there was a unique and 
necessary role they could perform. As far as 
national priorities were concerned, Viet 
Nam, domestic issues and established pro- 
grams, such as outer space, took precedence 
over an expanding deep-ocean exploration 
program. While there was no cut in Federal 
ocean funds, the level of funding increased at 


59 


a rate to take care of inflation. Research anc 
Development funds for Navy submersibl 
leasing were increasingly more difficult t: 
attain and justify in the face of other, mor¢ 
pressing, military requirements. Still, th: 
impetus of the mid-sixties continued to pro 
duce additional submersibles. 

A second Westinghouse vehicle DEEP. 
STAR 2000 and its support catamarai 
SEARCHSTAR (initially called MIDWIFE 
became available as a submersible system 
Although small (45-ft LOA), SEARCHSTAR 
was a unique part of the 3-man, 2,000-ft 
submersible system, its design was hydro 
dynamically matched to the surface motio1 
and mobility attributes of DEEPSTAR 2000 
(41), and it could be dismantled for rail or air 
transport. Originally assigned to Westing- 


Fig. 3.27 ALVIN at 5,025 feet as photographed from the U.S. Navy Research 
Laboratory's towed fish. (U.S. Navy) 


house’s San Diego facility as a part of its 
research inventory, the system was moved to 
Annapolis in 1971 and made available for 
leasing. 

Another addition to the growing California 
Fleet was SNOOPER, a 2-man, 1,000-ft sub- 
mersible built by Sea Graphics Inc. of Tor- 
rance for underwater photography. Farther 
north, International Hydrodynamics Ltd. 
added the 3,600-ft PISCES III to its inven- 
tory and put it to work on its U.S. Navy 
torpedo retrieval contract. 

Across the Pacific, the first of the follow-on 
vehicles stemming out of HIKINO appeared, 
the 2-man, 300-ft KUMUKAHT. Built and op- 
erated at the Makapuu Oceanic Center by 
the Oceanic Institute at Waimanalo, Hawaii, 
KUMUKAHI (meaning “first of a series” in 
Hawaiian) had a 1'/s-inch-thick, 53-inch-di- 
ameter pressure hull made in four parts of 
plexiglass. 

KUMUKAHI was to serve as a test vehicle 
for the far more ambitious DEEP VOYAGER 
Program. Though only a design, the sub- 
mersible DEEP VOYAGER would conduct a 
transit from Hawaii to the U.S. by nothing 
more than taking on ballast and descending 
at a controlled glide and then attaining posi- 
tive buoyancy at 20,000 feet by generating 
hydrazine gas and ascending at another 
specified glide ratio. A total of 48 ascents/ 
descents was calculated to take the 3-man 
vehicle 2,400 miles across the Pacific in 16 
days. The DEEP VOYAGER Project, esti- 
mated at $2.25 million, never saw fruition 
and, after a few dives, KUMUKAH I itself was 
retired and put on display at Sea Life Park 
in Waimanalo. 

The year 1969 also saw the advent of the 
Jules Verne-like NR-1. Though the majority 
of its construction and operational details 
are classified, the U.S. Navy’s NR-I broke 
away from the constrictions of lead-acid bat- 
teries and incorporated a nuclear reactor 
into its 130-ft long hull. With a life support of 
45 days and virtually unlimited power, the 
General Dynamics-built NR-1 seems capable 
of research and surveying on a scale unap- 
proachable by its contemporaries, and at an 
estimated cost of $100 million (15) it is un- 
likely to be rivaled for some time to come. 

Minute by comparison were the two 1l-man, 
1,600-ft SP-500’s (PUCE DE MER or Sea 


60 


Fleas) launched by Cousteau’s Office Fran- 
cais de Recherches Sous-Marine (later be- 
coming Centre D’Etudes Marine Avancees- 
CEMA) in Marseilles. Primarily for underwa- 
ter photography, the 10-ft long SP-500’s 
would be used to film much of the later 
television footage in which the Cousteau 
group so excels. 


Other “firsts” were appearing in the sub- 
mersible field. The Piccard-designed BEN 
FRANKLIN inauspiciously submerged in the 
Gulf Stream off Palm Beach, Florida on 14 
July and surfaced 30 days later south of the 
Grand Banks. Only once during the 1,500- 
mile drift did the vehicle experience diffi- 
culty, and that occurred in the second week 
when an eddy carried it out of the Stream 
and required its support ship PRIVATEER to 
tow it back to the central core. For 30 days 
BEN FRANKLIN’s hatches remained sealed 
and the unique, life support system sup- 
ported the 6-man crew. An account of this 
trip is in Piccard’s The Sun Beneath the Sea 
(42), and the flawless performance of BEN 
FRANKLIN is a tribute to his thoroughness 
and infinite capacity for paying attention to 
the minute details which can accumulate to 
ungovernable proportions if left unattended. 


As BEN FRANKLIN silently drifted below 
the ocean’s surface, the U.S. Space Program 
reached its culmination with the first moon 
landing. While the two events may appear 
unrelated, a NASA engineer aboard BEN 
FRANKLIN collected data on “man in isola- 
tion” which would be applied to the Skylab 
Project, an “orbital drift” of the seventies. 

Throughout the U.S. submersible activity 
in private industry began to experience the 
worst of Mr. Horton’s earlier forecast. An 
article in BUSINESS WEEK, “Research Subs 
on the Beach” (27 Dee 1969), saw an even 
gloomier 1970 season, and listed several sub- 
mersibles (STAR II and III, DEEPSTAR 
4000, DOWB, BEAVER, DEEP QUEST) as 
either laid up or idle. From the vantage point 
of large American industry, it was becoming 
painfully clear: The high water mark in long- 
term profitable submersible lease programs 
had been reached; the Federal government 
was not the only group making painful deci- 
sions. 


1970 

In spite of such omens, U.S. submersibles 
continued to appear, but, responding to the 
inordinate cost of the deep-diving large vehi- 
cles, shallower and less expensive vehicles 
entered the scene. 

NEKTON BETA and GAMMA joined Gen- 
eral Oceanographics’ NEKTON ALPHA and 
leased out at the low cost of $1,000/day, a 
rate far more accessible to money-short sci- 
entists than the $6,000 to $14,000/day cost of 
the larger, deep-diving vehicles. Later in the 
year, on 21 September, NEKTON BETA expe- 
rienced a bizarre accident that took the life 
of passenger Larry A. Headlee and marked 
the first death in the field of deep submer- 
gence (see Chapter 15). 

Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. of 
Chester, Pennsylvania launched its candi- 


Fig. 3.28 The U.S. Navy's NEMO. Now retired from Navy services, NEMO served to 
investigate the feasibility of acrylic plastic for deep submergence. (U.S. Navy) 


61 


date for low-cost, long-endurance missions, 
the tethered GUPPY. The 1,000-ft, 2-man 
GUPPY relied on a cable from the surface for 
power. The $95,000 vehicle resembled the 
earlier BATHYSPHERE only in appearance 
and surface reliance on electrical power; oth- 
erwise it had the operating capabilities of an 
untethered vehicle. 

Furthering the concept of acrylic plastic 
pressure hulls, the U.S. Naval Civil Engi- 
neering Laboratory (NCEL) at Port Hue- 
neme, California, constructed NEMO (Fig. 
3.28), a 600-ft, 2-man vehicle with a pressure 
hull of twelve, 2.5-inch-thick, spherical plas- 
tic pentagons bonded together with adhe- 
sive. Capable of limited lateral maneuvering, 
NEMO was basically an underwater yo-yo. 
Attached to a wire cable beneath the vehicle 
was a 380-pound anchor on a pilot-controlled 
hydraulic winch. Anchoring itself to the bot- 
tom and attaining positive buoyancy, NEMO 
could ascend to a selected depth and hover 
“at anchor.” While the panoramic and hover- 
ing stability offered advantages to the un- 
derwater worker, NEMO was another Navy- 
built vehicle to assess the feasibility of var- 
ious components and materials—in this case 
acrylic plastic as a candidate for fleet subma- 
rines and other military devices. 

Perry Submarine Builders delivered the 
first submersible to a petroleum-oriented 
customer. The 1,3850-ft, 4-man SURVEY 
SUB 1 (PC-9) was built for Brown and Root 
Corp., in Houston, Texas, for use in the oil 
fields as a surveying platform and for inspec- 
tion of pipelines and other production/trans- 
portation hardware. 

With the originally-intended DEEPSTAR 
12000 hull, CEMA completed the SP-3000 
for Centre National pour Exploitation des 
Oceans (CNEXO) at Marseilles. The French 
SP-3000 (recently designated CYANA) was 
to fill in the 0-10,000-ft depth range not 
amenable to the bathyscaph. 

CEMA was also active at this period in 
construction of the Cousteau-proposed AR- 
GYRONETE for France’s CNEXO and IFP 
(Institut Francais du Petrole). ARGYRO- 
NETE would be a 1,970-ft, submersible com- 
posed of a large cylindrical pressure hull 
where passengers would live at atmospheric 
pressure and a smaller pressure hull where 
divers would live or lock-out at ambient pres- 


sure (Fig. 3.29). Diesel-electric motors would 
provide it with surface propulsion and auton- 
my of operations. Lead-acid batteries would 
ipply submerged power, and in combination 
vith its life support system, a submerged 

ive of 8 days would be possible for the 10- 
nan crew. However, when the pressure hulls 
vere constructed and joined, further work on 

RGYRONETE was halted to reconsider the 
»roject from a financial viewpoint and to 
study future uses of the vehicle (43). No 
further work has been reported since Octo- 
ber 1971. 

In 1970, Westinghouse Corp. also halted 
construction on the DEEPSTAR 20000. Pos- 
sibly anticipating a Federal customer, design 
work on the 20,000-ft vehicle began in the 
optimistic atmosphere of 1966, but by 1970 
Westinghouse, like others, could read the tea 
leaves and no customer for the $5 to $10 
million submersible was foreseen. With the 
pressure hull and many other components 
completed, the never-assembled DEEPSTAR 
20000 went into storage. 

With little need for a second BEAVER, 
North American Rockwell sold a spare set of 
BEAVER pressure hulls to International Hy- 


drodynamics who configured the hulls into 
the lock-out vehicle SDL-1 for Canadian 
Forces. Externally similar to the PISCES- 
class submersible, the 2,000-ft, 6-man SDL-1 
is capable of lock-out to 1,000 feet and would 
augment Canadian Forces’ capability for mil- 
itary and scientific tasks. 

Like their Canadian counterpart, the U.S. 
Navy also took delivery on a submersible in 
1970, the first Deep Submergence Rescue 
Vehicle (DSRV-1). Capable of rescuing 24 
men at a time from 3,500 feet (to be uprated 
to 5,000 ft), DSRV-1 (Fig. 3.30) was, and 
remains, the most complex, sophisticated un- 
dersea vehicle today, but the price tag was 
far beyond 1964 expectations. Originally esti- 
mated at $3 million apiece, based on ALVIN’s 
cost, DSRV-1 cost an estimated $43 million 
(44). The original DSSRG recommendation 
for 12 such vehicles for a total of $55 million 
was, to say the least, embarrassingly shy of 
the mark. Indeed, embarassment was a com- 
mon attribute among the earlier prognosti- 
cators of the nation’s future in the sea. By 
the end of 1970, the deep submersible leas- 
ing/building curve was plummeting down- 
ward in the U.S. and the largest customer, 


oe pp 


4 
} 


is “) “"@ (On oie i 


Fig. 3.29 The pressure hulls of ARGYRONETE. Offering, in concept, capabilities for underwater work far beyond that of present submersibles, ARGYRONETE has yet to proceed 
from this point of construction shown in 1971. (Thomas Horton) 


the Navy, now had a broad-spectrum sub- 
mersible capability of its own. 

The DSSP was finding considerable diffi- 
culty in funding not 12, but merely 2 DSRV’s. 
A second 5,000-ft DSRV-2 would be launched 
in 1971, but no further vehicles were 
planned. The fleet of submersibles for assist- 
ance in large and small object recovery was 
reduced to one Deep Submergence Search 
Vehicle (DSSV), and this never progressed 
beyond a preliminary design contract con- 
ducted by Lockheed. At an estimated $60 to 
$100 million apiece (15), the DSSV is not a 
likely candidate for construction. With 8 
years separating THRESHER and the DSSP, 
the sense of urgency and the emotions of 
1963 were absent from R&D funding circles. 
So much so, in fact, that the 1968 sinking of 


Fig. 3.30 The first of two U.S. Navy rescue submersibles (DSRV-1) is launched in 
1970 at San Diego, Calif. (U.S. Navy) 


63 


another U.S. Navy submarine, SCORPION, 
in 10,000 feet of water passed with barely 
more than a ripple of concern relative to 
THRESHER. In the hard light of 1970 the 
need for even one DSRV was under close 
scrutiny. Submarine accidents, where the 
crew could be rescued, occurred at depths 
where the McCann Diving Bell or escape 
devices were more operationally practical 
than a DSRV. In cases such as THRESHER 
and SCORPION crush depth was exceeded, 
and any hope of rescue vanished. And fur- 
thermore, the practicality of a DSSV was 
questionable when unmanned devices—suc- 
cessors of CURV—had reached a level of 
competence where the advantages of man on 
the scene were outweighed by long-duration, 
less costly, unmanned remote search sys- 
tems. 

As Vice President Agnew projected, pain- 
ful cuts were being made, and deep-ocean 
technology was feeling the surgeon’s scalpel. 

To exemplify the shortage of funds for 
deep submersible exploration, the Navy con- 
tracted its last- and only-charter of DEEP 
QUEST in April-May 1970 with the Naval 
Oceanographic Office. This organization also 
terminated its leasing of submersibles and 
foreclosed on the prospects for a Deep Ocean 
Survey Vehicle. Similarly, NEL and the Un- 
derwater Sound Laboratory terminated leas- 
ing for lack of funds. 

The cost of maintaining a submersible 
made itself felt on the projected plans for 
work submersibles in Navy ranges. Origi- 
nally slated for the AUTEC range, SEA 
CLIFF and TURTLE were beyond the operat- 
ing budget of AUTEC and were transferred 
instead to the Navy’s Submarine Develop- 
ment Group One (SUBDEVGRU-1), who also 
had TRIESTE II and DSRV-I under their 
aegis. With the acquisition of these vehicles, 
there was little further need of industry 
vehicles to perform Navy tasks. 

Though the fact was yet to be recognized 
by all industry, it was not long coming: Leas- 
ing deep submersibles in the early 70’s of- 
fered no potential for profit. During 1970-71 
the fleet of privately-owned U.S. submers- 
ibles diminished: DEEPSTAR 4000 was al- 
ready in mothballs when joined by DEEP- 
STAR 20000; ALUMINAUT retired in 1971; 
STAR I went on display in the Philadelphia 


Maritime Museum; DOWB was given to 
Santa Barbara City College as a training aid 
for engineering students; BEN FRANKLIN 
was sold to Horton Maritime Explorations 
Ltd. in Vancouver, B.C.; BEAVER, after ex- 
periencing fire at 1,545 feet, was repaired 
and sold to International Underwater Con- 
tractors of New York. The promising aspect 
of the sixties was only that, as a “. . . new 
industry larger than aerospace” deep sub- 
mergence would have to mark time. But asa 
capability which improved with age, the 
manned submersible capabilities of the 
1970’s profited by the experience of their 
predecessors. 


A MORE CONSERVATIVE 
APPROACH—THE 1970’s 

Submersible builders of the seventies, rec- 
ognizing that great depth equaled great cost, 
pursued a more modest and inexpensive ap- 
proach. Twenty submersibles were built from 
1971 through 1973: Sixteen of these were less 
than 2,000-ft depth, 13 of which were 1,200-ft 
or less. The deep submersibles were the 6,- 
500-ft PISCES IV and V and the 5,000-ft 
DSRV-2. 

In another vein, the majority of submers- 
ibles—13—were built outside of the U.S. or 
for non-U.S. customers. Twelve were built 
under contract for a buyer or were assured 
of operational funding by a government or 
research foundation. Those built on lease 
speculation offered a particular capability to 
an identified customer: The offshore oil 
patch. A trend toward large-diameter view- 
ing domes, or acrylic plastic hulls, was evi- 
dent, as was lock-out capability. Absent were 
dashing crew uniforms and talk of large 
scale undersea exploration. The field of deep 
submergence was maturing. If the manned 
submersible was to survive, it would do so 
because it could compete with the diver, sur- 
face ship or other engineering, surveying 
and research devices. 

Increased viewing capability utilizing 
large, acrylic plastic bow domes was seen in 
Perry Submarine Builders’ 600-ft PC-8, the 
1,025-ft TUDLIK (PS-2) and the 1,200-ft 
VOL-LI (PC-15). TUDLIK was constructed 
by a Canadian branch of Perry for leasing in 
that country, while VOL-L1, a lock-out sub- 
mersible, was constructed on order for Vick- 


64 


ers Oceanics Ltd. in England. Departing 
from the standard PISCES configuration, In- 
ternational Hydrodynamics constructed the 
1,200-ft AQUARIUS I (Fig. 3.31) with a 36- 
inch-diameter bow dome and Perry-like, bat- 
tery-carrying skids. 

A few blocks away from the energetic In- 
ternational Hydrodynamics group another 
submersible reappeared which once resided 
in California. PAULO IT was sold in 1971 to 
Candive Ltd. of Vancouver and its pressure 
hull was contracted for long-term lease by 
Arctic Marine Ltd., also Vancouver-based. 
This new firm retained the general PAULO I 
outline, but configured and uprated the vehi- 
cle’s depth into the 1,500-ft SEA OTTER (Fig. 
3.32). Adding a new propulsion system, lights 
and cameras, and acquiring one of BEA- 
VER’s versatile mechanical arms, Arctic Ma- 
rine greatly improved the capacity of the 
original vehicle to perform a wider range of 
surveying and engineering tasks. 

Mr. Edwin Link, an innovative and emi- 
nently successful pioneer in the American 
aircraft industry, turned his many talents 
toward the sea in the early sixties designing 
DEEP DIVER and a variety of ambient div- 
ing habitats and devices. In 1971 Mr. Link 


Fig. 3.31 AQUARIUS | typifies the new breed of submersibles: shallow depth, 
simple construction and operation and panoramic viewing. (HYCO) 


saw the launching of another of his designs: 
The 1,000-ft, diver lock-out JOHNSON SEA 
LINK. Donated by Link to the Smithsonian 
Institution and operated by the Marine Sci- 
ences Center at Ft. Pierce, Florida, SEA 
LINK incorporated a forward pressure 
sphere of plastic and an aft diver lock-out 
sphere of aluminum. Philanthropist Seward 
Johnson’s sincere and abiding interest in the 
marine environment was, and remains, a 
chief factor in SEA LINK’s birth and contin- 
ued operation. 

In addition to securing its 5,000-ft DSRV-2, 
the U.S. Navy continued efforts toward ma- 
terial and component testing. In 1971 the 
1,500-ft DEEP VIEW and 600-ft MAKAKAI 
were launched and placed, along with NEMO, 
under operational control of the Navy Un- 
dersea Center at San Diego. An early pioneer 
in submersible design and innovation (DEEP 
JEEP, KUMUKAHI, DEEP VOYAGER), na- 
val engineer Willis Foreman designed the 
glass hemi-head DEEP VIEW to assess the 
problems encountered with joining glass and 
steel under high pressure-low temperature 
conditions. Borosilicate glass constitutes 
DEEP VIEW’s forward hemi-head and HY- 
100 steel its cylinder and after endcap. The 


Dea 


W/D ratio of glass is one of the lowest of all 
materials and its strength actually increases 
under pressure; hence, if some of its fabrica- 
tion and jointing problems can be overcome, 
glass offers tremendous potential to under- 
sea pressure capsules. 

The acrylic plastic-hulled MAKAKAT was 
fabricated to assess various means (includ- 
ing use of fiber optics and photometers) of 
telemetering data through a plastic sphere 
in lieu of thru-hull penetrations and to eval- 
uate and gain experience with cycloidal pro- 
pulsion systems instead of conventional pro- 
peller-rudder type maneuvering. 

The seventies saw the entrance of other 
European countries into the submersible 
field. Anticipating business from the newly- 
discovered and mushrooming North Sea oil 
fields, the Dutch company Nereid nv. of 
Schiedam constructed the 3380-ft, 3-man 
NEREID 330. In addition to a wide range of 
viewing, NEREID 330 is fitted with a 15-ft- 
long, 2,500-pound lift-capacity, mechanical 
arm with a gripping force of 6 tons. A second 
vehicle, NEREID 700, a 4-man, 700-ft sub- 
mersible with diver lock-out capability, was 
delivered to Dutch Submarine Services of 
Amsterdam in the summer of 1973. 


SRR ORRE 


Fig. 3.32 Althought non-political by design, the Canadian submersible SEA OTTER is called to come to the aid of a party. (Arctic Marine Ltd.) 


65 


The West German firm Bruker-Physik A.G. 
launched the 984-ft, 2-man MERMAID I in 
1972 to fulfill a wide variety of tasks. The 
Karlsruhe-based firm is constructing a sec- 
ond craft, MERMAID III, to be launched in 
1975; similar to its sister-vehicle, the later 
version includes diver lock-out and transfer 
capabilities. 

A second West German firm, Maschinen- 
bau Gabler GmbH of Lubeck, produced the 
984-ft, 2-man TOURS 64 and TOURS 66 in 
1971 and 1972, respectively. Differing in di- 
mensions, the 66-boat being slightly larger, 
both have surface diesel-electric propulsion 
and a cruising range of 400 nautical miles. 
Both submersibles were built specifically for 
the unique role of “coral cracking” or gather- 
ing gem-quality red and pink deep-sea corals. 
The harvesting of this valuable coral—which 
lives beyond routine, compressed-air, am- 
bient diving depths—was an early prognosti- 


cation of the role submersibles might play. 
TOURS 64 was delivered to the Taiwan- 
based firm of Kuofeng Ocean Development 
Corp. in Taipei; TOURS 66 went to the Ital- 
ian firm of SELMAR at Cagliari, Sardinia. 
Adding to its country’s small, but viable, 
submersible fleet, the Japanese firm of Ka- 
wasaki Heavy Industries built the 984-ft, 4- 
man HAKUYO, for continental shelf work by 
Ocean Systems Japan, Ltd. Launched in 
1971, the versatile HAKUYO would be a pri- 
vate-industry vehicle for engineering and 
surveying work by other offshore interests. 
At this writing the Perry company and 
International Hydrodynamics are each in 
the design and construction stage of several 
more submersibles. There is talk of a 20,000- 
ft Japanese submersible, but actual con- 
struction has not been reported. 
Several—perhaps 10 or 20—small, shallow- 
diving submersibles were built during the 


Fig. 3.33 A variety of one- and two-man shallow diving submersibles. (Douglas Privitt, Gen. Oceanographics) 


66 


r 
2 


1G 4680 


67 


o 


years covered above (Fig. 3.33), but their 
details are not available. From what can be 
gleaned, they incorporate the same general 
design and operational features as the NEK- 
TON, PC-3A, NAUTILETTE and SPORTS- 
MAN-class submersibles. The reasons for 
their construction can probably be found in 
individual motivation, and detailing their de- 
sign would likely reveal nothing more than 
what can be attained from those listed in 
Chapter 4. 

Large American industry has all but 
stopped construction of submersibles; even 
to lease those built and now inactive would 
require guarantees of long-term leases which 
no present user can provide. Government 
leasing of submersibles in the U.S. has not 
completely stopped, but the scale is modest, 
and the user is purely scientific. In 1972 the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency’s 
MUST (Manned Undersea Science and Tech- 
nology) Program commenced leasing of sub- 
mersibles for programs dealing with environ- 
mental research and monitoring and fisher- 


69 


ies research. Several hundred dives have 
been completed to date with NEKTON, PC-8, 
SEA LINK and DEEPSTAR 2000. The larger 
submersibles DEEP QUEST and ALVIN have 
also been chartered, but on a very modest 
scale. MUST’s (now Manned Undersea Activ- 
ities or MUA) less than $1 million annual 
program is aimed at using the state-of-the- 
art capabilities of submersibles and not at 
investing funds to enhance their instrument 
or performance capabilities (45). 

Emphasis in the submersible field has 
shifted from the Federal government to the 
offshore oil industry. Although the count 
varies, at least five vehicles are presently 
operating in the North Sea; the most ambi- 
tious operation being Vickers Oceanics Ltd., 
which owns PISCES I, II and III, VOL-LI 
and in 1973 leased DEEP DIVER and SUR- 
VEY SUB 1. 

Large-scale international exploration of 
the Mid-Atlantic Ridge commenced in the 
summer of 1973 and will continue through 
1974. This program, FAMOUS, will use AL- 


VIN, SP-3000 and ARCHIMEDE and is 
jointly funded by the French and American 
governments to survey and conduct research 
into the genesis and characteristics of this 
most impressive undersea mountain range. 

It should be evident that the field of deep 
submergence is quixotic and, as Mr. Horton 
forecast some 6 years past, **. . . what mar- 
ket there was would experience energetic 
competition with the weaker companies 
falling by the wayside.’ In 1968 it would 
have taken the foresight of Cassandra to 
prophesize Westinghouse, North American 
Rockwell, General Dynamics, Grumman Aer- 
ospace, Reynolds and General Motors as 
“weaker” companies. But if participation in 
submersible activities is the yardstick, then 
that is precisely the case, for each of these 
giant corporations has retired from active 
participation. Albeit, Westinghouse main- 
tains token representation with DS-2000. 

Interestingly, the stronger companies 
turned out to be “backyard” builders who 
offered simple, relatively inexpensive sub- 
mersibles instead of the deep, sophisticated 
and expensive variety. Two submersible 
builders dominate today: Perry Submarine 
Builders and International Hydrodynamics 
Ltd. (HYCO). The Perry organization has 
built 13 vehicles (PC3-X, PC-3A (1 & 2), PC- 
3B, PLC-4, PLC-4B, PC5-C, PC-8, PC-9, 
PC-15, PS-2, OPSUB, PC-14) and is in the 
process of constructing 4 more. The majority 
of Perry’s business, however, resides in the 
construction of diver delivery and support 
systems, not submersibles. On the other 
hand, HYCO remains strictly a submersible 
builder and has completed seven to date 
(PISCES I, I, 111, 1V, V, SDL-1, AQUARIUS 
I) with orders for six more (PISCES VI, VII, 
VIII, AQUARIUS II, ARIES I & IT) on the 
ledger. 

Determining the number of operating sub- 
mersibles is quite difficult owing to the spo- 
radic nature of their use; some dive full time; 
others, perhaps 1 or 2 months out of the 
year. In any event, some 58 out of the more 
than 100 submersibles built since FNRS-2 
are operating. The status of individual vehi- 
cles is given in Chapter 4; it is of interest to 
note that most of the operational submers- 
ibles are shallow ones, and dive to less than 
2,000 feet. The deeper vehicles are largely 


70 


government-supported vehicles of the United 
States and France. 

Scientific diving is now a small part of 
submersible activities; instead, engineering 
tasks, such as pipeline and cable inspection, 
are the dominant activities. And, at the mo- 
ment, the submersible industry has focused 
on the North Sea. 

Since discovery and development of the 
North Sea oil in the late sixties and early 
seventies, Vickers Oceanics Ltd. of Barrow- 
in-Furness has been and is the major sup- 
plier of submersible services in this area. In 
a 1972 report, Goudge (46) shows a 1969 total 
of 40 operating days for PISCES II growing 
to a total of 500 operating days for three 
submersibles (PISCES I & IT and an uniden- 
tified diver lock-out vehicle) in 1972. 

Two of the most obvious questions concern- 
ing this resurgence in submersible activity is 
why now and why the North Sea? Mr. G. S. 
Henson of Vickers presented his answers in a 
report at a Heriot-Watt University Seminar 
in early December 1973. The North Sea can 
be one of the most inhospitable areas in the 
world and, according to Henson, its condi- 
tions are characterized by: 


—Average sea states and extremes of 
weather conditions significantly worse 
than previously encountered in routine off- 
shore operations. 


—Strong tidal currents and turbidity. 


—Greater water depths than previous oil 
extracting workings; 650 feet at present 
with oil-bearing potential extending to 
depths of 975 feet to 2,000 feet for future 
development. 


—Low water temperature. 


Within these conditions a diver quickly runs 
out of breathing gas and strength and is 
frequently cold and frightened. Additionally, 
the diver stirs up a cloud of bottom sedi- 
ments and is unable to wait for it to clear 
because of his limited gas supply. From a 
mechanical point of view, divers offer little 
or no power at their elbows. 

Acknowledging the technical limitations of 
remote submersible work tools, Henson lists 
their advantages over the diver as being a 
“shirt sleeve’? environment, a reasonable 
power supply and the ability to bottom for 
several hours to wait until conditions clear. 


Working in concert with the diver, who can 
provide specialized functions, the lock-out 
submersible will improve his performance by 
conserving life support, removing the fear of 
loneliness, providing additional power for 
tooling and improving work time by using 
the submersible’s freedom for search and 
approach to the work site. Henson predicts 
that by 1980 the submersible and the satu- 
rated ambient diver will be equals in annual 
earnings (utilization). One might take issue 
with such predictions, but the orders of mag- 
nitude of submersible utilization shown by 
Goudge are irrefutable evidence of an in- 
creasingly significant role for such vehicles 
in the North Sea. 

Predictably, Vickers’ activities have not 
gone unnoticed by other submersible owners. 


Fig. 3.34 This 55-ton hyperbaric section of PHOENIX 66 will be encapsulated into a 
70-ft-long submersible for oil field work to 1,200 feet with a crew of seven. (Sub Sea 
Oil Services, Milan) 


HYCO’s PISCES V and one ARIES are slated 
for North Sea leasing under their new par- 
ent organization, Peninsular and Orient 
Steamship Lines. Sub Sea Oil Services of 
Milan, Italy has acquired the PS-2 and the 
PC5C and is building an immense, mobile 
working habitat designated PHOENIX 66 
(Fig. 3.34) for North Sea application by 1974. 
Taylor Divers’ TS-I is now working on a 
long-term charter in the North Sea and 
other European firms stand ready with their 
entries. 

The “new” future of submersibles is prom- 
ising indeed, but the former participants 
might correctly advise the newcomer to pro- 
ceed with caution. Whether they will heed 
such advice is speculative, for once again the 
manned submersible finds itself a most 
newsworthy item: 

“The energy crisis has created demand 
for little submarines to lay underwater 
pipelines and explore along the ocean 
floor for oil. Suddenly the demand (for 
submersibles) far outstrips supply as oil 
exploration activity picks up.” 


—THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONI- 
TOR 
22 January 1974 


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Corp., Pub. No. 106, College Station, 
Texas, 37 pp. 

Summary of Commercial Leasing by 
Navy Activities. Enclosure (1) to Chief of 
Naval Materials ser. ltr. MAT 0327/DUB 
of 27 June 1969. 

Slates, E. F. 1968 HIKINO mock-up, an 
operational two-man catamaran sub- 
mersible. Naval Weapons Center Tech. 
Note 404—65-68, 39 pp, 2 appendices. 
Lang, R. G. and Scholtz, P. D. 1963 A two- 
man plexiglass submarine for oceanic 
research. Undersea Tech., April, p. 26. 
Ocean Industry 1969, v. 4, n. 1. 

Munz, R. 1967 PX-15: A design for fu- 
ture needs. Data Magazine, November. 
Horton, T. F. 1968 Inside undersea vehi- 
cle systems. The Ocean and the Investor. 
Dean Witter & Co. Pub., p. 75-82. 

R. Bradley, Arctic Marine Ltd., Vancou- 
ver, B.C. (Personal Communication). 
Westinghouse Ocean Research Labora- 
tory. 1971 DEEPSTAR/SEARCHSTAR 
Research Submersible System CD-71-7-— 
800, 15 pp. 

Piccard, J. 1971 The Sun Beneath The 
Sea. Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 
405 pp. 

La Prairie, U. 1972 Recent achievements 
of the French in offshore technology. 
Ocn. Ind., April, p. 115-120. 


44, Undersea Tech., October 1969. 46. Goudge, K. A. 1972 Operating experience 


45. Miller, J. W. and Beaumariage, D. C. 1972 with PISCES submersibles. Conf. Papers. 
NOAA’s Manned Undersea Science and Oceanology International ’72, Brighton, 
Technology Program. National Oceanic England, 19-24 March 1972, p. 270-273. 
and Atmospheric Agency (unpublished 
manuscript). 


73 


MANNED SUBMERSIBLES: 


1943-1974 


The construction and performance charac- 
teristics of 88 submersibles built or under 
construction during the period 1948 through 
1974 are presented in the following pages. 
Not all submersibles built during this period 
are represented, but only those for which 
sufficient details are available to provide an 
adequate description. In some cases there 
are several vehicles of one type; for example, 
the K-250 is one of nine vehicles built to a 
design of Mr. G. Kittredge; 10 additional 
pressure hulls of this design were con- 
structed, but there is no indication that they 
saw completion to a final vehicle. The 
SPORTSMAN 300 and 600 series are other 
examples where some 20 models are alleged 
by various sources to have been constructed, 


75 


but only 3 can be accounted for in the litera- 
ture and from personal communications 
within the field. In all then, over 182 sub- 
mersibles, not including the Soviet bloc, were 
built to at least the pressure hull stage of 
completion in this 26-year period. For ready 
reference and from a historical aspect, Table 
4.1 lists all known vehicles and their perti- 
nent characteristics. 

The great majority are one-of-a-kind and 
show little commonality in design and perfor- 
mance. This diversity of design is matched 
by diversity in definition of terms used to 
describe the various vehicles and their per- 
formance characteristics. ‘“‘Payload” and 
“Endurance,” for example, may be defined 
quite differently by the owner and the user, 


and both, for their own purposes, may be 
correct. For reasons of clarity, definitions of 
the dimensional and performance terms used 
in the following descriptions are given below. 
Definitions of the specific terminology used 
within these categories can be found in the 
appropriate chapters. 


DIMENSIONAL/PERFORMANCE 
TERMS 

Length, Beam, Height, Draft: See Figure 
ati. 

Weight (dry): In-air vehicle weight in a 
ready-to-dive condition with only operating 
and hotel equipment aboard. 

Operating Depth: The deepest depth a sub- 
mersible can operate and maintain a speci- 
fied safety factor, usually 1.5 or greater. 

Collapse Depth: The computed depth (de- 
termined by model testing or calculations 
based on materials testing) at which a pres- 
sure-resistant structure, e.g., pressure hull, 
will fail owing to ambient pressure. 

Hatch diameter: Least diameter of the per- 
sonnel entrance orifice in the pressure 
hull. Where the opening is a truncated cone 
this dimension is the minimum diameter. 

Life Support: The total time (in hours), 
including normal and emergency systems, 
available to sustain one ‘‘average’’ man 
within a closed pressure hull. (See Chapter 9 
for definition of an ‘‘average man.”’) 

Total Power Capacity: Total electrical 
power, in kilowatt hours (kWh), a submers- 
ible’s power plant can generate to supply 
propulsion, hotel load and scientific work 
equipment. Derived from (total voltage 
ampere hours) /1,000. 

Speed/Endurance: Expressed in knots (6,- 
080 ft/hr) and calculated, not from total kWh, 
but from that portion of the power supply 
devoted to propulsion. The employment of 
lights, echo sounders and other equipment 
requiring electrical power will detract from 
the endurance stated. 

Pilot: The number of individuals required 
to safely control the submersible in all as- 
pects of a dive. 

Observers: The number of individuals a 
submersible may routinely carry on a dive 
who are in no way required for control of the 
submersible. 


76 


Payload: The total weight which may be 
placed aboard (internally and externally) a 
submersible after the pilots/observers and all 
other equipment or supplies are aboard 
which are required to conduct a dive to its 
operating depth under routine, safe condi- 
tions. 


COMPONENT/SUB-SYSTEM TERMS 

Pressure Hull: The pressure-resistant com- 
ponent of a submersible wherein the human 
occupants reside. 

Ballast/Buoyancy: The means whereby a 
submersible attains negative or positive 
buoyancy to dive and surface, and to attain 
small-scale changes in + buoyancy when 
submerged. 

Propulsion/Control: The devices a vehicle 
carries to propel it horizontally (main propul- 
sion), vertically and laterally (thrusters), and 
the systems (dive planes and rudders) used 
to control its attitude (pitch, roll, yaw) under- 
way. 

trim: The systems available to attain up/ 
down bow angles (pitch) or list angles (roll) 
through movement of weights or liquids for- 
ward or aft, or port/starboard. In some in- 
stances a builder defines trim as the means to 
attain small-scale buoyancy adjustments 
when submerged; where this is the case, it has 
been included under Ballast/Buoyancy. 

Power Source: The nature and total quan- 
tity of onboard energy (mainly electrical) 
carried by the submersible when diving. 

Life Support: The oxygen supply, carbon 
dioxide removal systems, temperature con- 
trol devices, atmospheric monitoring instru- 
ments, etc., carried aboard. 

Viewing: Dimensions, quantity and loca- 
tion of viewports and other devices providing 
the occupants of the pressure hull direct 
viewing of the external environment. 

Operating/Scientific Equipment: Perma- 
nently installed submersible equipment 
used: 1) By the operator—to communicate on 
and under the surface, to monitor vehicle 
attitude and location and to determine the 
presence of possible hazards; 2) By the ob- 
server—to attain environmental information 
such as water temperature, bottom relief, 


etc. This category is the most likely subject 
for change. 

Manipulators: The devices with capabili- 
ties approximating those of the human arm 
and hand and which permit an operator 
within the submersible to carry out specific 
work functions outside the submersible. 

Safety Features: Systems or components 
whereby the occupants of the vehicle may 
deal with emergencies such as power loss, 
normal deballasting loss, fire, entanglement, 
etc. 

Surface Support: The combination of 
equipments, systems and personnel neces- 
sary to transport, prepare for launch, 
launch, track, communicate with, retrieve 
and otherwise service the submersible and 
its occupants before, during and after actual 
diving operations. 

With the advent of the C5A all submers- 
ibles, excluding AUGUSTE PICCARD, ARGY- 
RONETE, NR-I and the bathyscaphs, are 
air, sea and land (truck or rail) transportable. 
Only a few have a permanent support plat- 
form; for those that do, the name and nature 
of the support platform is included. Submers- 
ibles relying on charter ships or “Ships of 
Opportunity” are noted as “SOO.” 

External Lighting: Lights located outside 
the pressure hull are used for viewing, pilot- 
ing, etc. The majority of submersibles have a 
capability for external illumination; those 
that do not, need merely purchase an off-the- 
shelf underwater light. Rearrangement and 
modifications to lights are quite common and 
simple to conduct. For these reasons no de- 
scription of a submersible’s lighting ar- 
rangement or quantity is provided, for it is 
too likely to change. 

The references provided are the sources 
from which descriptions of specific submers- 
ibles were obtained. In many instances the 
data was acquired from builders’ brochures 
or specifications. In some cases it was de- 
rived from personal contact with the builder; 
where this is the case it is so noted. 


REFERENCES 


ALL OCEAN Fact sheet and Operating In- 
INDUSTRIES structions from All Ocean In- 
dustries, Inc., Houston, Texas 


77 


ALUMINAUT Sheets, H.E. and Loughman, 
R.R. 1964 The ALUMINAUT. 
Paper presented at the 1st 
Ann. Meeting of the Ameri- 
can Institute of Aeronautics 
and Astronautics, Wash., 
D.C., 29 June-2 July 1964. 
AIAA No. 64-459 

Mavor, J.W., Froehlich, H.E., 
Marquet, W.M. and Rainnie, 
W.O. 1966 ALVIN, 6,000-ft 
submergence research vehi- 
cle. Paper presented at the 
Ann. Meeting, New York, 
N.Y., Nov. 10-11, 1966 of The 
Soc. of Naval Architects and 
Marine Engineers, n. 3, 32 pp. 


ALVIN 


AQUARIUS I 

ARIES I 

PISCES I, II, 
III, IV, V 


International Hydrodynam- 
ics Ine., North Vancouver, 
B.C. Fact sheets and personal 
communications with staff 
members. Vickers Oceanics 
Ltd. advertising brochure 


Le Bathyscaphe AR- 
CHIMEDE. Technical bro- 
chure published by D.C.A.N. 
Toulon, March 1971 

Willm, P. 1971 Project ARGY- 
RONETE. A talk delivered at 
the OCEANEXPO Collo- 
quium 9-12 March 1971, Bro- 
deaux, France 

Brancart, C.P. and Hoffman, 
G.H. 1967 STAR II A second 
generation research subma- 
rine. Trans. 3rd Ann. Mar. 
Tech. Soe. Conf. & Exhibit, 5- 
7 June 1967 San Diego, Calif., 
p. 459-478 

The submarine AUGUSTE 
PICCARD. Technical De- 
seription published by The 
Swiss National Exhibition, 
Lausanne, Switzerland 1964 
Black, D.C. 1968 BEAVER 
MK IV Submarine Work 
Boat. Tech. Description T8- 
1473/020. Ocn. Sys. Opera- 
tions of North American 
Rockwell Corp., Anaheim, 
Calif. 


ARCHIMEDE 


ARGYRO- 
NETE 


STAR II 
ASHERAH 


AUGUSTE 
PICCARD 


BEAVER 


BEN FRANK- 
LIN 


BENTHOS V 


DEEP DIVER 
PC-3A (1&2) 
PC-3B 

PC3-X 

PCSC 

PC-8 

PC-14 

PS-2 

SHELF  DI- 
VER 
SURVEY SUB 
1 

VOL-L1 


DEEP JEEP 


DEEP 
QUEST 


DEEPSTAR 
2000 


DEEPSTAR 
4000 


DEEPSTAR 
20000 


Grumman Aircraft Engineer- 
ing Corp., Bethpage, New 
York. 1969 BEN FRANKLIN, 
Brief Systems Description 
Data and Controls Div., Lear 
Siegler Inc., Deep River, 
Conn. (Response to the Com- 
mittee on Marine Research, 
Education and Facilities (IC- 
MAREF) questionnaire, 1969 
and personal communication 
from Garrison Divers, Corp., 
to CDR R. Nevin of NOAA) 
Fact Sheet Perry Submarine 
Builders, Riviera Beach, Fla., 
and personal communications 
with Perry staff 


Forman, W.R. 1966 DEEP 
JEEP from design through 
operation. Jour. Ocn. Tech., 
v.1,n.1, p. 17-23 

Lockheed Missiles & Space 
Co. 1968 Lockheed DEEP 
QUEST Submersible System. 
LMSC/D080197 Revision b 
Eliot, F. 1967 The design and 
construction of the DEEP- 
STAR 2000. Trans. 3rd Ann. 
Mar. Tech. Soc. Conf. & Ex- 
hibit, 5-7 June 1967, San 
Diego, Calif., p. 479-492 
Westinghouse Electric Corp. 
1967 DEEPSTAR-4000 Oper- 
ation and Maintenance 
Manual, v. 1, pt. 1, Pub. 
A32213B710 

Shenton, E.H. 1968 Exploring 
The Ocean Depths. New 
York, W.W. Norton & Co. 
Pritzlaff, J.A. 1970 DEEP- 
STAR-20,000. Trans. Mar. 
Tech. Soc. 6th Ann. Conf. & 
Expo. v. 2, p. 817-836 


DEEP SUB- Northrop Services, Ine., Ar- 


MERGENCE 
RESEARCH 
VEHICLE 


DEEP VIEW 


DOWB 


FNRS-2 
TRIESTE I 
FNRS-3 


GOLDFISH 


GRIFFON 


GUPPY 


HAKUYO 


HIKINO 


JIM 


78 


lington, Va. 1972 Proposed 
DSRV Operational Manual. 
Contract N00024-72-C-0207 
Forman, W.R. 1972 Develop- 
ment & sea trials of the glass 
submersible DEEP VIEW. 
Preprints The 2nd Interna- 
tional Ocn. Dev. Conf., Tokyo, 
v. 1, p. 810-819 

Daubin, S.C. 1967 The Deep 
Ocean Work Boat (DOWB) 
an advanced deep submer- 
gence vehicle. Paper No. 67- 
360 of Joint AIAA/SNAME 
Advanced Marine Vehicle 
Meeting, Norfolk, Va., 22-24 
May 

Piccard, A. 1956 Earth, Sky 
and Sea. Oxford Univ. Press, 
New York 


Dickman, B.L., Auburn, Indi- 
ana (personal communica- 
tion) 

Foex, J.S. 1974 Le GRIFFON. 
L’Aventure Sous-Marine 


Techniques et Exploration, n. 
97, p. 18-21 


Watson, W. 1971 The design, 
construction, testing and op- 
eration of a deep-diving sub- 
mersible for ocean floor ex- 
ploration. Paper presented 
in the Transactions of the 
Annual Meeting of The Soci- 
ety of Naval Architects and 
Marine Engineers, Nov. 11- 
12, New York, p. 405-483 


Arakai, A. 1972 The Opera- 
tion by the HAKUYO. Pre- 
prints The 2nd International 
Ocean Dev. Conf., Tokyo, v. 1, 
p. 820-828 


Slates, E.F. 1968 HIKINO 
Mock-up, an operational 
two-man catamaran sub- 
mersible. Naval Weapons 
Center Tech. Note 404-65-68. 
38 pp. with Appendices 


1973 One atmosphere diving 
suit passes tests for deep 


JOHNSON 
SEA LINK 


K-250 


KUMUKAHI 


KUROSHIO 
IT 

SHINKAI 
YOMIURI 


MAKAKAT 


MERMAID I1/ 
TT & WI/IV 


MINI DIVER 


NAUTI- 

LETTE 

NEKTON 
ALPHA, 
BETA, 
GAMMA 


NEMO 


water. Ocean Ind., Aug., p. 
26-28 

Kelsey, R.A. and Dolan, R.B. 
1970 The JOHNSON-SEA- 
LINK—The first deep diving 
welded aluminum submers- 
ible. Trans. Amer. Soc. Mech. 
Eng. Winter Ann. Meeting, 
Nov. 29-Dec. 3, New York, 
Pub. No. 70 WA/Unt 6, 12 pp. 
Kittredge, G., Kittredge In- 
dustries, Inc. Warren, Me., 
04864 (A brochure, no date) 


Forman, W.R. 1970 KUMU- 
KAHIT paper presented at 
ASME Ann. winter meeting. 
(70-WA/Unt-11) 


Sasaki, T. 1970 On underwa- 
ter observation vessels in Ja- 
pan. Preprints Mar. Tech. 
Soc. 6th Ann. Conf. & Expo., 
June 29-July 1, Wash., D.C., v. 
1, p. 227-262 


Talkington, H.R. and Mur- 
phy, D.W. 1972 Transparent 
Hull Submersibles and the 
MAKAKATI. NURDC Rept. 
NUC TP 283, 24 pp. 

NURDC Hawaii Laboratory, 
1970 A systems Description of 
the Transparent Hulled Sub- 
mersible MAKAKAIT (unpub. 
manuscript) 

Bruker-Physik A.G., Karls- 
ruhe, West Germany, Vehicle 
fact sheets and personal com- 
munication with Mr. J. Haas 
Great Lakes Underwater 
Sports Inc., Elmwood Park, 
Ill. Personal communication 
with Mr. J. Strykowski 


Brochure from Nautilette 
Inc., Ft. Wayne, Ind. 
Personal communication with 
Messrs. Douglas Privitt and 
J. W. Vernon of General 
Oceanographics, Inc., New- 
port Beach, Calif. 

Rockwell, P.K., Elliott, R.E. 
and Snoey, M.R. 1971 NEMO, 


a new concept in submers- 


79 


NEREID 330 


OPSUB 


PAULO I 


SDL-1 


SEA CLIFF 
TURTLE 
TRIESTE II 


SEA OTTER 


SEA RANGER 


SEA-RAY 


SNOOPER 


SP-350 


SP-500 


ibles. NCEL Tech. Rept. 
R749, 68 pp. 

Personal communication with 
Dr. Ir. H.H. Lok of Nereid nv. 
Yerseke, Holland 

OPSUB Instruction, Opera- 
tion and Maintenance Man- 
ual. Ocean Systems Ince., 
11440 Isaac Newton Indus- 
trial Sq. N., Reston, Va. 22090 
Fact sheet from Anautics, 
Inc., San Diego, Calif., 1969 
Systems Description and Op- 
erations Manual. SUB- 
MERSIBLE DIVER LOCK- 
OUT (SDL-1). Canadian 
Forces Technical Order C-23- 
100-000/MG-V01, dated 18 
July 1978, prepared by Inter- 
national Hydrodynamics Ltd. 


U.S. Navy Submarine Devel- 
opment Group One, San 
Diego, Calif. Fact Sheets and 
personal communication with 
Group personnel 


Aretic Marine Ltd., North 
Vancouver, B.C. Personal 
communication with R. Brad- 
ley and staff members 


Verne Engineering, Mt. Cle- 
mens, Mich. SEA RANGER 
600. (Technical Description 
of general capabilities) 


Submarine Research and De- 
velopment Corp., Lynnwood, 
Wash. (Response to IC- 
MAREF questionnaire) 


Undersea Graphics, Torr- 
ance, Calif. Design Informa- 
tion on Undersea Graphics 2- 
man Submersible SNOOPER 


Cousteau, J.Y. and Dugan, J. 
1963 The Living Sea. New 
York, Harper & Row 


Small Bathysphere PUCES 
500. Technical description 
from Centre D’Etudes Ma- 
rine Avancees, Marseilles, 
France 


SP-3000 


SPORTSMAN 
300 & 600 


STAR I 


SUBMANAUT 
(Helle) 


CNEXO technical description 
SOUCOUPE PLONGEANTE, 


S.P. 3000 SUBMANAUT 
Terry, R.D. 1966 The Deep (Martine) 
Submersible. Western Peri- 
odicals, No. Hollywood, Calif. SUBMARAY 
Underwater Development 
Engineering Research and SURV 
Development Department, 
Gen. Dynamics Corp., 1966 
Underwater Equipment 
Availability. (Technical de- 
seriptions of all Gen. Dyn. TOURS 64 & 
produced submersibles) 66 
J.R. Helle, Oceanic Enter- 
prises, San Diego, Calif., (Re- 
sponse to ICMAREF ques- 

\—— BEAM 


DRAFT 


tionnaire, 1969) and personal 
communications 

Report of Survey by Capt . C. 
Holland, Miami, Fla., of 16 
Aug. 1968 

Fact sheets from Hydrotech 
Co., Long Beach, Calif. 
Lintott Engineering Ltd., 
Horsham, Sussex, England 
Technical Description of 
SURV, Standard Underwater 
Research Vehicle 

Personal communication with 
P. Kayser of Maschinenbau 
Gabler GmbH, Lubeck, Fed- 
eral Republic of West Ger- 
many 


—| 


ae 
a 
a) 
ae 
+ 


——> LENGTH >| 


Fig. 4.1. Submersible dimensions 


80 


TABLE 4.1 SUBMERSIBLES — PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE 


(AUGUST 1975) 


ee 


Operating 
Year Depth 
Builder Owner Launched (ft) Crew Status 
ALUMINAUT Gen. Dynamics Reynolds International 
Groton, Conn. Richmond, Va. 1964 15,000 6 Inactive 
ALVIN General Mills Inc. U.S. Navy 1964 12,000 3 Operational 
AQUARIUS | HYCO 
Vancouver, B.C. P & O Intersubs 1973 1,200 3 Operational: 1 
ARCHIMEDE French Navy French Navy Under construction: 2 
Toulon 1961 36,000 3 Operational 
ARGYRONETE Center for Advanced CNEXO Construction Halted 
Marine Studies (CEMA) Paris - 1,970 10 in 1971 
ASHERAH Gen. Dynamics Technoceans 
Groton, Conn. New York City 1964 600 2 Inactive 
AUGUSTE Giovanola Bros. Horton Maritime Expl. Operational by January 
PICCARD Monthey, Switzerland Vancouver, B.C. 1963 2,500 * 1976 
*Has carried 45 people 
BEAVER North Amer. Rockwell International Underwater 
Seal Beach, Ca. Contractors, 
New York City 1968 2,000 4 Operational 
BEN FRANKLIN Giovanola Bros. Horton Maritime Expl. 
Monthey, Switzerland Vancouver, B.C. 1968 2,000 6 Not operating 
BENTHOS V Lear Siegler, Inc. Garrison 8 Divers 
Deep River, Conn. Seattle, Wash. 1963 600 2 Not Operating 
CHIHIRO Kawasaki Heavy Ind. Japanese Government 1975 164 6 Experimental 
Tokyo Rescue Vehicle 
DEEP DIVER Perry Submarine Marine Sciences Ctr. 
Riviera Beach, Fla. Ft. Pierce, Fla. 1968 1,350 4 On Display in 
DEEP JEEP U.S. Naval Ord. Test Sta., Scripps Inst. Ocean. Miami, Florida 
China Lake, Ca. La Jolla, Ca. 1964 2,000 2 Scrapped 
DEEP QUEST Lockheed Missiles & Lockheed Missiles & 
Space Corp. Space Corp. 
Sunnyvale, Ca. Sunnyvale, Ca. 1967 8,000 4 Operational 
DEEP SIX Deep Six Mar. Services 
Miami, Fla. Unknown 1969 150 3 Playground Display 
DEEPSTAR 2000 Westinghouse Elec. Westinghouse Ocn. Res. 
Corp. & Eng. Ctr. 
Annapolis, Md. 1969 2,000 3 Not Operating 
DEEPSTAR 4000 Westinghouse Elec. COMEX 
Corp. Marseilles 
1965 4,000 3 Undergoing refit 
DEEPSTAR 20000 Westinghouse Elec. Westinghouse Ocn. Res. 
Corp. & Eng. Ctr. - 20,000 3 Construction Halted 
Annapolis, Md. in 1970 
Under control of 
DEEP VIEW U.S. Navy U.S. Navy 1971 2,000 2 Southwest Res. Lab. 
DOWB Gen. Mtrs. Corp. Friendship, S.A. Undergoing Refit 
Santa Barbara, Ca. Miami, Fla. 1968 4,500 3 Undergoing refit 
DSRV-1&2 Lockheed Missiles & 
Space Corp. 
Sunnyvale, Ca. U.S. Navy 1976; 1971 3,500;5,000 27 Undergoing sea trials. 
FNRS-2 Auguste Piccard 
Lausanne, Switzerland French Navy 1948 13,500 2 Not Operating 


81 


TABLE 4.1 SUBMERSIBLES — PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE (CONT.) 


FNRS-3 


GLOBULE 
GOLDFISH 


GRIFFON 


GUPPY 


HAKUGEI 
HAKUYO 


HIKINO 


JIM 


JOHNSON SEA LINK 


K-250 


KUMUKAHI 
KUROSHIO | 
KUROSHIO II 


MAKAKAI 
MERMAID I/II 


MERMAID III/IV 


MINI DIVER 


MOANA I 
MOANA Il 


NAUTILETTE 
NAUTILETTE 


NEKTONA, B,C 


Builder 
French Navy 


Burt Dickman 

Auburn, Ind. 

French Naval & Con- 
struction yard 

Brest 

Sun Shipbuilding & Dry 
Dock Co. 

Chester, Pa. 

Heiwa Kosakusho 

Osaka, Japan 

Kawasaki Heavy Ind. 
Tokyo 

U.S. Naval Weapons 
Center 

China Lake, Ca. 
Underwater Marine Equip. 
Ltd. 

Farnborough, Hants, Eng- 
land 


Aluminum Co. of 
America (ALCOA) 


G. W. Kittredge 
Warren, Me 


Oceanic Institute 
Makapuu, Hawaii 
Japan Steel & Tube 
Corp. Tokyo 

Japan Steel & Tube 
Corp. Tokyo 

U.S. Navy 
Bruker-Physik, A.G. 
Karlsruhe, West Ger. 


Bruker-Physik, A.G. 
Kar!sruhue, West Ger. 


Great Lakes Unverwater 
Sports 
Elmwood Park, Ill. 


Nautilette Inc. 
Ft. Wayne, Ind. 
Nautillete Inc. 
Ft. Wayne, Ind. 
Nekton, Inc. 
San Diego, Ca. 


Owner 


French Navy 


COMEX 
Marseilles 
Unknown 


French Navy 


Sun Shipbuilding & Dry 
Dock Co. 

Chester, Pa. 

Tokai Salunge Co. 

Toba, Japan 

Sumitomo Shoji Kaisha, Ltd. 
Tokyo 

U.S. Naval Weapons 
Center 

China Lake, Ca. 
Oceaneering International 
Houston, Tx 


Harbor Branch Foundation 
Ft. Pierce, Fla. 


Various 


Oceanic Institute 
Waimanalo, Hawaii 
Univ. of Hokkaido 
Hokkaido, Japan 
Univ. of Hokkaido 
Hokkaido, Japan 
U.S. Navy 
International 
Underwater Contractors 
New York City 
Bruker-Physik, A.G. 
Karlsruhe, West Ger. 


Same 


COMEX 

Marseilles 

COMEX 

Marseilles 

Mr. D. Haight 
Warrensville, III. 
Nautillete Inc. & Mr. C. 
Russner, Nashville, Mich. 
General Oceanographics 
San Diego, Ca. 


82 


Operating 
Year Depth 
Launched (ft) 
1953 13,500 
660 
1958 100 
1973 1,970 
1970 1,000 
1961 656 
1971 984 
1966 20 
1973 1,300 
1971 1,000 
1966 250 
1969 300 
1951 650 
1960 650 
1971 600 
1972 984 
1974 656 
1968 250 
1,326 
' 1,320 
ca. 1964 100 
ca. 1964 100 
1968, 1970, 
1971 1,000 


Crew 


Status 


Reconfigured from 
FNRS-2. Retired in 
1960 


Operational 
Status unknown, 
sold in 1973 


Undergoing sea trials 
as of Feb. 1974 


Inactive 
Tethered 
Inactive 


Operational 


Not Operating; 
Experimental 


A pressure-resistant 
diving suit; Under- 
going sea trials. Has 
been to 440 feet. 
A second vehicle 
will be completed 
in 1976. 


unknown 


On display 
Retired in 1960 


Not Operating 
Not Operating 


Operational 


To be operational 
by 1976 


Not Operating 
Operational 
Operational 


Operational 

Both vehicles opera- 
tional 

All three vehicles 
operational 


NEMO 
NEREID 330 
NEREID 700 
NR-1 

OPSUB 


PAULO! 


PC-3A (1&2) 


PC-3B (TECH DIVER) 


PC3-X 


PC5C 


PC-8B 
PC-1201 
PC-1202 
PC-1401 
PC-1402 
PC-16 


PHOENIX 66 


PISCES | 
PISCES II 
PISCES III 
PISCES IV 
PISCES V 
PISCES VI 
PISCES VII 
PISCES VIII 
PISCES X 


PISCES XI 


TABLE 4.1 SUBMERSIBLES — PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE (CONT.) 


Builder 


U.S. Navy 

Nereid nv. 
Schiedam, Holland 
Nereid nv. 
Schiedam, Holland 
Gen. Dyn. Corp. 
Groton, Conn. 
Perry Sub. Builders 
Riviera Beach, Fla. 
Anautics Inc. 

San Diego, Ca. 


Perry Sub. Builders 
Riviera Beach, Fla. 
Perry Sub. Builders 
Riviera Beach, Fla. 


Perry Sub. Builders 
Riviera Beach, Fla. 
Perry Sub. Builders 
Riviera Beach, Fla. 


Perry Sub. Builders 
Riviera Beach, Fla. 
Perry Sub. Builders 
Riviera Beach, Fla. 
Perry Sub. Builders 
Riviera Beach, Fla. 
Perry Sub. Builders 
Riviera Beach, Fla. 
Perry Sub. Builders 
Riviera Beach, Fla. 
Perry Sub. Builders 
Riviera Beach, Fla. 
Sub Sea Oil Services 
SPA 

Milan, italy 

HYCO 

Vancouver, B.C. 
HYCO 

Vancouver, B.C. 
HYCO 

Vancouver, B.C. 
HYCO 

Vancouver, B.C. 
HYCO 

Vancouver, B.C. 
HYCO 

Vancouver, B.C. 
HYCO 

Vancouver, B.C. 
HYCO 

Vancouver, B.C. 
HYCO 

Vancouver, B.C. 
HYCO 

Vancouver, B.C. 


Owner 


U.S. Navy 

Dutch Submarine Ser- 
vices, Amsterdam 
Dutch Submarine Ser- 
vices, Amsterdam 


U.S. Navy 
Ocean Sys., Inc. 
Reston, Va. 
Same 


U.S. Air Force 

U.S. Army 
International Under- 
water Contractors 
NYC, New York 
Univ. of Texas 
Austin, Tx. 

Sub Sea Oil Services, 
SPA 

Milan, Italy 


Northern Offshore Ltd. 


London 
Northern Offshore Ltd 
London 


Northern Offshore Ltd. 


London 

Texas A & M Univ. 
College Station, Tx. 
U.S. Army 


Northern Offshore Ltd. 


London 
Same 


Vickers Oceanics Ltd. 


Barrow-in-Furness, Eng. 


Vickers Oceanics Ltd. 
Barrow-in-Furness 
Vickers Oceanics Ltd. 
Barrow-in-Furness 
Dept. of Environment 
Victoria, B.C. 

P & O Intersubs 
Vancouver, B.C. 
Soviet Acad. Sciences 
Moscow 

Soviet Acad. Sciences 
Moscow 

Vickers Oceanics Ltd. 
Barrow-in-Furness 
HYCO Subsea, Ltd. 
Vancouver, B.C. 
Vickers Oceanics, Ltd. 
Barrow-in-Furness 


83 


Year 
Launched 


1970 


1972 


Operating 
Depth 
(ft) Crew Status 
Operated by South- 
600 2 west Research Inst. 
330 3 Operational 
Due to be launched 
700 4 in 1976 
NA 7 Operational 
2,000 2 Inactive 
Reconfigured to 
600 2 SEA OTTER 
Retired in 1975 
300 2 
600 2 Not Operating 
Operational 
150 2 (dives occasionally) 
Undergoing refit 
1,200 3 (August 1974) 
800 2 Operational 
1,000 2 Operational 
1,000 5 Operational 
1,200 2 Operational 
1,200 2 Operational 
3,000 3 Under Construction 
1,200 7 Under construction 
1,200 2 Operational 
2,600 3 Operational 
3,600 3 Operational 
6,500 3 Operational 
6,500 3 Operational 
6,500 3 Operational 
6,500 3 Under Construction 
6,500 3 Operational 
6,500 3 Under Construction 
6,500 3 Under Construction 


PORPOISE 


PRV-2 


PS-2 


QUESTER 1 


SDL-1 


SEA CLIFF 


SEA EXPLORER 


SEA OTTER 


SEA RANGER 


SEA-RAY 


SHELF DIVER 


SHINKAI 


SNOOPER 


SP-350 


SP-500 


SP-3000 


SPORTSMAN 300 


SPORTSMAN 600 


STAR | 


STAR Il 


STAR III 


TABLE 4.1 SUBMERSIBLES — PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE (CONT.) 


Builder 


Unknown 


Pierce Submersibles 
Bay Shore, N.Y. 
Perry Sub. Builders 
Riviera Beach, Fla. 


Deep Sea Techniques 
Brooklyn, N.Y. 
HYCO 

Vancouver, B.C. 
Gen. Dynamics 
Groton, Conn. 

Sea Line Inc. 

Brier, Wash. 
Anautics Inc. 

San Diego, Ca. 

Verne Engineering 
Mt. Clemens, Mich. 
Submarine Res. & Dev. 
Corp. 

Lynnwood, Wash. 
Perry Sub. Builders 
Riviera Beach, Fla. 
Kawasaki Heavy Ind. 
Kobe, Japan 


Sea Graphics Inc. 
Torrance, Ca. 

Office Francais de 
Recherches Sous-Marine 
Marseilles 

Sud Aviation 

France 

Centre de |’Etudes Mar- 
ine Avancees (CEMA) 
Marseilles 

American Sub. Co. 
Lorain, Ohio 

American Sub. Co. 
Lorain, Ohio 

Gen. Dynamics 
Groton, Conn. 

Gen. Dynamics 
Groton, Conn. 

Gen. Dynamics 
Groton, Conn. 


Owner 


Pacific Sub. Co. 
Seattle, Wash. 


Same 


Sub Sea Oil Services 
SPA 

Milan, Italy 

Same 


Canadian Forces 
Halifax, Nova Scotia 
U.S. Navy 


Same 


Candive Ltd. 
Vancouver, B.C. 
Same 


Same 


Unknown 


Japanese Maritime 
Safety Agency 
Tokyo 

Same 


Campagnes Oceanogra- 
phique Francaises (COF) 
Monaco 

COF 

Monaco 

CNEXO 

Paris 


Various 


Various 

Phila. Maritime Mues. 
Phila. Pa. 

Same 


Scripps Inst. of Oceanog. 


LaJolla, Ca. 


Year 
Launched 


1970 


1971 


1972 


1968 


1968 


1968 


1969 


1959 


1969 


1970 


1961 


1963 


1963 


1966 


1966 


Operating 
Depth 
(ft) 


150 


600 


1,025 
650 
2,000 
6,500 
600 
1,500 


600 


1,000 


800 


1,968 


1,000 


1,350 


1,640 


10,082 
300 
600 
200 

1,209 


2,000 


Crew 


Status 
A class of recreational 
submersibles made in 
West Germany and sold 
in the U.S. 


Under Construction 


Operational 
Inactive 
Operational 


Operational 


Operational 

Operational 

Operating 

Operational under Inter- 
Sub, Marseilles 
Operational 


Operational 


Operational 


Operational 
Unknown 
Unknown 
On display 
Operational 


Not Operating 


84 


TABLE 4.1 SUBMERSIBLES — PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE (CONT.) 


Operating 
Year Depth 
Builder Owner Launched (ft) Crew Status 

SUBMANAUT Helle Engineering Same 
(Helle) San Diego 1963 200 2 Not Operating 
SUBMANAUT Martine’s Diving Bells Submarine Services 
(Martine) San Diego, Ca. Coral Gables, Fla. 1956 600 6 Not Operating 
SUBMARAY C & D Tools Kinautics Inc. 

Calif. Winchester, Mass. 1962 300 2 Scrapped 
SURV Lintott Engineering Ltd. Same 

Horsham, Sussex, Eng. 1967 600 2 Scrapped 
TADPOLE-1 Mitsui Shipbuilding & Mitsui Ocn. Development 

Engineering Co. Ltd. & Engineering Co. Ltd. Tethered 

Tokyo Tokyo 1972 328 2 Inactive 
TAURUS HYCO P & O Intersubs 

Vancouver, B.C. Montrose, Scotland = 2,000 NA Under Construction 
TOKAI Heiwa Kosakusho Tokai Salvage Co. Tethered 

Osaka, Japan Toba, Japan 1954 656 2 Inactive 
TOURS 64 Maschinenbau Gabler Kuofeng Ocean Dev. 

GmbH Corp. 

West Germany Taipei, Taiwan 1971 984 2 Operational 
TOURS 66 Maschinenbau Gabler Sarda Estracione Lav- 

GmbH orazione 

West Germany Cagliari, Sardinia 1972 984 2 Operational 
TRIESTE | Auguste Piccard in U.S. Navy 

Trieste, Italy 1953 36,000 3 Retired. On display 
TRIESTE II Mare Island Shipyard U.S. Navy 

Mare Island, Ca. 1964 20,000 3 Operational 
TS-1 (SURVEY SUB 1) _ Perry Sub. Builders P & O Subsea (UK), Ltd. 

Riviera Beach, Fla. London 1970 1,350 3 Operational 
TURTLE Gen. Dynamics U.S. Navy 

Groton, Conn. 1968 6,500 3 Operational 
URF Kockums Swedish Navy 2 Under Construction. 

Malmo, Sweden = 1,510 25 Rescue sub. 
UZUSHIO Nippon Kokankk Tethered 

Tokyo Same 1973 658 2 Inactive 
VASSENA LECCO Mr. G. Vassena Same 

Torino, Italy 1948 1,335 2 Sunk 
VIPER FISH Mr. Don Taylor Same 

Atlanta, Ga. 1969 1,000 2 Unknown 
VOL-L1 Perry Sub. Builders Vickers Oceanics Ltd. 

Riviera Beach, Fla. Barrow-in-Furness 1973 1,200 4 Operational 
YOMIURI Mitsubishi Heavy Yomiuri Shimbu News- 

Ind. paper 

Kobe, Japan Tokyo 1964 972 6 Scrapped 
unnamed P. Dostal & C. Hair Same 

Alvin, Tx. = 600 2 Under Construction 
unnamed Charles Yuen Sub. All Ocean Industries 

Hong Kong Houston, Tx. 1971 150 2 Not Operating 
unnamed Robb Engineering Island Divers Assoc. 

Amherst, Nova Scotia Seal Cove, New Brunswick 1970 600 1 Unknown 


85 


86 


ILENIGSUTS coccochoooconc duooRoDeE Don DOOes aD 
BENE coodesbpeusan cocoon sop osden uous eoR eon 
(AMENGIRIVS so ov ane ooordeos aco DOCOMO e RD pOmiadsD 
DIAVMFUS codooomododanocoggcuod OOS ouN OOOO aa 


WEIGHT (DRY): 


ORERATIN GID ERM i teetercataretajetetel=tareiat=fateltal latest ate 
COPPARSEID ERM amecrrreraretsteraiersyaterpaictal crater ateteis 
[LUNI PY MINES: “ooogagedececadesmauggcogong. 


ALL OCEAN INDUSTRIES 


RATICHIDVAMEME Rau snerrsicesietebesteneietre 


15 ft 
2 ee LIFE SUPPORT (MAX): ...........0- 
pease MOMALIPOWERS his cniasmieaanteeen 
ica Sacre SPEED (KNOTS): CRUISE ............ 
MAN cae. eae 

1¥, 

TeOtEE GCREWHPILOMS. ones eceecen. A es 
a Saale @ESERWERS Cdobeedecoseucs ; 
aa BAY, BOARDS a teeter eeu anes eae 


Ba thein nce NAl 


21% in. 
24 man-hr 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape, acrylic plastic dome. Hull composed of Japanese Ashme steel % in. thick. Conning tower % in. thick. Hull 


36-in. 1D. Dome 2-ft diam.; 1 in. thick. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast tanks blown by two 20-ft3-capacity scuba tanks. Four variable ballast tanks, two forward; two aft. 
PROPULSION/CONTROL: Four, %-hp (each), port-starboard DC motors (Phantom M10). The motors are trained manually and rotate 360° in the 


vertical. 


TRIM: VBT's can be differentially filled either forward or aft to produce angle on the bow. 
POWER SOURCE: Two 12-VDC lead-acid batteries inside pressure hull. 


LIFE SUPPORT: Two 20-ft3-capacity OQ tanks. Automobile vacuum cleaner modified to hold potassium superoxide removes CO). 
VIEWING: Conning tower dome and one forward-looking plastic viewport. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Pressure depth gage, compass. 


MANIPULATORS: None. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Manually-droppable 680-Ib weight. Pressure hull can be flooded for exit. Snorkel for surface breathing. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: soo2. 

OWNER: All Ocean Industries, Inc., Houston, Tex. 
BUILDER: Charles Yuen Submarines, Hong Kong. 
REMARKS: Not operating. Has been to 300 ft. 


87 


ALUMINAUT 


FREN GENS eo rereye: upeteiera: o)'e: eicls es)ietatie se) agar satefehatehoiepttaraiapeie 51 ft HATCH DIAMETER: ........ Hull—19 7/8 in.; Sail—17 in. 
BREEAM Eine avec open se =) ace 0) a) 0)/e) sini ele) e) « (eli=lisiie (sie) eis] a/ ein) 15.3 ft LFS SURF RT UIMER NS oobenoonoeodoooaan an 432 man-hr 
HEIGHT: cee cee we eee rie wile e im eieisisinieie se 16.5 ft TOWN LIROMMSRIS Sooncnoodcsonesbchascgoo wes 300 kWh 
DRAFT c\< wjeieie tein = e)0) 00 (nj0\0 0/0 0, a/ejeie siejsiejaleiejs)eism sie 9.5 ft SBEEDI(KNOmS) IC RUNS Ess revetenatel=neieeiniatstelslislsietcticle 1/75 hr 
WISER (UPIRNAS eotcesopktoadeopokensesoroces 76 tons NVA eteiattattetaKatelnlisialiavelstanete terete tele 3/32 hr 
OBE RAIN Gs DE CIIEN= alsin lane oretalininl-kakelmieliaiel steia 15,000 ft GREW RUE ORS i era eteltetelet nel eletelel eran fiat tear amie rake gene 3 
COLEAPSE DEPT so ote nis cies aieleieie winis nism ss 22,500 ft OBSERWE!RS tremereteieiiteteitelsteteteiate alte teietataltet ae ineie tenets 3 
EFAUNG HDA =) ercretaielate dieteieitteletslepevaiietatelatetslerel= ices) 1964 IMM(WOYNES sosdnsesddcosgaqcendousodeonoas04 3 tons 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape, constructed of aluminum alloy 7079-T6 into 11 forged cylinders and 2 hemispherical endcaps all of which are 
bolted together. Cylinder length 43 ft 4in., OD 8.1 ft, thickness 6.5 in. Metal to metal contact between sections. All penetrations are in hemi-heads. 
Hull thickness at viewports is 7 in. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Pressure hull provides primary positive buoyancy; seawater ballast tanks provide additional positive buoyancy. A 
maximum of 4,700 Ib of iron shot ballast provides primary negative buoyancy in two tanks amidships port and starboard. Another source of primary 
negative buoyancy is from a 4,400-lb lead bar in the keel. At 4,000-ft depth the ballast tanks can be blown free of water to obtain 2,000 Ib of 
Positive buoyancy by displacing approximately 30 ft3 of water. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Horizontal propulsion is from two reversible, 5-hp, DC motors mounted port and starboard on the stern. Vertical 
Propulsion is from a 5-hp, DC motor mounted topside amidships. Stern-mounted dive planes provide addiiional underway control. Horizontal 
maneuvering is through an electrically driven rudder or by using horizontal thrusters in Opposition or other combinations. 

TRIM: Trim system is internal and consists of 300-Ib-capacity tanks from which water can be pumped fore and aft. Lead ballast in the form of 50-Ib 
blocks can be manually shifted to maintain desired trim to +30° bow angle. 

POWER SOURCE: Four 115-V, 400-amp-hr, silver-zinc batteries are in the pressure hull and provide nearly 20,000 Wh. The following forms of 
power are available: 115 VDC direct from batteries (118-140 V long-term potential); 230 VDC direct (236-280 V long-term potential); 28 VDC 
regulated (+10% voltage, +5% frequency) AC, 2.5-W, continuous; 115-V, 60-cycle super-regulated (+1% voltage, +0.03% frequency, 1 kW 
continuous). 

LIFE SUPPORT: ©; is supplied from two steel flasks of 127-ft3 capacity each. CO, removed from cabin air by blowing through a scrubber 
containing 12 Ib LiOH. 

VIEWING: Four viewports located in the bow provide a 160° (total) horizontal field of view through three of the ports and a vertical field of view 
from 25° above the horizontal to 80° below through two ports. Each viewport is 7% in. thick with a 4-in. 1D and a 19-in. OD. 
OPERA.TING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Two up/down Fathometers, CTFM sonar, side scanning sonar, closed circuit television w/light mounted 
On Pan and tilt mechanism, tape recorder, exterior-mounted depth gage, gyrocompass and UQC. 


MANIPULATORS: Two, each with six degrees of freedom. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Shot (4,700 Ib) and lead keel bar (4,400 Ib) are electromagnetically held and may be dropped automatically or manually in 
the event of a power failure. Oxygen Breathing Apparatus (OBA) is supplied which provides 2 hr of emergency breathing/occupant. Ballast tanks can 
be blown at depths to 4,000 ft to supply some 2,000 Ib of positive buoyancy. 

SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: ALUMINAUT is towed by a 135-ft support ship to dive site or anchorage. Ship’s crew and support divers total 10; 
submersible’s crew; pilot, co-pilot, 3 engineers. An operations officer coordinates the field effort and five additional personnel are ashore. The total 
required to Operate the system is 21. Land facilities include a marine railway and barn to lift and shelter the vehicle for maintenance and repair. 
OWNER: Reynolds International, Richmond, Va. 

BUILDER: General Dynamics Corp., Groton, Conn. 

REMARKS: Has not dived since 1969. Now in Jacksonville, Fla. Greatest depth reached was 6,250 ft. 


STERN ACCESS TRUNK 


VERTICAL PROPULSION 
MOTOR 


FORWARD SONAR DISPLAY 
GY ROCOMPASS 


PROPULSION MOTOR 
SCANNING 


C.T.F.M. BALLAST TANK 


SHOT BALLAST TANK 


KEEL SUPERSTRUCTURE 


SIDE LOOKING SONAR 
(UNDER BALLAST TANK) 


BATTERY 


PORT ILLUMINATOR 

TV CAMERA 
AND 

ILLUMINATOR 


OXYGEN FLASK 


88 


89 


SAIL HATCH 


SAIL VENT 
AND BAFFLE << 
CTFM 2 a 
SCANNING SAIL VENT AND LIFT PROPELLER 
SONAR FLOOD VALVE VARIABLE 
BALLAST 
SPHERES SYNTACTIC 
FOAM 
Cine ayy STEERING RAM 


YP KY 


P yy, , 
C= pep 
f 


VIEWPORT 


PRESSURE 


HULL 
MERCURY 
TRIM MERCURY 
TANK TRIM 
THROUGH HULL WANS 
ELECTRICAL MAIN PROPULSION 
PENETRATORS AND MERCURY 
SPHERE BATTERIES TRIM SYSTEMS 
VIEWPORT RELEASE BATTERY OIL pROPULSION 
ELECTRICAL VARIABLE \ RESERVOIR 


DISCONNECT BALLAST VARIABLE 


SYSTEM BALLAST 
SPHERES 


90 


(HENISWIRE oococeono od one UCOU OO O00 O00 DIDO Dr Dsd 25 ft 
ENE DGannodaosooon00 dO OUCU DMO Dee DOGO Dr OO Dig 8 ft 
HEIGHT: 13 ft 
DRAFT: 7% ft 
ieierhr byrne ssasoncouu0GgGG 9 co DUO oe sO 16% tons 
OPERATING DEPTH: ......-..222-.---2-20 12,000 ft 
COPEABSEI DERM watelertelaj=-l<t-1-)=)=1< eis) ole) <)>) =) 18,000 ft 
BPAUWINGHIDIATIES, tye c-tclc ciclelelel oy sisieeiaieier= nies se, 08/0 ele 1964 


ALVIN 


HATCH DIAMETER: ......-.22-e-e- eee eeeees 19 in. 
LIFE SUPPORT (MAX): .225 ce ee wo cie ee 216 man-hr 
MOMAL| POWER (fefererec sre selereemte)niaint~ inlets) sisieleis 40% kWh 
SPEED (KNOTS): CRUISE ..........-.---------> 1/8 hr 
We eo ocousnoepseo5 oo Dooe oc 2/2 hr 

CSA VBIILOUS copsoobacdgoddedadcoroudasomocn ome 1 
OBSERVERS pee ereletotedatereleleie) stots oles fiell=isteint-l=ln tei 2 

PAN TLOVNDE oooponooddan doesn So soon o6Go0ns 1,000 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape. Composed of Navy 621.08 titanium, 7-ft OD, 1.97 in. thick to 2% in. at inserts. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: MBT’s provide 1,500 Ibs of surface buoyancy. VBT’s consist of hard tanks and pump operable to 12,000 ft. Syntactic 
foam provides approximately 4,000 Ib of positive buoyancy. A 250-lb weight is carried to decrease descent time; it is dropped at the bottom; 


another 250-Ib weight is dropped for ascent. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion is from a 10-hp hydraulic motor driving a 50-in.-diam. propeller trainable 50° left or right. Thrusters 
are located amidships which are powered by 6-hp hydraulic motors and are rotatable 360° in the vertical plane. 

TRIM: Bow angles of +10° are obtained by transferring 450 Ib of mercury forward or aft. 

POWER SOURCE: Three, pressure-compensated boxes of lead-acid batteries. Two boxes supply 30 V, the third supplies 60 V. Four 4-amp-hr 


nickel-cadmium batteries supply emergency power. 


LIFE SUPPORT: Gaseous O2 in pressure hull. LiOH is used to remove CO. O2 and CO2 monitors. 
VIEWING: Four large viewports forward; these are 3% in. thick, 5-in. |D and 12-in. OD. A smaller viewport is in the hatch cover which is 2 in. thick, 


2-in. 1D and 6-in. OD. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC with transponder interrogator. Four pressure depth gages, up/down echo sounder, TV, pinger, 
current meter, CTFM sonar, gyrocompass, two-35-mm still.cameras, one 8-mm & one 16-mm cine cameras. 


MANIPULATORS: One with six degrees of freedom. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Manipulator, batteries (3,400 Ib) and specimen basket are attainable. Pressure sphere releasable (2,000 Ib of positive 
buoyancy). Closed circuit emergency breathing off normal O supply. Distress rockets and flares, strobe lights, life vests, radio homing beacon. 
SURFACE SUPPORT: Supported by the catamaran LULU, 105 ft LOA, 48-ft beam, 12-ft draft, 450-ton displacement, max. speed 6 knots, 
propulsion from three 200-hp outboard motors. Seventeen people constitute the system's crew. 


OWNER: U.S. Navy-owned. Operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Mass. 


BUILDER: General Mills/Litton Industries, Minneapolis, Minn. 


REMARKS: Stee! pressure hull replaced by titanium hull in 1973; thereby increasing depth range from 6,000 to 12,000 ft. 


91 


he a 


92 


AQUARIUS | 


MEN Gilsht ciroreteletetatel fate t-b-tel-f-l-f-tetel-fel=kelsl»felelelels\alelie/eie 13% ft BHAT CHIDVAMETIE Rise iereistetsttetateletelnlelelele tele iei=[eiel=i=i= 19 in. 
EVN chacdnonsanoosucoposge Toso UoUooHOo ooo 6 ft EUR ESSUPPO Rite (MAC) =i oretelnieltaiteletele/aleietep=(spe) els 108 man-hr 
mMECnMis codeotinonooasomoogonocoopaUOoUGbOUDS 6% ft OMA OWE Retr eteneretetetstoletetelel-talntetaliafeley-tatelefanetel staf ala NA 
IDIRVNEIS sogcoocononses Condo D Oe OOS oD ODDONnOODO 5% ft SPEEDI(KNOMS) FIC RIUISES te rererefeieteletel ele iefel-teteterenalereyel= NA 
Ween (RA socdenconnonocoopodnDDeDooD 4% tons IMSS eacomobcnodudconosbcodnonoos 3 
OBE RAIN GiD EPaitlaiecretect-iafa-telatafalebelai=valelals! al sleie 1,200 ft CREW SPNMOMS seapetetettatmtetel Vole ole re ian teleNe later =t-ie terror bat =r 1 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: 2c. ccc ce cer eee teenie reese NA OBSERVERS ferctetaieletatalad=inlelatetnlsiefelet-f-lntahefatelel siels 2 
EAWING HDA Eietelelonetalar-fetetelelet=felefalals\eelisiiela/s\s)si'ei\s)/« 1973 PAN CUOYN DE! sion acogobeso GoOsoongodnoadasgcese 1,100 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape of A516 grade 70 steel, 46-in. diam., 105 in. long. 
BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast is from fore/aft mounted fiberglass tanks which are vented or blown dry to provide negative or positive 
buoyancy, respectively. A low pressure surface buoyancy system is provided to obtain reserve buoyancy. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: Lateral movement is provided through a stern-mounted, reversible propeller capable of training 90° port or starboard 
and powered by a pressure-compensated 5-hp motor. Vertical underway control is by port/starboard bow planes mounted forward and above the 
bow viewing dome. 

TRIM: Up/down bow angles can be controlled by bow planes. Two fore and aft fiberglass tanks, subdivided at centerline, can be filled with ambient 
seawater or blown dry collectively or individually to provide both ballast and trim. 


POWER SOURCE: Lead-acid batteries contained in pressure-resistant cylinders (20-in. diam., 96 in. long) of the same material as the pressure hull 
are connected to provide a nominal voltage of 120 V at 225 amp-hr. A 15-V nickel-cadmium battery inside the pressure hull provides emergency 
power. 


LIFE SUPPORT: 039 is carried in two 70-SCF (nominal) tanks. CO is removed by LiOH cannisters. 


VIEWING: One 39-in.-diam., acrylic plastic (grade G plexiglass) dome in forward end of pressure hull. Smaller viewports are elsewhere on conning 
tower and hatch. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, scanning sonar, depth gage, compass. 
MANIPULATORS: One with six degrees of freedom. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Jettisonable propulsion unit and manipulator claw. Emergency power (15-V Ni-Cad battery) in pressure hull. Self-contained 
Oy rebreathers. Manually droppable weight. Life vests, dry chemical fire extinguishers and flashlights. 


SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: Soo. 

OWNER: International Hydrodynamics, Inc., Vancouver, B.C. 
BUILDER: Same as above. 

REMARKS: Operational. 


93 


VERTICAL 


SCIENTIFIC THRUSTER 
EQUIPMENT 
AREA 
GASOLINE SAIL 
VENT VALVE 


ACCESS HATCH 
& TRUNK 


TOWING 
BIT 
MAIN 
PROPULSION 
GASOLINE 
BUOYANCY 
TANK 


STABILIZING 
EEE SHOT VIEWPORT 


GASOLINE 


PRESSURE 
BUOYANCY 
TANK SPHERE 


94 


ARCHIMEDE 


(L(ENGHIER oodnosnoconcocoDaDONODDODDOOUDOUOGO OS 69 ft HATCH DIAMETER: 2... ce ccc ccc emcee cc nincee 17.7 in. 
BREAN rice ieicicieietietetalisrerererstassln) cictelelelslelel(sie)ofeiejel sie siels 13 ft EIBESSUPPORUs(MAX) 2) ape retells tele or-f-tac-1<)etaielarere 108 man-hr 
PENGRIS sosdocecopdoogoDpU oO OOOO OD UDIOMOOROOD 26% ft MOMTMALIROWER 2) fictercieie cise: a) efelelcleier=!=)=1=)= =inln=inle 100 kWh 
DIAVNFIT poodes copoGOuUDODROOOOUDO DODO OUOUOOS 17.1 ft SPEEDI(KNOTS)SICRUISE) qyaretretesete) eter) exenelon=F=\*1=, %/10 hr 
WEIGHT (DRY) stecise erie cele ciel= wls's)=) 0 e)ere eel sin 61 tons (VO s co aauUtiGROnneDaac 2%/3 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: .......----eeeeeeseees 36,000 ft GREW = PEO MTS tie seietalels lel olelete tects /el/- Xe) alimKelaletalallat=i=[=i=) =] situ 1 
COELEAPSE DEPTHS sia cievctete oie w= = wie oer eim ej ele 100,000 ft OBSERVERS bi vote stereteleferer-telelsfolel-tclel-¥elleloyalmletuiala’= 2 
TBAVINGHIDATIE ) sicinic cleveiere lores lave) eine) ss) ale) s\e]eleleleie 1961 PANE OA Diiiicteretelalalslcliolalsicieleteleleltalet-telet-s-)etsneistiate 6,000 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape. Two, bolted hemispheres of Ni-Cr-Mo steel 5.9 in. thick, 6-ft 7-in. 1D. Total weight is approximately 15 tons. 
BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Positive buoyancy is provided by 45,000 gal of hexane within a thin, iron alloy float. Iron shot (16% tons) is released to 
ascend. A 26-ft-long, 132-Ib cable is dragged on the bottom for fine buoyancy control. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion is from a reversible, 20-hp motor. A horizontal and vertical thruster of 5 hp each are mounted forward 
and topside, respectively. 

TRIM: No systems available. 

POWER SOURCE: Lead-acid batteries, externally located: Two 24-V, 160-amp-hr; one 28-V, 52-amp-hr; one 110-V, 860-amp-hr. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Four QO, tanks at 150 kg/cm? pressure. CO2 removed by two soda lime cannisters. Silica gel used to reduce humidity. 

VIEWING: Three plastic viewports. One is on the longitudinal plane of symmetry; two are on each side and look forward and down at 20° from the 
horizontal. Viewports are 44 mm thick, 110-mm OD, 21-mm ID. A binocular telescope in each viewport produces a 58° field of view. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Vertical/horizontal speed monitor, deep (O—36,000 ft) and shallow (O—1,200 ft) echo sounders, obstacle 
avoidance sonar, UQC, TV, three 35-mm still cameras, temperature (water) sensor, gyrocompass, sound velocimeter, PH meter, differential pressure 
gage. Environmental data is recorded on magnetic tape at 10-sec intervals. 


MANIPULATORS: One mounted forward of the pressure sphere capable of 5-ft extension, 200-Ib lift. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Iron shot automatically dropped in the event of power failure. An extra 5.5 tons of iron/lead ballast is carried which may be 
dropped to compensate for leak in sphere or in largest hexane tank, Closed circuit O2 rebreathers are carried for each Occupant of sphere. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: Towed to dive site. 
OWNER: Owned by French Navy, operated by Centre National Pour L’Exploitation des Oceans (CNEXO), Toulon. 


BUILDER: Frency Navy. 
REMARKS: Operational. This is presently the world’s deepest-diving vehicle. 


95 


ARGY RONETE 


MEINISGRER eoboat coos nonennecoononodoosdDpooOs 27.8 m AVA OWA IETNSIRIS a eccoosootceconcesooouoes 1.2m 
BEA Wistravetsterereieyeteneitatstoneyieteseferet tenets tetelsnetetaratetels het 6.8 m EIR EISUPPO Rig (MAD) iercrtetetsieislelisteicisienet: 1,920 man-hr 
LEN IM ssernecgandcbahecansacduscooooaspocH ods 8.5m TROL NE IMOVMEIRS sonpacposeeeeooncasosnso0a 1,200 kWh 
DIRVNFTIS cancoconcoognbogNodOCOoOoOddoOdTOSbanO" NA SPEED (KNOMS) RC RUNS Een pajeietetatateleiatstaiar ier nets NA 
VilelKete nr (inven, sh acocopnoncoohonooaods 282.2 tons WARS con ooDnmaoeoooodudneassoogsgd 4 
OREBAMING DERI Ss ieretevelatarclenetsisnsiecaveloiereleteratens 1,970 ft (SSB IPNILOMS GaconnodooboonOdoDoGoosdooGOonooKeD 4 
(cfoyLPWANFQYS PIR URE sognocdtaonbonoetoonoode 3,800 ft ODSSWISEEY Gasoooneacuascotordonconcooone 6 
EAGNC HID Am Ee ectehetetelelel aisteletst- lated ele lstel=t- Not completed FEN ALOVNOR oc hocoggeonvoncagessosgdnagcooe ands NA 


PRESSURE HULL: Two cylindrical hulls with hemispherical endcaps; one for atmospheric pressure, one for ambient pressure. Both hulls are made 
of 30-mm-thick, high yield-strength (SMR-type) steel. Atmospheric hull is 16.2 m long, 3.7-m diam.; ambient pressure hull is 5 m long, 2.5-m diam. 
Hulls are linked by two spherical lock-out chambers 1.50-m diam. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Two 1,250-I-capacity tanks forward and two 1,650-I tanks aft supply main ballast. Two tanks of 1,120-! capacity for trim 
and two tanks of 1,500-I capacity for equalizing submersible displacement when carrying extra equipment. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: Surface and submerged propulsion is supplied by two Kort nozzles each driven by a hydraulic pump supplying 75 hp at 
330 rpm. The nozzles rotate around a vertical shaft and facilitate normal underway maneuvering. Slow speed maneuvering is attained by fore- and 
aft-mounted vertical and horizontal thrusters. 


TRIM: No systems available. 


POWER SOURCE: Surface power is supplied by a 225-hp diesel engine which accuates a 30-kW, 120-VDC auxiliary generator for shipboard power 
and a 72-kW, 80-120-V generator to recharge batteries. Oil-immersed, pressure-compensated, lead-acid batteries (60 ea.) of Fulmen type-L cells 
supply 10,000 amp-hr. 

LIFE SUPPORT: External to the hull are the following at 250 bars pressure: Fourteen 330-| air cylinders, fourteen 330-1 O cylinders; thirteen 
330-1 He cylinders; one 330-1 He-O9 cylinder. A total of 3,500 | of fresh water can be carried in the submarine; 400 | in the underwater house. Food 
is prepared aboard in the main hull and can be transferred to the aft hull. A hookah system can supply air to divers. 


VIEWING: Several viewports located in both passenger and diver hulls. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, echo sounder, diver lock-out capability, TV cameras. 
MANIPULATORS: None. 


SAFETY FEATURES: A releasable steel sphere (2.25-m diam., 20 mm thick) above main hatch can carry entire crew to surface. Crew can depart 
vehicle through lock-out. 


SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: Diesel/electric motors provide independent operations to a range of 400 nautical miles. 
OWNER: Centre National pour I’'Exploitation des Oceans/Institut Francais du Petrole. 

BUILDER: Centre D’Etudes Marine Avancees, Marseilles. 

REMARKS: Construction halted in 1971. 


EMERGENCY ESCAPE SPHERE 


ENGINE ROOM OBSERVATION POST 
OCEANOGRAPHERS’ WORK AREA 
WARD ROOM 
DRY CHAMBER BALLAST TANKS 


LATERAL THRUSTER 


HABITAT/DECOMPRESSION CHAMBER 
ELECTRICAL CONTROLS 
DIVING COMPARTMENT 


GENERATORS 


MAIN PROPULSION 


DIESEL ENGINE ELECTRIC PROPULSION MOTORS AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM 


TRANSFER AND LOOKOUT CHAMBER CENTRAL COMMAND STATION 


96 


ARIES | 


MENG oie foes wiellenele lolletelelnite l= !=ialntmlaln isle ieiis (ols ielelen= 25 1/3 ft VAIS IVA MENA sanbabioodconponconDGDDGGD 19 in. 
[SNM conccthoosaupocatddoudogooOnDUOnGO 12 ft, 1 in. RIEESSURPOR aM AX) ameleta(etereleketelskelefetanelerelal= 108 man-hr 
(RISK hrS cosesaodococonoonUoUDOnooNoOUOD GOOD. 10 ft THORNE ROMER sonéodoosocoounnUDoDodnoouse 60 kWh 
DIGVNAUY cocovoocouscuboouDoronpoonenDOonooa ocd 8 ft SPEEDMICNOMS) CRUISER crareleiayeloueicr-iayeleiatelelencerarere NA 
Wiser (ESA dososodponacouDODcomodoodooG 14 tons WS agodaoccoanonpanpoDoSDdooOeD 3 
OBERATIN GIDEPSUEs fe aiopereielal« ele «) el» ele! .0\lei(nileltat=t= 1,200 ft CAWAWS LILCHRS Gocceaudonbordocdoosoodooponmas ced 2 
COEEAPS EID ERM) erere isle lelteileil=i(-r lets salle) 'seielstellelivieliele =< NA CESERMEERS saoncocsoonancucudogcconbonod 4 
L/NUINela YAMS qenAoooGouon aon do Under construction PEAWALEOUA Dra ack Ss crsincre cre chovene si Shaceucteue symle-elaneveiene 1,100 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: The pressure hull will be comprised of two basic elements; the submersible/diver command and control chamber, and the diver 
lock-out chamber fabricated from A516 grade 70 steel. All penetrators will be monel faced or 316 stainless steel. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: The ballast system is comprised of ‘‘soft’’ and ‘‘hard” ballast tanks. The soft tanks are fabricated from fiberglass and are 
Open at the bottom and have mechanical vents at the top. The tanks are connected to a high pressure air system so that they can be blown. The hard 
tanks are designed to withstand full diving depth and water is transferred between the tanks, and between the tanks and the sea by means Of a salt 
water pump. The piping materials used in the system will be, in general, 316 stainless steel. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Propulsion will be provided by three 5-hp thrusters mounted on each side and the stern of the submersible. The side 
thrusters will be trainable not less than 120° vertical, and the sterm unit will be trainable not less than 90° port and starboard. The propulsion units 
will be jettisonable. The thrust output will be varied by SCR controllers, which are, in turn, controlled by a throttle. 

TRIM: NA. 

POWER SOURCE: The energy source will comprise a 500-amp-hr battery. The cells will be connected so that the nominal voltage will be 120 V. The 
battery will be located external to the command chamber in one oil-filled container. 

LIFE SUPPORT: The life support system consists of two major elements: O2 supply and CO scrubber. The O2 system consists of two 70-SCF 
(nominal) bottles, complete with pressure and flow regulators. The CO, removal system will consist of a motor blower assembly driving the 
atmosphere in the chamber through LiOH cannisters or a refillable cannister of ‘‘Soda Sorb’’, or equivalent. Environment monitoring equipment 
consists of a portable CO and Op, indicator, a barometer, thermometer and relative humidity gage. 

VIEWING: One 39-in.-diam. plastic bow dome. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, VHF FM radio, WESMAR scanning sonar, depth gage, compass. 

MANIPULATORS: Three. One heavy duty and two for light work. 

SAFETY FEATURES: The submersible will be fitted with a manually droppable weight, which will constitute the emergency ballast system. The 
manipulator claws and thrusters will be jettisonable using a manually operated hydraulic system operated from within the command chamber. 
Emergency breathing equipment will be provided in the form of self-contained rebreathers in the command sphere, Other emergency equipment 
includes a 15-V nickel-cadmium battery for internal emergency power, six life vests, a dry chemical fire extinguisher, six standard flashlights and a 
first aid kit. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Soviet Academy of Science, Moscow. 

BUILDER: International Hydrodynamics Ltd., Vancouver, B.C. 

REMARKS: Two of the vehicles are reportedly under construction, The above description is taken from the initial design, the finished vehicle may 
depart from this description. 


SOFT TANK & 
3 HIGH PR. AIR TANKS 


2 RETRACTABLE LIGHTS VENT VALVE 
SIDE THRUSTER 


VENT VALVE 
LT SOFT TANK 


MAIN PROPULSION 


LOCK 


ROTATABLE 
THRUSTER 


DIVER LOCKOUT 


DIVER GAS 
STORAGE 


BALLAST TANK 


LIGHT 
HOSE STORAGE 


SALT WATER 
2 OXYGEN TANKS PUMP 


DROPABLE BATTERY & SKID 


LIGHT 


ONE HEAVYDUTY MANIPULATOR 
TWO MECHANICAL ARMS 


97 


PLEXIGLAS SAIL 


SYNTATIC FOAM 


LIGHT 


SS 
PRESSURE HULL 


DROP BALLAST 
MECHANISM 


BATTERY 
SKIDS (DROP BALLAST) 


98 


ASHERAH 


BREN Glalisirtatefatefetetatet-telst-tel-P=jchen=/els)«)«lnie/eis/aleleveleleiel els 17 ft BAT CHIDIA MEME Riri teteteietatel<imr-telststelelehelahenofatetele 20 in. 
BEANIE aoscoosoodococ cops ono como oODDOD GOD 8.6 ft EIRESUPBOR Ta MAX) tmstercrcdeversistereledsielstetesaisiers 48 man-hr 
nlelKels hfs ooossoeonecaessosnons os Sooo sa oOo OOoO 7.5 ft TICHIANE LXOMMISIS Goat cod cacannoD copaboc acd 21.6 kWh 
DIRVNFITS cosoedcodtéoosovoncpooosuaodeedopodeuod. NA SBREEDIIKNOMS)HGRUISE epeyenetectereresenetsteieteteisy =i 1/8 hr 
(NER (DRIES cascacocaondos0oppOoDOoDODD 4.2 tons WARS. Go gonocpeoudos GonbouGT 3/1.5 hr 
OMENS MSPs pascoosconocvpeoponmODdOOD 600 ft CREW ARIE ODS mr teletarclelstolefaketerci=! atalcllons¥eleleyiclstelsisterstenenaters 1 
COLEEAPSRIDE RTE cmectelsvelalsielslelel ele iel sletelel= tice hase 1,200 ft OESERIMEER GH po oncnsdodondopocdsoonod ooDD-. 1 
PAUWINGHIDATEcieraerecietere erereleieralsisnelaislelsceleileveseleveeie 1964 IPE WALLEY NDR Goccp co npoobacboonoooeooooeecudoOS 100 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape 5-ft 1D, 5/8 in. thick of A212 grade B mild steel (firebox quality). 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast air tank of 50-Ib capacity provides surface buoyancy. Auxiliary ballast tank of 340-Ib capacity provides ine 
buoyancy control submerged. High pressure air carried in external tanks (four tanks of 72 ft3 STP each) pressurized at 2,250 psi. Droppable skid of 
330 Ib supplies additional emergency positive buoyancy. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two, infinitely variable, individually controlled 2-hp, side-mounted, rotatable and reversible thrusters. 

TRIM: None. 

POWER SOURCE: Externally-mounted, pressure-compensated, lead-acid batteries (Exide TSC-23-930) giving 930 amp-hr at 24 VDC. 

LIFE SUPPORT: CO) scrubber with blower and gaseous O9 carried within the pressure hull. 

VIEWING: Six viewports, 5-in. 1D; 9-in. OD, 2 in. thick and all are 90° truncated cones. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, Magnesyn compass, Fathometer, speed indicator, directional sonar tracker, one TV camera, one 
35-mm still camera, 


MANIPULATORS: None. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Manually releasable skids (300 Ib). High pressure air blow of auxiliary ballast tank. Pressure hull may be flooded for 
emergency egress. Scuba regulators and mouthpiece tap main compressed air supply for emergency breathing. 


SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: Soo. 

OWNER: Technoceans, Inc., New York City. 

BUILDER: General Dynamics, Electric Boat Div., Groton, Conn. 
REMARKS: Inactive. 


99 


H 


2a CGOOSSSSSSSOSSSOOS i 


100 


AUGUSTE PICCARD 


PENG ooo repens ae ne cine o wie lve «vs o velvieise nas 93.5 ft HAT CHIDVAMEME Ristrerncraterstsietereteletersterclst-xensiek-nets 30.1 in. 
BEAM cietetelafelotelel-far-)-lciall-l=talislojelal=lelefejelsisielsielsleiaie\s 19.7 ft EIEEISURPORT (MAX) ci vere renoveteratolaielsielstelste)s 2,112 man-hr 
HEIGHT 7-7-7. siejclel=\eleiels\eisiefsieleiels 24 ft MOMALIE OWE Remicverclavatoleleta total slstelel'sialelsiefal=\ajaielane 625 kWh 
DRAFT: 11.9 ft SPEED (KNOTS) CRUISE M fisierelele clei fol olofaneyeverererote 6/10 hr 
WEIGHits (DR) cireieict-ietetele e106 185.2 tons WARS Soncoclo oodooodecesnoCoDe 6.3/7 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: 2,500 ft CREW BENE OMS i eteneletotetetereVelote) siotcielsitelot=felistatstaVelielsiel sl =tale a 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: 4,500 ft OBSERVERS meteretersteloielciol-deletetelstcieletereterie terete 40 
EAUNCH DATES <2. ccc ccc cine cvcencevcceses 1963 YAO SeonsoonoddousondonhonGoosoodons 10 tons 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape of ‘“VOEST” steel quality Aldur 55/68 for cylinder and Aldur 55 for the two hemispherical endcaps. Cylinder 
is 1.5 in. thick, 10.25-ft OD and 59.7 ft long. Endcaps are the same dimensions and equal to radius of the cylinder. Two hatch openings fore and aft. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: External to the hull in two rows port and starboard are 12 steel ballast tanks of total volume 842 ft3 which supply 12.5% 
(23.8 tons) positive buoyancy. Three compensating tanks are provided: two (9 ft3 ea.) are in the hull near the center of gravity and one (49 ft3) is 
external to the hull, within the keel. On each side of the hull are four bins which hold 5.75 tons of iron shot electromagnetically released. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: An electric motor of 75 hp (1,500 rpm) drives a stern-mounted propeller. A directional Kort nozzle acts as the vehicles 
rudder. Fore- and aft-mounted diving planes provide underway vertical control and stability. 


TRIM: Two tanks forward and aft of 141 ft3 total capacity are used to trim the vehicle by transferring water fore or aft with an electric pump. 


POWER SOURCE: Five lead-acid batteries within and on the bottom of the pressure hull are distributed as follows: two 110-V capacity, 
2,000-amp-hr for propulsion; one 220-V, 700-amp-hr for lighting and pumps, one 12-V, 950-amp-hr for control instruments and emergency lighting, 
and one 6-V, 700-amp-hr for safety ballast control. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Normal dive of a few hours allows for breathing of ambient air inside vehicle at time of dive. For prolonged dives O04 is bled into 
the hull and CO2 is removed by soda lime which assures a maximum of 2,112 man-hr. 


VIEWING: Twenty viewports each on port and starboard side, and three in forward hemisphere. All viewports provide 90° of viewing and are 3 in. 
thick, 12-in. OD and 6-in. ID. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: TV on sail, compass, pressure depth gages/recorder, down-looking echo sounder. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Iron shot ’’fail-safe’” droppable. 

SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: Size and weight permit only towing to dive site or self-powered transit. 

OWNER: Horton Maritime Explorations Ltd., North Vancouver, B.C. 

BUILDER: Giovanola Freres, Monthey, Switzerland. 

REMARKS: Undergoing refurbishment to conduct gravity and seismic surveys. Originally designated as PX-8. 


101 


PROPULSION MOTOR 


\ 


FLOODABLE SAIL 


VARIABLE BALLAST & TRIM TANKS 


MANIPULATOR 


\ 


TRIM TANK 


TOOL RACK 


HYD. PKG. 
MATING SKIRT KG 


102 


BEAVER (ROUGHNECK) 


LENSE Gogoepcce 26.3 ft HATCH) DIAMEME Ris eier. otetareterat- = oSconnorooOUDOOH 25 in. 
BEAM cieierertci- te . 11.5 ft EVEESSUPPO Ritn( MAX) seurietererstelcietelerererereisic iene 360 man-hr 
GBEIGHil ert 10.3 ft Wen LION Tae noon cos dopsoaronnoddonocGnss 44 kWh 
DRAFT: .... . 6.6 ft SPEED (KNOTS): CRUISE : 2.5/8 hr 


WEIGHT (DRY): ... ° 17 tons 

OPERATING DEPTH: .... 2,000 ft CREW: PILOTS 

COLLAPSE DEPTH: S00 a5 5 c 4,000 ft OBSERVERS poe 5 : 
LAUNCH DATE: . eile lei niin elinielfelinis\mialeielie isle 1968 FPANALCYNER copoondécddgnonponceseadd 


PRESSURE HULL: Two spheres joined by a cylindrical tunnel. All hull components are of HY-100 steel. The forward hull is 7-ft OD and 0.481 in. 
thick with an overhead access hatch. The aft hull is 5.5-ft OD; 0.387 in. thick and has a diver lock-out hatch on the bottom. The connecting tunnel is 
25-in. 1D; 71 in. long and 0.75 in. thick. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast is obtained from two 24-ft3-capacity (each) tanks mounted port and starboard. A variable ballast system 
(combined with the trim system) is capable of obtaining neutral buoyancy within +1.5 ft by admitting or blowing seawater from two, port/starboard 
spherical tanks. A hydraulically-driven stern winch carries 500 ft of cable to which an anchor may be attached (2,000-Ib capacity). 
PROPULSION/CONTROL: Three 18-in. diam. propellers provide all propulsion. One thruster is mounted topside and the other two port and 
starboard just below the centerline; all are driven by a 5-hp motor. The inverted “‘Y’’ configuration of the propellers and their control (360° 
rotatable; reversible) allows six degrees of freedom maneuvering and hovering. 

TRIM: Between three spherical tanks, one aft (1,238 Ib) and two amidships (943 Ib each), 1,474 Ib of water can be transferred in various 
combinations to produce +30° pitch and +1 2° roll. 

POWER SOURCE: Main power source is from pressure-compensated, lead-acid batteries which provide 30 kWh at 64 VDC to propulsion motors and 
hydraulic motors, Auxiliary power is from pressure-compensated, lead-acid batteries which provide 14 kWh at 28 VDC to lights, vehicle controls, 
electronics. Emergency batteries in the forward sphere are sealed, non-gassing, lead-acid and provide 24 V at 8 amp-hr to jettison squids. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Both forward and aft pressure hulls have a life support capacity of 48 hr each. A self-contained automatic O2 supply is carried 
within the hull and Baralyme and Purafil scrubbers remove CO). The aft sphere can be pressurized to a maximum depth of 1,000 ft, but cannot be 
depressurized less than ambient pressure. 

VIEWING: There are 11 acrylic plastic viewports, 1 in each of the 2 hatches and 9 in the forward pressure sphere. These nine ports are equipped 
with blowers to prevent fogging. These ports have a 5.19-in. ID, an 8.75-in. OD, are 1.78 in. thick, and have a 70° field of view underwater. Of the 
nine main viewports, five look ahead, down, and to the sides. These are the ports most commonly used during Oceanographic missions. The 
remaining four ports look upward and are used primarily during work or inspection missions. The small port in the hatch of the forward sphere has a 
2.19-in. 1D, a 3.65-in. OD, and a thickness of 0.73 in. The smallest port, located in the hatch of the after sphere, has a 1.115-in. ID, a 1.875-in. OD, 
and is 0.38 in. thick, 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC(8.087-kHz) Pan- & tiltmounted TV camera (W/90° pan), interior still camera synchronized 
w/exterior strobe, sonar, gyrocompass, speedometer, depth gage, current meter (speed & direction) w/optional strip chart recorder, 
upward/downward-looking sonar w/strip chart recorder, depth indicator w/visual or strip chart recorder readout, azimuth-scanning sonar w/CRT 
readout, exterior-mounted 70-mm still camera, two 200-W-sec strobes, interior-mounted 16-mm cine camera w/400-ft capacity, 35-mm and 2%-in.2 
still cameras, water sampler (sample is drawn directly into aft sphere). 

MANIPULATORS: Each of the two manipulators has a 9-ft reach, eight degrees of freedom, and a 50-Ib lifting capacity. The two manipulators can 
be equipped with nine different tools to perform various tasks. These tools are: impact wrench, hook hand, parallel jaws, cable cutter, stud gun, 
centrifugal pump, grapple, drill chuck, and tapping chuck. Rates of motion are variable. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Non-combustible or slow-burning material within pressure hull, external fittings for gas replenishment. The following is 
jettisonable by emergency electrical power: Propellers (40 Ib each); manipulators (150 Ib each); pan/tilt lights, camera and current sensor (155 Ib 
total), anchor (100 Ib) and main battery (2,532 Ib). Emergency battery, breathing systems and seawater actuated flashlights, pinger, marker buoy 
with dye and recovery attachment, flares. Personnel may lock-out. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Soo. 

OWNER: International Underwater Contractors, New York. 

BUILDER: North American Rockwell Corp., Seal Beach, California. 

REMARKS: Operational. The above description is as the vehicle was originally built. 


103 


RADIO ANTENNA 


ACCESS COLD CANISTER RELEASE TV CAMERA 
REAR AIR LOCK CONTROL 
HATCH WATER 


CONSOLE 


SCIENTIFIC 
CONTROL 
CENTER 


AFT 
TRIM Ss sea 
TANK 


FORWARD 
TRIM 
TANK 


SHOWER 
BIOLOGICAL 
SAMPLER BATTERY-OIL BATTERIES 
RESERVOIRS 


UNDERWATER 


TELEPHONE 
PROPULSION MOTOR 


104 


BEN FRANKLIN 


LISI CHAE oooh ounoboo bo coo Do oOO oO UCSC OOOO HOD YMRS OIVN VISAS sooonohounccoposoondocdde 30 in. 
BRAM a icriicce cuersharecetecencroniocers LIFE SUPPORT (MAX): 252 man-days 
BERG Hilistetctsrane MOMACROWER Seyeicisteletets store oie 
WEIGHT (DRY): SPEEDIIKNOTS) CRUISE M@ icitctetshelelaicisic nisielot-tlcierel stone 7435) 
OPERATING DEPTH: WWYS oooocoodsoosoncapsobooneops 4 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: 4,000 ft CREW sR POMS mrerepetsyebelsbalciokelctorel oterclel crcl apoactel=telet-Kelcireslaite 2 
EAUNGHIDATIE SI eo arareten sts ateisleleislelelelelelelelie)e) >) «ele « s/s) 1968 CXS SRWASEE) ahoononudonpoccoucaacnddoduGuoC 4 
PAYA OA Dera terebieierskenehcnetelisiorelelhetele tela ters tetoheVernielt= 5 tons 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape with hemispherical endcaps: OD 10.33 ft, length 48 ft. Hull material is 1-3/8-in. thick Aldur steel; hemi-heads 
of Welmonil steel of same thickness. Box ring frames 6.3 in. and 5.7 in. deep are spaced 27.5 in. apart to act as internal stiffeners. Twenty-nine 
viewports penetrate the hull (two of these are in the hatches). A 5.5-in.-diam. lock-out chamber (SAS) penetrates the hull topside amidships. The 
hull consists of two asymmetric sections bolted together. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast is provided by four fiberglass tanks, two on each side of the hull, of approximately 650-ft3 capacity (48,600 
Ib). Variable ballast for depth control is provided by two pressure-resistant steel tanks in the lower keel section which hold 110 ft3 of water each 
(6,800 Ib). Emergency ballast is 6 tons of iron shot stored in bins between the main ballast tanks. This shot is electromagnetically held and can be 
dumped as desired. Additionally, a door on the bottom of each bin can be manually opened, totally independent of the electric power. 
PROPULSION/CONTROL: Propulsion is derived from four-25-hp pressure-compensated, fresh water-filled, 22-V, 3-phase, 50-Hz units 
manufactured by Pleuger. The four motors can be rotated 360° in the vertical and can be fully reversed. Two rudders are located aft and are 
electrically controlled and can rotate 30° to each side. By applying reverse thrust on the port motors and forward thrust on the starboard motors or 
vice versa the vehicle can turn in its own length. 

TRIM: Trim is controlled by transferring water between two tanks located at each extreme end of the hull. The tanks are made of steel and hold 50 
ft3 of water each (3,100 Ib). The tanks are connected by an overhead vent line in the hull and by transfer pipes beneath the deck. The pilot 
controls two electric pumps which transfer the water at a rate of 1,000 Ib/min. The system can obtain a bow angle of +1 om 

POWER SOURCE: Power is supplied by 378 lead-acid batteries divided into 4 banks: six-56-V strings & four-28-V strings. An emergency system in 
the hull consists of fourteen-2-V cells of 192-amp-hr capacity. Two static inverters of 336 VDC power the four main motors; two inverters convert 
168 VDC to 115-VAC for the pod positioning motors. The main inverters are 3-phase and can be varied from 50 Hz at 70 VAC to 50 Hz at 220 
VAC. 

LIFE SUPPORT: A total! of 922 Ib of liquid O2 is carried. LiOH panels containing activated charcoal are used to remove CO> by natural convection 
currents in the hull. An active odor removal unit consisting of a chemical absorbing section and a catalytic burning section is used to neutralize 
contaminants not removed by the charcoal. Contaminant levels are determined by Drager gas detector tubes. A manually-operated head macerates 
metabolic waste products and chemically treats and stores them onboard in six tanks of 6,000-Ib capacity. A total 4,600 Ib of potable water is 
carried, 1,600 Ib are carried in super insulated tanks at 210°F and are used to reconstitute freeze-dried food. 

VIEWING: Twenty-nine viewports are located throughout the vehicle; they are 6-in. 1D, 12-in. OD and 3 in. thick and provide a 90° field of vision. 
A smaller viewport is located topside within a hatch of the SAS. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC (8-10 kHz) magnetic compass, directional gyro, turn/bank indicator, water temperature sensors, 
depth sensor-recorder gage, CTFM sonar, down/forward Fathometer, tracking pinger, two TV's. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Droppable ballast of 5 tons. Blowing main and variable ballast provides 41,000 Ib of lift. Emergency breathing system of 4-hr 
duration each is obtained through a set of six Drager mixed gas (He/O2) diving apparatus. Flooding of the hull and escape through an aft trunk is 
possible. Fire extinguishers, flashlights, life raft, releasable buoy, xenon light. 

SURFACE/SUPPORT: Towed or self-powered. 

OWNER: Horton Maritime Exploration Ltd., Vancouver, B.C. 

BUILDER: Grumman Aerospace Corp., Bethpage, New York. 


REMARKS: Not operating. Originally designed as PX-15. 


105 


106 


HENSUIAE copssnsonescconsapooodoeconoosoOoD 11.3 ft 
BENE. oogsoncAponoonossoo noo oO Uoe DOOD O UO 8 ft 
PISKHATe so opeodd dbo ddondo ao odU DU oeUD CURE oiG 6 ft 
DIVNTUic oooosonoDoboscoLbs POODDOeeonOe DOO Oe 4.5 ft 
WMEKCInHr (OURNOS ssdosocooacnuopsoUDooDdGbGd 2.1 tons 
OVASRYAUUINIS DIS Pine coccdoudscssuagonedoocUKG 600 ft 
(COLIL/AESTS ISP sonscogubsocaussodgEbeo8 1,200 ft 
UNUINTS FI OYNUIIES soo gaodgocsono tse csGse5ouonEeau 1963 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical! shape of A-285-C steel 60-in. |D and 0.625 in. thick. 


BENTHOS V 


ATIC HID UA MEME Rictseere:-netetelicneratepeteierstatet-potetertonetane 19 in. 
PIRESSUPPO Rin(MAX) cia cepetetstercietsceheistertstenersiet= 96 man-hr 
TRON LIFOMMES coco nccnonnponcomounooeSoncados NA 
SEEEDIIRNOTS) ACRUONS Ee teectera lteter ieieralsietetetet ties 1/16 hr 
Wes GonossedmoonoocodaconoDN 3/4 hr 

CREWE ILE OMS tee reteteneietodaiteletet-inl'al ote !-lopatel cies l= issaletoratoher elec 1 
OBSERMERS ta ayevateterel sl scetciatareistenonetterstttetetststenais 1 

PUAN LOVN DS ooosgnecdoouscdbogsuasopesonsooss 400 Ib 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Two separate 2,250 psi air systems. Within the hull are two variable ballast tanks to attain fine buoyancy control. An 
auxiliary ballast tank is mounted aft and a bow buoyancy tank is forward. Droppable lead ballast. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: All maneuvering is provided by two 1-hp, 24-VDC, motors mounted port and starboard amidships that rotate 180° in 


the vertical. 


TRIM: The forward and aft buoyancy tanks may be differentially filled to attain up/down bow angles. 
POWER SOURCE: Three nickel-cadmium batteries supply 80 amp-hr each and are carried within the pressure hull. 


LIFE SUPPORT: NA. 


VIEWING: Six viewports. Four look forward above centerline about the horizontal axis and two look down and forward. All are 6-in. diam. and 2 


in. thick. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Compass, Fathometer, directional gyro. 


MANIPULATORS: None. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Droppable iead ballast. All ballast tanks can be blown at operating depth with emergency system. 


SURFACE/SUPPORT: Soo. 

OWNER: Garrison 8 Divers Corp., Seattle, Washington. 
BUILDER: Lear Siegler, Inc., Deep River, Conn. 
REMARKS: Not operating. 


107 


i 
14 
i 
: 
- 


© 


MAGNESYN INNER COMPARTMENT 
COMPASS HATCH 
180° MAIN MOTOR HOUSING MEDICAL 
ASSEMBLY LOCK 


CONNING TOWER 


OXYGEN TANKS 


360° BOW 
THRUSTER 


VERTICAL STERN 


THRUSTER HIGH PRESSURE AIR 


BATTERY POD 


STERN THRUSTER 


STABILIZER MOTOR 


GAS STORAGE SPHERE 


DIVER EGRESS HATCH 


108 


DEEP DIVER 


WANE saacacosenssosacpeoos cng oos Gonsbemas rip HAT CHIDIAMEMR ER fi crc ereletarellels)clelener See vs anes SIN. 
BEAM ciieieverereieuenerel=ieicieieyeloteFelaleieiatel= sbnvetieiavedarehagenaralene tt LIFE SUPPORT (MAX): ...... ePetaPsisRon telat siefeella 32 man-hr 
RISIGIRINE oconsooKeos 55 a ooo 0K 8.5 ft TOTAL THOS aooseondotocnoongondoa gonad - 23 kWh 
PIVNAIH cobaoasece 6.5 ft SPEEDHIKNOMS) CRUISE Marcraie eretoleielolelclielerelerer siecle 2/4 hr 
WELGHinl(DRING) sircienerton tals . 8.25 tons APS CO GOO ROD RObAG bh ood oto 3/0.5 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: .... -+ 1,350 ft; lock-out 1,250 ft CMEKRINLOUS vdopotaveoectoosh dou sopnosocononoE 1 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: ..... 2,000 ft OBSERVERS ofaliel ain feeyat's Soupoase 6 
LAUNCH DATE: ....... =) 1968 PENIHOVNDR eroacadoobconeson0ocd SOOO OOOO 1,500 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Forward hull, forward endcap, and diver’s compartment are made of 0.5-in. rolled and welded T-1 steel. Forward compartment 
and diver’s cell are 54 in, thick. The transition shelf, connecting pilots and diver’s compartment is 5/g in. SA 212 grade B steel, 55-in. OD, which is 
welded directly to the diver’s compartment. Conning tower is 28-in. OD made of 3/g in. thick T-1 steel which increases to 0.5 in. at hull intersection. 
Conning tower is 19 in. above top of hull. All hatches are of cast almag 35 and are impregnated. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast tanks of 24.2-ft3 (845 |b) capacity are located port and starboard of the forward hull adjacent to the conning 
tower and are made of 11-gage mild steel. The trim tanks may also serve as buoyancy control and hold 676 Ib of seawater. The battery pod adds an 
additional 1,500 Ib of negative buoyancy which can be dropped in an emergency. The ballast tank vent valves are Operated by a reach rod that 
Penetrates the pressure hull. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion is a G.E. 10-hp, 1,150-rpm, 240-V, 48-amp motor contained in a pressure-compensated housing and is 
Pivoted to swing 90° each side of dead center. A stern thruster, consisting of two right-handed propellers turning On a single 1-in. stainless steel shaft 
and driven by a 3-hp, 1,140-rpm, 120-V, 29-amp, DC, G.E. motor is mounted in a pressure-compensated container. This bow thruster is driven by a 
G.E., 3-hp, 1,750-3,350-rpm, 120-V, 24-amp, DC motor which is shared with the trim tank pump and is mounted internally. The bow propulsion 
unit may be rotated through 360° in the vertical Plane and serves as both horizontal and vertical thruster. 

TRIM: Two tanks provide trim: One in the pilot’s compartment (365 Ib) and one in the diver’s compartment (375 Ib). The pilot’s tank is split into 
six sections and is pumped dry. The diver’s trim tank is split into two sections and may be blown or pumped dry. The diver’s tank provides negative 
buoyancy to partially compensate for the loss of weight when the divers leave the vehicle. 

POWER SOURCE: The main power supply consists of four separate battery banks of thirty 12-V, lead-acid batteries, 92-amp-hr capacity each, at 
20-hr rate which are contained at atmospheric pressure in a droppable pod suspended under the pilot’s compartment. The total water weight of the 
0.5-in,-thick steel (SA 212 grade B) pod is 1,500 Ib. 

LIFE SUPPORT: 02 is supplied from five bottles at 2,200 psi of 338-ft3 total capacity. Two bottles regularly supply the pilot’s compartment and 
three supply the diver’s compartment, but provisions are made for any arrangement desired. The bottles are stored externally between the He sphere 
and diver’s compartment. CO) is removed by two scrubbers of Baralyme, 6-lb capacity each, in the pilot’s compartment and one 12-Ib capacity 
scrubber in the diver’s compartment. Two blowers, of 24 cfm, force air through the scrubbers; three 12-VDC fans help circulate air throughout. A 
pre-mixed He-O2 supply can be stored in the 0.5-in.-thick, T-1 steel, 49-in. OD sphere. Two hookah hose adapters for divers working Outside are also 
carried, 

VIEWING: Twenty-one acrylic plastic viewports, 12 are double-acting and are 6-in. 1D, 8-in. OD and of 2-in. (external) and 1.75-in. (internal) 
thickness. The nine single-acting viewports are 6-in. 1D, 8-in. OD and 0.5 in. thick. 


MANIPULATORS: None. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Main ballast and trim tanks can supply 845 Ib and 676 Ib of positive buoyancy when blown: a jettisoning battery pod 
Provides 1,500 Ib of buoyancy. Emergency breathing can be through scuba regulators from the main air system or by breathing pre-mixed gas 
through hookah rigs. By pressurizing the boat, escape is possible through the diver’s compartment. Flooding the boat allows escape through the 
conning tower. Seawater-activated pinger, gas and electric power connections for supply from surface. Flares, life vests, anchor, dry chemical fire 
extinguisher, external flashing light. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: Submersible is air, ship or truck transportable. It can be towed by or carried on a ship during operations. A crew of five is 
required for support of the submersible. The support ship must be a minimum of 100 ft LOA. 


OWNER: Marine Sciences Ctr., Ft. Pierce, Fla. 
BUILDER: Perry Submarine Builders, Riviera Beach, Fla. 
REMARKS: Decommissioned. Donated to Smithsonian Inst. On display at Link Park, Ft. Pierce, Fla. Originally designated PLC-4. 


109 


FLOAT 


NONROTATABLE 
PERISCOPE 


VHF ANTENNA 


ENTRY HATCH 


STABILIZER 
MARKER FLOAT 


LIGHTING ARM 


PRESSURE 
HULL 


MOTOR 


ELECTROMAGNETS 


BATTERY POD BALLAST PLATES 


BATTERIES 


110 


DEEP JEEP 


TEE NGS oye oei core epee ohareie ies nln ninisie aisle esis isis sieve sie’s 10 ft HAT CHIDIAMEME Rismemereteretetateretetaletetstenererelateraf-tatatetavare 24 in. 
BEAM iireretettetevelstelstelolYelelelsfelelsleitebslolelelejele) Selelsielelelelele 8.5 ft EVEREISUPRPORM(IMAX) si verelelotelatelefaleielelelelelehele tells 104 man-hr 
HSIN copponoboodoooD OC DDUDUODUODO OD UG ODDO UOE 8 ft MOMALIPOW E Rcabarcaretelokelslehelolclotelshcleleieial=iulelelstelot=tetat= 7 kWh 
PIsV Nalin ooOODN DO OOD OOODDO OOO OOnDODODOUOOUOUDOD 7.75 ft SREEDI(KNOMS) 7 CRUIS Eagceeteterstatatelek-felcroreietarererevetere 1/5 hr 
(MEK (OGRE concosscoogssapccodedbODbODGOUC 4 tons MASK ei orte: cholololelolelelevehelolele lois) olereveten= 2/2 hr 
ORERATUINGI DEPTH cimecatctatel<ratet als} ola <folet=hela sella <Velels 2,000 ft CREWAPI POMS rereleteteletenel stclalekeratoterel ket oleveValefelsteretclereveherate 1 
COPEARS EIDE PG tmmarstapeveten-yoketay-tete?-fatiet-fevetatetaralcliol< 5,250 ft OBSERVERS tietererclererelerelotetehaleteneletajeferatslcnareletaretanena 1 
LAUNCH DATE: .....2--.0025ccncenccrcersercees 1964 RANIEOA D cimreteiercyatsteteteratelalelenalelietelelelobetetot-feleret-i-felaiey= 200 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape of A-225-B steel 0.85 in. thick and 5-ft ID. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Positive buoyancy provided by the pressure hull and an epoxy resin float embedded with glass microballoons 
(20-100-micron diam.) producing an overall density of 37 Ib/ft3. Negative buoyancy is obtained by thirty-4-Ib steel plates surrounding the battery 
pod which may be electromagnetically released individually. Two toroidal tanks (free flooding) provide an additional 500 Ib of negative buoyancy. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: Propulsion is obtained by two port/starboard 0.75-hp electric motors which drive a 12-in.-diam. propeller. The motors 
can pivot simultaneously through 180° of arc, are reversible and have variable speed. A vertical fin atop the aft end of the float acts as an underway 
stabilizer. 

TRIM: No systems required. 

POWER SOURCE: Eight 6-V, pressure-compensated, lead-acid batteries mounted below the pressure hull supply all power. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Compressed 02 is dispensed through a hospital-type flowmeter and circulated by an electric fan. CO2 is removed by trays of soda 
lime which also contain a desiccant (silica gel) to reduce humidity. CO2 and O2 are periodically measured. 

VIEWING: One acrylic plastic viewport 5-in. OD and 2 in. thick. Monocular viewing scopes (one/occupant) allow synoptic viewing through 40°. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UCC, horizontal and vertical avoidance sonars, depth gage. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Droppable battery pod (560 Ib) and steel plates. Pressure hull may be flooded to 600-ft depth for emergency egress. Scuba 
breathers can provide air for 50 hr. Two floats can be released which carry 3,000 ft of nylon line to the surface for subsequent attachment of a 
rescue line to a clevis on the hull. 


SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Scripps Institute of Oceanography, LaJolla, California. 
BUILDER: U.S. Naval Ordnance Test Station, China Lake, California. 
REMARKS: Not operating. 


111 


eee, — 
LOCKWere | 


\ 


SEEP gure, 


HATCH 


VARIABLE BALLAST 
TANK 


PAYLOAD 
AREA 


AFT TRIM TANK 


FWD VERTICAL 


AFT VERTICAL THRUSTER THRUSTER 


SHOT HOPPER 
PRESSURE HULL VIEW PORT 


VIEW PORT 


112 


DEEP QUEST 


LlsNehins csdodcocodossdcomd bo seeot OOpo 39 ft 11 3/4 in. HATCH DIAMETER: oc occ see ee eine ue we ce winnie 20 in. 
BIEAMtiitotetetetetateeleictaletajerelalsleietel-i-fi=veseis)e/s/ele\niselelelulel« 19 ft EIRESUPPOR MT (MAX) Fi etic) elcteteteletereterelateietal=tereie 204 man-hr 
FAESUG ai veterans teretete aveletataletalelsiehelint=ie)=re:s\e1\sie(8\s].e]le)s\e)s 13.25 ft MOMALE POWER EG) aie cic) cic winie w)eie ole)e civic civis sieie s 230 kWh 
DIRNFAUIS aoocosenboononboODaOO UCD OUUnO UD ONO DOO 8.6 ft SREEDRIGNOMS) CRUISE renetclal ciel elsiciatsielelalslelattalellsl= 3/18 hr 
WEIGHT (DRY) 2) co yo cecrein ore cree ee iwiwisicieie) oi minis) «0 52 tons MUA Xore tetera leterafetatalcfetetenaletarateleteraiaia 3/12 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: ......--- see eecc er eeceeee 8,000 ft CSS FILOUS csooopoospcsotocnscosdsdoobocuousAdD 2 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: ....---ceee eee eee eee reeee 13,000 ft OBSERMER Stier. tate oleteleoneteleteteletateletatafal=Ualet-Pekalafels 2 
LAUNCH DATE: .. 2.2.20 eee eee cee cece e eee ences 1967 PAYVIEOAD® 2 oi .c cleiee oe whe © 0 ei cl sien wieisisinis e'='s wleie oie 7,000 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Bi-sphere shape, each sphere is 0.895 in. thick, 7-ft OD and made of 18% nickel, KSI grade, maraging steel. Spheres are welded 
together and connection between the two is a 20-in.-diam. opening. Forward sphere contains three thru-hull penetrations: two are electrical 
penetrations and one is the viewport. After sphere contains three reinforced welded inserts for the three access hatches. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast consists of four tanks mounted two on each side to provide a reserve buoyancy of 12%. A seawater variable 
ballast system of two spherical tanks, 37-in.-diam., 200-KS!I grade maraging steel, one on each side, provides 1,828 Ib of ballast. A steel shot ballast 
system (three separate tanks) supplies 1,700 Ib of ballast. Syntactic foam (36,000 Ib at 36 ocf ave. density) provides additional positive buoyancy. 
PROPULSION/CONTROL: Forward and reverse thrust is from two, reversible, stern-mounted, 7.5-hp, AC, motor driven propellers. Vertical thrust 
is from two fore- and aft-mounted, 7.5-hp, AC motors and ducted propellers. Lateral thrust is from fore- and aft-mounted water jets powered by two 
7.5-hp, AC motors. A rudder and stern planes provide additional underway steering control. 

TRIM: A 30° up or down bow angle can be produced by transferring 1,440 Ib of oil and mercury between two fore- and aft-mounted, 18-in.diam., 
spherical, steel tanks. A 10° port or starboard list can be attained by transfer of 828 Ib of mercury between two 15-in.-diam. tanks. Both trim and 
list systems are pressure compensated. 

POWER SOURCE: Main power is derived from two 115-VDC, pressure-compensated, lead-acid batteries mounted below and between the 
bi-spheres. Two 23-VDC, silver-zinc batteries are carried in the pressure hull to provide 3.6 kWh of emergency power. Each main battery consists of 
four 30-VDC, series-connected batteries composed of 16 Exide RSC lead-acid cells. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Four 0.37-ft3-capacity tanks (2,250 psi) supply O for normal usage. CO is removed by blowing the air through LiOH/charcoal 
cannisters. O7 level is automatically monitored and regulated. Emergency breathing is by four full-face masks connected to an oxygen- demand 
system for survival periods of 12 man-hr. Temperature and humidity are automatically regulated. 

VIEWING: Two acrylic plastic viewports are provided. One is located on the axis of the forward sphere and is a few degrees below the horizontal; it 
is 3 in. thick, 9-in. OD, 3-in. 1D. The second is in the aft sphere and looks directly downward; it is 5 in. thick, 15-in. OD, 5-in. ID. The aft viewport is 
equipped with an optical remote viewing system of 180° objective in the vertical and 360° in the horizontal. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, gyrocompass, CTFM sonar, altitude/depth sonar, vehicle control computer, four TV cameras, 
70-mm still camera/with strobe light, sediment corer, sediment vane shear device. 

MANIPULATORS: Two manipulators mounted forward and capable of seven degrees of freedom. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Emergency breathing apparatus. Emergency power within the pressure hull. Positive buoyancy can be obtained by 
jettisoning: shot ballast (1,700 Ib), list mercury (800 Ib), trim mercury (1,250 Ib), main batteries (3,500 Ib) and manipulators (170 Ib). 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Supported by a 100-ft (LOA), 40-ft beam, 395-ton, split stern ship using an elevator ramp for launch/retrieval. An operations 
manager coordinates sub and ship operations at sea. Two pilots and 18 additional personnel onboard ship maintain and support at-sea operations. 
Vehicle is air and semi-trailer transportable, 

OWNER: Lockheed Missiles and Space Corp., Sunnyvale, California. 

BUILDER: Lockheed Missiles and Space Corp., Sunnyvale, California. 

REMARKS: Operational. 


113 


coe 


me j 
DEEPSTAR 2000 


PINGER UNDERWATER PHONE THRUSTER 


PRESSURE VERTICAL 


THRUSTER INSTRUMENT 


BROW 


THRUSTER 


STARBOARD 
MAIN PRO- 
PULSION 


HARD BALLAST 
TANK 


SAMPLE BASKET 
HARD BALLAST TANK EMERGENCY 
ASCENT TANK 


114 


DEEPSTAR 2000 


EIN Gib swtatalatateleketok-feletoyehometedetet=tet-sa ais! fivkelaltaiwisleieel etait 20 ft RATCHIDUAMEM ER iiieperetctetrefets rele) siclelatalsloceielsioteis 15.75 in. 
BEA Miriiteton let eltatelensliote)isiis cejimteley site eislfel'=:=its]ni=\fe)=!.sl=i'-elaf,=\)=1=/e1i= 7.5 ft LIRESUPPOR Ts (MAX) ci creteteteieteievetst-tsteleletersnet ste 144 man-hr 
REESE GA pee rated ata fesatnlafintaleve\elXelelieyelalelielelin)is\ells}ajle)e]eje)sile 0) )a\e 8.5 ft MOMMA OWE Ricietateteteteleteielelel-ttedotetelet-teh-t-i=l<tekatar 26.5 kWh 
RYNFITS coggandcougocooOuUDObOUU CO oOUOOUO COGS 5 ft SREEDMKNOMS)MCRUIS El tertenaletellelsletel-feleletencKelereletei= 1/8 hr 
WEIGHT (DRY): 8.75 tons WAYS SooadoneonapodoucdooonEoE 3/4 hr 
CIHERYNTUMGIISPIT osooconconbondddgonoUndODG 2,000 ft (Hewes FUILOUS: scaosodoccoddcdpconeDoOGnduO0DnaDOD 1 
COLREAPSEID ERM iircisveleistet=loiel=[elsrelsielei=\eel= 101-1 >\=10) = 4,130 ft OEOSERMERS cockscodospessnopacuscodeHoo DD 2 
NUN ein eyNSs Goocosoocnoue GOUCONOCOUnOUCOU GOD 1969 PLN LOYNDR Soo sosbocoseno cone sccnuobnenogcoED 450 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape 5-ft OD with hemispherical endcaps. Hull thickness 0.75 in.; overall hull length 10 ft. Hull material HY-80 
steel, Penetrations include three viewports, one hatch, seven mechanical and three electrical. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast system for surface buoyancy consists of flooded soft tanks blown dry with high pressure air. Tanks are an 
integral part of the exostructure and fairing. Variable ballast system consists of four hard tanks and collapsible bladders. Oil is pumped from hard 
tanks to bladders to increase displacement or reversed to decrease displacement. Permanently installed syntactic foam is used to Obtain submerged 
neutral buoyancy. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two main propellers in the stern (5-hp ea.), reversible, servo-valve controlled, continuously variable. Two vertical 
thrusters port and starboard, two horizontal thrusters fore and aft. All thrusters are powered by hydraulic motors driven off of the main hydraulic 
Plant (two plants at 10-hp ea.). Each electric motor is pressure-compensated, 120-VDC, 7.5-hp. 

TRIM: Hydraulic-activated drive moves batteries fore or aft allowing pitch angles of up to +25°. 

POWER SOURCE: Lead-acid batteries; one 120-V, 150-amp-hr, two 28-V, 150-amp-hr, located externally and pressure-compensated. Selectively 
droppable. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Gaseous 02; two flasks of 840 in.3 each at 2,250 psi. Monitors for COz, O2, cabin pressure, temperature and humidity. 
Emergency (three 1-hr) breathers. LiOH to remove CO). 

VIEWING: Two, 4.5-in. 1D, of plastic looking 19° downward and slightly to port and starboard giving overlapping fields of view. One, 2-in. ID, 
looking forward on centerline for still camera. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Sperry MK27 & repeater, FM radio, UQC, TV camera, alt/depth sonar, gyrocompass, pressure, depth, 
rate and acceleration system, extendable light booms with up to 2,500 W of lights, xenon flasher, voice recorder, velocity sensor, temperature probe, 
ambient light sensor, sound velocity sensor, subbottom profiler, side-looking sonar, still and cine cameras and sediment corers. Data logger for any 
digital signal, 8-track. 

MANIPULATORS: One with two degrees of freedom. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Main ballast can be blown at operating depth (500-Ib lift). Mechanically jettiscnable high pressure Air Bottles (500 Ib). 
Mechanically jettisonable batteries (1,250 Ib). Mechanically jettisonable payload brow (500 Ib). Emergency breathing, manipulator jettisonable, life 
raft, flares, life jackets. 

SURFACE/SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Westinghouse Ocean Research and Engineering Center, Annapolis, Md. 

BUILDER: Westinghouse Electric Corp. 

REMARKS: Operationally ready, but has not dived since 1972. 


115 


STARBOARD PROPULSION MOTOR 


ACCESS HATCH 
DC POWER DISTRIBUTION 


FWD TRIM TANK 
fy 
taaN 
DESCENT WEIGHT 


BATTERIES 
SYNTACTIC FOAM 


—<—J PRESSURE HULL 
DROPPABLE 3.5 LB. WEIGHTS 


MANIPULATOR DEVICE 
OBSERVERS COACH 


116 


DEEPSTAR 4000 


EEN GilgtiteeeyateystatelialelelieteVeteh-t-lelfeye [el sf= ls felistefiela]rifslsiejeeiaieais 18 ft HAR CHIDTAMEME Ram aret-heleret-talatafot-telalatelat-teletaelet- 15.75 ink 
BEAM iiatete ratte tististletistiati=1/-oltafnlieNelletelialiaiel|«liejieiam (ellolisl(elv[imielnjiei=linl« 11 ft LIFES SURO (KVR oppooppccocogsdacoos 144 man-hr 
FRE Giles tevetoiatetede led elise tel ohepeVe peal t=l=1)ls)slelelisiaelleiaiel sin ieisieie 7 ft THOU LIFOMMERNS coscoososondpecdsanosssea5o4 49.6 kWh 
DIRVNFUS coooscnpopoondnooDuooUpoouDOKdoOUG goo ue SEEEDM(KNOMS) CRU IS Es errerercheledtehotonetel-yehafarerelter= 1.5/6 hr 
WEIGHT (DRY): 9 tons MAG iircretarelelehelefetoleleherelsiehelsltotalstelere 3/4 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: .........2--002 2s eeeenee 4,000 ft CREW: PIE OMS cree jesele lates) sila) isl slelelfviel}e) sca) m/s (en) ==1es-=is\lK~\ie]iei(e 1 
GCOLEEAPSE DEPT occ e ie cieicinie ne wen tw ine 7,600 ft OBSERVERS Mi oirenct-tehclatetal-retcheyeh-lehatst=falel stare tatst atets 2 
EAUNGCH DATE: 2.8 6 ee cee ewe e sce cnc ennsee 1965 BAWIEL OAD) teieyelelaicleire elotereteirel=ie/e)=csveusifelalisvs)'=[=[=\-Way=tnial= 450 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: The hull consists of a 78.75-in. OD, HY-80 steel sphere with 11 openings machined into the sphere. These include two 
viewports, one camera port, one hatch, two electrical penetrations and five mechanical shaft feedthroughs. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast tanks are used for positive buoyancy on the surface. Negative buoyancy is decreased by dropping small 
(3.4-Ib) trim weights. DEEPSTAR dives with a 220-Ib descent weight which is dropped as the vehicle nears the bottom. At the termination of a dive 
the 187-Ib ascent weight is dropped allowing the vehicle to rise. A variable ballast system provides regulated increments of ballast change by transfer 
of oil between hard tanks and flexible bladders; 4,500 Ib of syntactic foam (this has a density of 39 pcf) are installed to give neutral overall 
buoyancy. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two fixed, reversible, 5-hp motors are mounted port and starboard just forward of amidships. The motors are variable 
in speed from 30 to 900 rpm. 

TRIM: Two pitch control cylinders mounted on the centerline, one forward and one aft, with hydraulically-activated pistons are used to transfer 
225 Ib of mercury from one end of the boat to the other allowing pitch angles of up to +30°. 

POWER SOURCE: Lead-acid battery, 124-VDC, 400-amp-hr. Three 2-V dry cells are carried for emergency operation of radio, flasher and UQC. 
The lead-acid battery is carried externally and is pressure compensated, 

LIFE SUPPORT: CO, is absorbed by blowing cabin air through LiOH granules then directing it downward across the viewports. O is supplied 
through a flow-control valve from a high pressure gaseous O7 supply. A bypass valve allows manual control of O2 if flow regulation fails. 

VIEWING: Two viewports provide overlapping coverage for the pilot and one observer. These ports are 21° below the horizontal centerline and 16° 
Port and starboard of the vertical centerline. Each viewport is 3.9 in. thick with an ID of 4.33 in. and an OD of 11.1 in. The ports are equipped with 
blowers to prevent fogging. There is also a smaller port located on the vertical centerline which is used exclusively for cine photography. This port is 
1.51 in, thick with an ID of 1.69 in. and an OD of 3.32 in. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Gyrocompass, three sonar transducers (forward, downward, and upward-looking) with strip chart 
recorder, depth sensor, depth monitor with interior dial readout, depth indicator, current meter (speed only), odometer, water temperature probe, 
inclinometer, yaw indicator, 2-channel tape recorder, interior-mounted 16-mm cine camera (400-ft film capacity), exterior-mounted 70-mm still 
camera with two strobes. 

MANIPULATORS: One with three degrees of freedom, 

SAFETY FEATURES: Releasable forward battery (600 Ib). Jettisonable manipulator. Mechanically releasable trim mercury (225 Ib), backed up by 
3,000 psi N2 for angle jettison. Mechanically releasable ascent weight is 185 Ib (also released by an overdepth release). Small weight dropper rack 
contains 150 Ib of weights which may be released hydraulically or mechanically. An overdepth release device, independent of the pilot and power 
supplies, will release both descent and ascent weights if vehicle reaches 4,200 ft +3%. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: DEEPSTAR has no permanent support ship, but is tended by a leased vessel. The last such ship was the M/V SEARCH TIDE 
Owned by Tidewater Marine, New Orleans, La. SEARCH TIDE is a typical offshore supply boat, designed to service drilling rigs in the Gulf of 
Mexico, SEARCH TIDE is 155 ft LOA with a beam of 36 ft and a draft of 11 ft. Her displacement is 199 tons. She is powered by two 1,000-hp 
diesel engines giving a cruising speed of 12 knots and a range of 3,700 miles. Vans mounted on the deck provide living quarters, a machine shop,a 
darkroom, and a maintenance shop for DEEPSTAR’s electronics, 

OWNER: Westinghouse Ocean Research and Engineering Center, Annapolis, Md. 

BUILDER: Westinghouse Electric Corp. 


REMARKS: Not operating. 


117 


VARIABLE BALLAST 
OIL RESERVOIR UHF RADIO 


TRANSPONDER INTERROGATOR ANTENNA 
Se SNR SS ELECTRICAL HULL PENETRATORS 
UNDERWATER TELEPHONE 
JUNCTION BOX DEPTH MAIN BALLAST TANK 
SONAR SYNTACTIC FOAM 
HYDRAULIC VALVES 
FORWARD 


AFT MERCURY MERCURY 
TRIM TANK TRIM TANK 
PROPULSION FORWARD 

MOTOR LOOKING 
SONAR 


MOTION PICTURE 
LIGHTS 


HYDRAULIC POWER 


VARIVEC 


PROPELLER lig 


if SUPPLY 

70 MM STILL CAMERA 
CONTROLLER Lids AF), : 

Bea HP AIR 
ACCESS PANEL ALTITUDE MANIPULATOR 
SYNTACTIC FOAM SONAR 5 IN. DIA. VIEWPORTS P/S 
VARIABLE BALLAST MAIN PRESSURE HULL 
TANKS P/S (EIRM RETR 7 FT.OIN. ID. 


118 


DEEPSTAR 20000 


LENGTH: .. 36 ft HAS CHIDVAMERTE Fiittitcte ccrelcterolstsltetalatralelaitsficiaieit=/aletafalelete 16 in. 
BEAM: .... 10.25 ft EVRRESSUPPOIR TNA) Bip tapersreteney eter allaiciel ciel a\eer= 144 man hr 
HEIGHT: NA TONE TOWER coodoconcancusoc0cononvcopoaDCNGadoS 
DRAFT: NA SPEEDIUIKNOMS) 1 CRUISEms sr etetelateyotelster-t<iet-torekelelslakelst aioli 2 
WEIEIshr WIENS oooosocdooncoponeoonodDDeDOd 42.5 tons WINS soanocdgoDODGOoscDOnOOdDOCOND 3 
QOHERVMIING DERE oocsotengnacpcugcunoodoK 20,000 ft CREWE PILCHS: scoscoagcadc0so0arduCHdBOoodnoooeod 1 
COLILUNESE DIEPIIRR occtccccgccconooncoGooDoDOODE NA OBSERVERS matepateretetetatatetetatedat= felt (erate Relstalelevelere ral 2 
L/NUIN( ela PYNTHES Gecooncoondod (construction halted in 1970) HMNALCYNDS apacocccs 060Gb CUD DOC DO DOdCIGA 500-2,000 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape, 7-ft 1D composed of HY-140 steel and weighing 12,414 Ib. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Syntactic foam (42-pcf) permanently installed main ballast system uses 3,000-psi air to blow tanks dry and provide 6,800 
Ib of surface buoyancy. Descent weight of 300 Ib dropped near the bottom provides neutral buoyancy. A bladder/hard tank system reduces 
displacement proportional to depth to compensate for buoyancy gained by hull rigidity. A 500-Ib ascent weight is used to initiate ascent. The 
bladder/hard tank air system is also used for +1,100-Ib changes utilizing a hydraulic pump. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: One 10-hp, AC motor drives a Varivec propeller mounted aft on centerline. One hydraulic pump driven by the same 
motor provides hydraulic power for vehicle hydraulics underway. 


TRIM: Mercury tanks fore and aft transfer 630 Ib of mercury to obtain pitch angles of +30°. 


POWER SOURCES: 120-VDC, silver-zinc batteries are carried externally and are pressure compensated. One 29-VDC auxiliary battery and one 
28-VDC emergency battery are carried in the pressure hull. 


LIFE SUPPORT: Gaseous 0. LiOH to remove CO. 


VIEWING: Two viewports, 4.5-in. ID, with overlapping field of view looking forward and down. One 2.25-in. 1D camera port on centerline looking 
forward and down. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Tape recorder, FM radio, velocity indicator, transponder, 70-mm still camera, 16-mm cine camera, water 
temperature sensor, side-looking sonar, two depth gages. 


MANIPULATORS: NA. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Surface lights, radio beacon. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: NA. 

OWNER: Westinghouse Ocean Research and Engineering Center, Annapolis, Md. 
BUILDER: Westinghouse Electric Corp. 

REMARKS: Major components completed and in storage; never assembled. 


119 


INCLINOMETER VIEWING DOME ELECTRICAL JUNCTION 


BOX 
LATERAL PROPELLER 


ACCESS HATCH EXOSTRUCTURE 


HIGH PRESSURE FRAMES VERTICAL LATERAL PROPULSION 
AIR TANK PROPULSION MOTOR 
MOTOR 


EJECTABLE BUOYANCY 
BLOCKS 
SAVONIUS 
ROTOR 


BROW 
RETAINING RINGS 


SAIL 


44%2"" DIA GLASS 


PROPELLER 
SHROUD wes 
TITANIUM TRANSITION 
FIXED BUOYANCY RING 


MATERIAL 


FORE AND AFT 
PROPULSION MOTOR 


BATTERY CABLES BLOW VALVE 


| NECTS 
AND DISC OMNES VERTICAL PROPULSION TUBE CYLINDRICAL BATTERY 
HOUSING 


HY 100 STEEL HULL 


PRESSURE COMPENSATION 
BELLOWS 


CHECK VALVE AND 
ACCUMULATOR 


120 


DEEP VIEW 


LENGTH: FATIC HED TAMIESTIE FR 8 crerenetete tattle l>leielelevaleile lef = le=t=iaitmi= m= 20 in. 
BEAMS cetera (LIFE SUARORANIOV OE “ogoocsoschubodonuosoo 38 man-hr 
HEIGHT: TONNE IFONMEIRIG Goo nanoonnbespooodnHoenoooDtsse 16 kWh 
DRAFT: SREEDIIRNOMS) Sater ctetereinienciccncietencrehetatolo tele issih ci otel« 1/12 hr 
TENT PUES. 6 aio oboe SO OC EEOC DO Dito CrEe oie GEtORiS) I eee cchotterajelerevelictapaleve)s is! afsiete\erelaierele 2/6 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: TES5OOKt I fegetee ve lejeleisinbeleelslisiia\lel>]a sien. =\ate/= (at 4/2 hr 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: 7,500 ft CUS RIFIECHS sasscoboccnccoccccosmonsepnDNU OOOO 1 
BAUNGCEE DATES sie aroieio ciate « eien ein clele eles eels 0:0) < 01s\> 1971 (OTH SRWAEESY Sapbcdosoodcsessesceshennocosoc 1 

PY NWWLCYNDS sash tesnesocsnoacHdobeseo 800 Ib (incl. crew) 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape with one hemisphere endcap of glass and one of steel. Hull material and one endcap is HY-100 steel 
0.65-in.-thick. Ring stiffened cylindrical pressure hull 6 ft long, 44.5-in. diam. Glass endcap Is 1.25-in.-thick Borosilicate weighing 300 Ib. 
BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Forty 5-Ilb steel plates provide slight buoyancy for initial descent and may be dropped individually during the dive to 
attain positive buoyancy. Twenty 3-lb buoyancy blocks provide variable buoyancy and are ejectable to attain negative buoyancy. 
PROPULSION/CONTROL: Five 5-hp, reversible MK 34 torpedo motors (DC). Two are mounted astern for forward and reverse propulsion, one is 
mounted athwartships to provide lateral thrust, two are mounted amidships on each side to provide vertical thrust. Four degrees of freedom from 
thrusters plus two degrees by internal ballast trim are attainable. 

TRIM: Ballast plate drop or buoyancy block ejection for adjustment to buoyancy status. Internal movable ballast for pitch or (infrequently) roll 
trim. Fore and aft ballast plate drop determines pitch/trim external. 

POWER SOURCE: Sixteen 6-V, lead-acid batteries connected in series-parallel provide 12, 24 and 48 VDC at 220 amp-hr for main power. 
Emergency power may be attained from eight 6-V, lead-acid batteries connected in series-parallel to provide 15 amp-hr at 24 VDC. Four auxiliary 
batteries for switching and environmental control have 2.4-kWh capacity at 24 V. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Two each, 18-ft3 tanks of 07; two each, 18 ft? tanks of scuba air. 02, CO7, H2O, and temperature monitored visually with 
warning horns on O3 high and low and CO 3 high. Primary CO removal by LiOH, backed up with Baralyme. 

VIEWING: Glass hemi-head provides panoramic viewing forward. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC (8.1-kHz) 4,000-yd range. Two depth gages, lights, echo sounder, VHF radio. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Jettisonable battery pods and ballast plates. Access trunk can be blown for 100-gal displacement (855-lb buoyancy). 
Emergency batteries internal. Redundancy of blow or pump for access trunk. Flood and go possible with portable scubas. 

SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER/BUILDER: U.S. Naval Undersea Center, San Diego, California 92132. 

REMARKS: Not operating. Certified to 100 ft. Now at Southwest Research Lab. 


121 


VERTICAL PROPULSION 
MOTOR 


PRECISION SONAR 
TRANSDUCERS 


INBOARD VERNIER TRIM TANK 


LOAD SKIRT 


MAIN BATTERIES MANIPULATORS 


OPTICAL RELAY TUBE 
BOTTOM SKI 


122 


DOWB 


FEEN Gilittitiemegetetetione een atetistt ol -tefeustietiate‘etolel = sie (elfefis|=?=y=l=ini= 17 ft RUNG) VANIER:  Gooonasocenbonanpoes bona GOD 20 in. 
BEAM: THOooSocCHooS sonosUoOOUEO ORDO D OOO 8.75 ft CUIFHESUFFORI IVS soocngcbencccgcoanme 195 man-hr 
RIESKEIRIES aoooo oe ooonossotesansoopooocesosooode 11.0 ft TROUZNGIAOMMERS: odocccpaddntcnocsdadosbescoean 40 kWh 
EY RA alte tetenetet feted state tetteliatatstelfelistst a=) =li=f=lie=1/=\'= l= [i's] =//=0=/ial== 5.0 ft SPEED (KNOTS): CRUISE 

VUNG (DEKE snpsonacoonspon boos soup oOOOOS 9.4 tons MWS Soonodnoodos 

OMERVANIMING IDISIPUINE soncsoocnesoeensessosedns 6,500 ft CMEWRIFNKOUS socdotdhconuscdacs 

(OWL/N ASS laine SongooupooapncoueodoonooG 10,000 ft OBSERVERS 990 300 

LYN VIN (ela leYNILES sao seogcndcogcacocuodHbdSooomoOOO 1968 PYENALCYNDE soaccpodrdoncsusa0doSS 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape of HY-100 steel, 82-in. OD and 0.935 in. thick. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Two water ballast hard tanks are used to provide 3,330 Ib of positive buoyancy at the surface. The variable ballast trim 
system is composed of a hard tank and gil-filled bladders. This system is used primarily to adjust for small changes in displacement, but can be used 
to adjust for a difference of up to +2% in trim. This system can achieve a maximum of 512 Ib of positive or negative buoyancy. Shot ballast (900 
Ib) is used for ascending and descending. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Four ducted main propulsion motors provide four degrees of maneuvering freedom, these are: forward and reverse 
thrust, vertical thrust and yaw. The two horizontal propulsion units are located port and starboard in the plane of the deck, canted outward at 15°. 
The two vertical thrusters are located fore and aft with their axes normal to the plane of the deck. The propulsion motors deliver 2 SHP to 
18-in.-diam. propellers at 486 rpm. 

TRIM: By transferring oil (used to obtain fine buoyancy control) between fore and aft soft bladders, up/down bow angles of +2.5° may be 
obtained. 

POWER SOURCE: Twenty externally-mounted, pressure-compensated, 12-V, lead-acid batteries provide 43.2 kWh of 120 VDC. This voltage is 
converted to 115 VAC, 60 Hz, single phase. One auxiliary battery (silver-zinc) provides 1.82 kWh of 30 VDC for emergency use and is located within 
the pressure hull. 

LIFE SUPPORT: O2 (160-scf) is carried within the pressure hull and operates together with the CO removal system which consists of a forced 
ventilated scrubber stack containing 25 Ib of LiOH. Atmospheric monitoring is conducted continuously and automatically by an O2 concentration 
indicator, a thermometer, a hydrometer and an aircraft altimeter. 

VIEWING: Two optical ports located directly amidships and at the bow afford a total coverage of 360° through an internal periscope system. This 
optical viewing system provides a full 4-pi solid angle visibility through 180°-wide-angle objectives mounted outboard of the viewports. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, gyrocompass, scanning sonar, upward-looking and downward-looking Fathometers, closed circuit 
TV (camera mounted on manipulator), video tape recorder. 

MANIPULATORS: One manipulator possessing six degrees of freedom can pick up a 50-Ib load at its maximum reach of 49 in. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Emergency breathing system consisting of closed circuit breathing connected to main O2/CO2 removal system. The 
following components are droppable: shot ballast, batteries, pan and tilt mechanism. 

SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: Was supported at sea by the R/V SWANN, a 135-ft (LOA), 250-ton displacement ex-U.S. Navy patrol craft. 
OWNER: Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, California. 

BUILDER: A.C. Division, General Motors Corp., Santa Barbara, California. 

REMARKS: Inactive. Used for student training. 


123 


VARIABLE BALLAST TANKS 
TOPSIDE PAN UNITS 


CONTROLLERSP &S 


MAIN PROPULSION 


BALLAST TANK 
MAIN BATTERIES 


TRIM TANK (RETRACTIBLE) 
InipEOn LIST TANK MERCURY TRIM 
CONTROLLER AIR TANKS P&S WANS 
CONTROLLERS 
TILTING hes 
SHROUD \ | AL DD FWD THRUSTER 
| 1 DUCTS 
mS Cap 
a | Op MAGNETIC 
4 45 ANCHOR P &S 
j CONTROLLER 


AFT THRUSTER eave = 
DUCTS 
AFT DISTRIBUTION 
HYDRAULIC BOX 
POWER UNIT 


TRANSFER TANK 
AFT PAN & TILT MECHANISM 


HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT 


TRANSFER TRANSFER TANK 
SRIBT FWD PAN & TILT UNIT 
MERCURY 
RESERVOIR CONTROLLERSP&S 


FWD DISTRIBUTION BOX 


MANIPULATOR 


124 


DSRV-1 & 2 (DEEP SUBMERGENCE RESCUE VEHICLE) 


(Llexeninle cooopconcopcono ono Dpeobeod Gopeneono 49.3 ft FAC HID VA MERE Ri i eye teter tetera fake lene hel felon -leyotetsnat 25 in. 
SIE/AME ceoeoonucs dovcéocsso6 neo oD oooUObdODUCOS 8.1 ft EIR ESUPPOR TAMA) rit tclerayeteretar-t-t-) bane i =trar ait = 729 man-hr 
FREN GAB car eravatctiay <iniin) Slefiniie lier elepelisier =e) oleic el e.eieysjeisies) ss 11.4 ft TROUEN EI ROMMERS oonpcoanceoccodensuudoocnpodoS 58 kWh 
EXEVACE ilistere eter tetatareielctel telat eilol rim) sialistioke)aiiers<slers\s! 9i=\=1=/=\~ 10.75 ft SPEEDHIRNOMS) CRUISE Nie crereteter a letetet=tetefel telnet eter 3/12 hr 
With WON SocomoncooosoopcoDOGDOUDOOD 37.35 tons MA Xeon teicier vet ecclistey Nel tener -ccn ster her aire 4.5/3 hr 
CMERVATMIING DIE IIS SopecdgosdgsoSc0geoeeooen 5,000 ft CREW EMO mietstetetatatelotelstslcteletetate-)-tetel-f-t-4-0-t ttt 3 
GOEEAPSE DEPT occ cio sce cicie cise wine nie ee 7,500 ft G\EQSRWATRS chocogacsunecaon sess 24 (Rescuees) 
EAUNGCHI DATES Siete i crere ele ote) s ols onic eee 1970 & 1971 HANALOCYNDI ss 5oondonbosso5posScnGescousaoods 4,320 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Three 7.5-ft diam., 0.738-in.-thick, interconnected, HY-140 steel spheres contained within a formed fiberglass fairing. Forward 
sphere is for operators; aft spheres are for rescuees (24 total). Two hatches are in mid-sphere; one topside is for surface access, one On bottom 
enclosed by skirt is for rescuees to enter. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Four saddle tanks (748 gal—6,400 Ib total) provide freeboard on surface. Fore and aft tanks (123.4 gal—1,060 Ib total) 
provide variable buoyancy control. Four collapsible bags in each sphere (478 gal—4,080 |b total) compensate for weight of rescuees. Fore and aft 
tanks (713.6 gal—5,664 Ib total) are used to store water pumped from rescue skirt. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Forward propulsion by a stern-mounted, reversible 4-ft diam. propeller driven by a 15-hp, AC motor. Two each vertical 
and horizontal ducted thrusters (fore- & aft-mounted), each driven by a 7.5-hp, AC, electric motor. Shroud around stern propeller can be tilted to 
control yaw and pitch. 

TRIM: Up and down bow angles can be obtained by transferring part of the 1,428 lb of mercury carried in forward/aft tanks (36.5 gal total). Port 
and starboard tanks located above centerline provide list control by transferring 6 gal of mercury (440 Ib). A similar tank located low on the 
centerline amidships can control BG by mercury transfer from list tanks. 

POWER SOURCE: Two pressure-compensated, silver-zinc batteries weighing 2,000 Ib each supply 56 kWh apiece at 112 VDC for main propulsion. 
A similar system plus inverters and converter are available for +28 VDC and 115 VAC at 400 cycle. A 28-VDC silver-zinc battery (115 kWh) is 
available for emergency. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Separate support for forward sphere and mid/aft spheres. CO2 is controlled by LiOH. Closed loop emergency breathing systems 
are available for 28 people. An air conditioning system controls humidity and heat. 

VIEWING: Five viewports are available: Two in the forward sphere (4-in. diam.), one looks forward and down 30°, one looks 140° to starboard and 
30° down from the horizontal. Two (4-in. diam.) in mid-sphere look 70° to port and starboard and 50° down from the horizontal. One in 
mid-sphere lower hatch looks directly down and is 3 in. in diam. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC (8.087-kHz), CTFM sonar, vertical sonar, altitude/depth sonar, Doppler sonar navigator, sound 
velocimeter, tracking transponder for DSRV, transponder navigation system, two T V cameras, side scan sonar, 16-mm cine camera, two 35-mm still 
cameras. 

MANIPULATORS: One manipulator with seven degrees of freedom on forward sphere. 

SAFETY FEATURES: The following is jettisonable: Manipulator, downhau! winch cable, pan and tilt camera units, magnetic anchors. 
SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: Air, ship, truck, submarine transportable. 

OWNER: U.S. Navy Submarine Development Group One, San Diego, California. 

BUILDER: Lockheed Missiles & Space Corp., Sunnyvale, California. 

REMARKS: Undergoing test and evaluation. Both vehicles are built to the same specifications. DSRV-1 is presently rated at 3,500 ft, but will 
eventually reach the 5,000-ft operating depth of DSRV-2. 


125 


126 


FNRS -2 


WENGURIE sopcdougdnooccopoucosDOGUDGUOOUOUOO 22.75 ft HATCH DIAMETER: ........... 16.9 in. 1D; 21.65 in. OD 
EVM dopo caucus podD dO coor od oDUHO Om Up mUDOO 10.4 ft EIR ESUPPO Ril (MAX) rimcreteterscheleteletstet-tot-t-u=t-1 100 man-hr 
IMSKSRIUS ooggoscacoscudodoCoSOUD OD animes OURO 18.9 ft TROTZNLIROMMIEI coo consoddadopndesoocgouooodomes NA 
DRAFT: SPEEDHIKNOMS) CRUISES rc cterejetateieten=teledet= fete = 0.2 knots 
(MEIC ArU(DENOS osocedpcamoucHooedgoouooDoorOD 28 tons MVR S oooncosoonoopooanooseBoEstc NA 
OPERATING DERM sci eee cere cee iee = wee oe 13,500 ft (SEW RIANLONS good tonsonosbouesosOonedoDoEdoOGoodA 1 
COMMAPSE DERE srerersrers) sii el elaivielelvl «el =\el= eliste)=he 20,000 ft OBSERMERS sieesctatel siete teietel at tel alte tatetat t-te tte tt-tal 1 
(L/AUINTOTSYNIIES, cosectpodepesndegdocdmodoomos oo 1948 IVANALOVNDS (osc conadnaccddagGn ooo nto GoD ooo eens co NA 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape composed of two hemispheres cast of Ni-Cr-Mo steel 6 ft 7 in. OD, 3.54 in. thick reinforced to 5.91 in. at 
viewports and held together with clamps along an equatorial ring. Weight in air of 10 tons. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Positive buoyancy is obtained by 6,600 gal (1,059 ft3) of gasoline contained in six upright, cylindrical tanks within a 
22.75x10.4x13-ft, 0.04-in.-thick, iron float. Approximately 8 tons of gravel, scrap iron and iron shot are electromagnetically held to provide 
negative buoyancy; the iron shot may be dropped incrementally. A “‘horsetail” of thin cables serves as a near-bottom guiderope and fine buoyancy 
control, 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two electric motors (1-hp each) are mounted topside port/starboard and drive the vehicle forward or reverse. 

TRIM: No systems available. 


POWER SOURCE: One externally-mounted, pressure-compensated, droppable, lead-acid battery of 14 cells and 900 amp-hr supplies primary 
power. A reserve battery of 120 cells is also carried. Both batteries are electromagnetically held below the float. 


LIFE SUPPORT: 03 is carried in the pressure sphere and released into the cabin automatically. Cabin air is blown through soda-lime cartridges to 
remove CO. Humidity is reduced by silica gel. 

VIEWING: Two viewports, each is 5.91 in. thick, 15.75-in. OD, 3.94-in. 1D. One looks downward from the vertical (about 30°) and forward. The 
second is in the entrance hatch and looks aft, upward toward the float. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Tachometer for vertical speed, pressure gage. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Snorkel for breathing when surfaced. Batteries (2,650 Ib) and all ballast droppable. 

SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: Can be transported aboard ship and launched/retrieved at sea. Normally it is towed to dive site. 
OWNER: French Navy. 

BUILDER: Auguste Piccard, with funds from the Belgium National Fund for Scientific Research (FNRS). 

REMARKS: Reconfigured to FNRS-3 by the French Navy in 1949-1953 after severe damage to float while in tow during heavy weather. 


127 


128 


FNRS -3 


PYSINKSUIe Coosoctocodcongopocnoobdoouueoudp meson 52.5 ft PVAIKC A (OWVAIMISIRSIS” oo esate easasonacans osu ade 16.94 in. 
GIE/ANME caséomeboce sonsbenu dot bocsnbosodocoodod 11.1 ft BIREIS UPPO Rita (MADG siterarercrettensnclreierechonsns toler 48 man-hr 
(RIES ooonoedeooodsdagodoborcoodgoagane cote meo NA YROnVNL FOMMSRIS Sagscmeosueososuccancoacnaguc 30 kWh 
DIAVNIF IE Sood doo OO oot .clacc Oot Oo 0 Od Oo Obi Comoe o NA SREEDIIKNO MS) MCRUNS Ex gre seucuerete tetas svat tsps tensdsi\-ieits ts NA 
WEIGRIF(ORS. asooenabonepoccowusdoonootous 28.1 tons IMVARS cio covegamdaooano no adon pind ac 5 
ORE R AMIN GIO EE Pirie ctee-lelsielsiemeleteieiek-lene) hel elaie)i= 13,500 ft CEM TANILOUS: oAabocbaooscosnbodoo on aoonenooo fos 1 
GCOUEARSEsD E Rail tame retaiateneliel=telaletaitelerestelicie)isjisteitsita bay's 20,000 ft CVSS acls tt dasanssssbooddocnoopod san 1 
L/NUNIGRIIEVAUISS saAcsoo cod sombococoaonaoonoO Ob 1953 (PEASAILIOVNDS cooononboo acondw eco aog00 dbooo noo amos NA 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape composed of cast Ni-Cr-Mo steel 6-ft 10-in. OD and ranging in thickness 3.5 in. to 5.9 in. 
BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Positive buoyancy provided by 2,794 ft3 of gasoline carried in 11 tanks within a thin-walled float. Negative buoyancy 
provided by 4,000 Ib of steel shot electromagnetically held in four tanks. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two 2-hp, reversible, DC motors provide both main propulsion and steering control. 

TRIM: No systems provided. 

POWER SOURCE: Two 28-V, pressure-compensated, lead-acid batteries supply 900 amp-hr for lights and motors, One 28-V, silver-zinc battery 
supplies 180 amp-hr for all other equipment. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Four O09 cylinders carried within the hull. CO2 is removed by soda lime. 

VIEWING: Same as FNRS-2. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, echo sounder, depth gage, radio transceiver, compass, seawater sampler and temperature sensor, 
still camera. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: All steel shot is automatically dumped upon loss of electrical power. Batteries also drop upon loss of electrical power (2,600 
Ib). 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Towed on surface. 

OWNER: French Navy. 

BUILDER: French Naval Shipyard, Toulon. 

REMARKS: Inactive, retired in 1960, Deepest depth reached was 13,500 ft. The two major differences between FNRS-2 and 3 was that FNRS-3’s 
float was designed for surface towing and the occupants of FNRS-3 could enter the pressure hull while the vehicle was on the surface through an 
access trunk which ran through the float to the hull. 


129 


ee 


| ese ey Be 


—w = 

T kh — 9 | 
ee < tl Q 
— 


We O39 W 468 


ENGINE & GENERATOR 
COMPARTMENT SEPARATE 


REAR BALLAST TANK 


SCANNING 
LENS 360° VIEW 


CONNING TOWER 
WINDOW 


” ” _——<——————— 
12" X 24” WINDOW a ao HIGH PRESSURE AIR TANKS 
re mun nC ES SET IN BALLAST TANKS 
ROCK BALLAST 
DR Zi 
OP AWAY ee al DROP AWAY BOTTOM 


BOTTOM ee 
ae Ze iv NEGATIVE BUOYANCY TANK 


We 


FLOOD LIGHTS \ 


we’ STEEL SKID RUNNERS 


130 


GOLDFISH 


TREING et erecetorercleverelsiistaledeielicielel wiel=ts\(e)wielehe\leilafelelsteiu els 28.7 ft FAT CHIDIVAMEME Ritetevereietevalet Selene telarefeleleltet-i-telefai-tefrel= 32 in. 
BEAM: NTFS SUP HOMO VS SoosAacococddononmoode 18 man-hr 
HEIGHT: TOA NL (HOMME coop accctaanao0dobGdoOanC 1,200 amp-hr 
DRAFT: SPEEDIIKNOMS) i GRUIS Etereroretaleteteleteieletetetetat-tatenal=ialfalls NA 
WEIGHT (DRY): .. 6.25 tons IWWARKS Deoon codmoo obaooDOoodOooS 5/5 hr 
OPERATING DEPT 100 ft GREW SPIMMOMS trevey-secetate tateva lene Pele leveor lel cloteleteiedelsteleleker= tatel = 1 
GOLPAPSES DERM se cieienrteleiel <alctefellolelintintaie}evalelelarsiel=1 320 ft OBSERVERS tierce rcsetetetetaietelalovalonotettaisiewaieaiclsiellel sete 3 
EAUNGHIDATES) | crstelstotele tefelevateletainleicjelatataleta (e/als/-i=(at- (= 1958 FENALCYNDS sodbocodobocepocaDHoDGoDoGcoOoddN 1,000 Ib 
PRESSURE HULL: Shaped as an inverted wedge and composed of 0.25-in.-thick steel plate with 4-in.-thick seamless steel ribs, ‘’I’” beams and 


0.25-in. plates mounted at angles, 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Two main ballast tanks, one forward and one aft and one negative buoyancy tank in the center. Five 122-ft? capacity air 
flasks are used to blow water ballast. A low pressure air pump is used to adjust buoyancy on the surface. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion is provided by two propellers mounted port/starboard on the stern. Lateral thrust is provided by two 
propellers mounted athwartships on the bow. 

TRIM: No systems provided. 

POWER SOURCE: Surface power is derived from a Ford ‘60 V8 engine which provides direct drive to the main propulsion units. Submerged power 
is derived from eight 60-amp-hr and sixteen 45-amp-hr lead-acid batteries. A 200-amp generator is carried within the vehicle to charge batteries on 
the surface, 

LIFE SUPPORT: NA. 

VIEWING: Three 12 in. x 24 in. viewports on main pressure hull. Two 6-in. 
providing 360° viewing. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: CB radio, cameras, sonar. 
MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Droppable ballast. Pressure hull can be pressurized to ambient by introducing deballasting air into hull for egress of 
Occupants through removable windows. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: None. 

OWNER: Unknown. 

BUILDER: Burtis L. Dickman, Auburn, Indiana 

REMARKS: Sold in 1973. Was due to be rebuilt by new owner. Present status unknown. 


2 viewports on conning tower. One 18-in.-diam. lens in hatch cover 


131 


132 


GRIFFON 


Y= CHAIS sotoupesenoootodos Gocco bo BooY SoCo 7.4m invA) VAM ISUISINE ecco socosccoucbnoobeponoonoDs NA 
ENB Gogoouccnoe ds Doo dood OO oD EO UOdaodaDodOG 2.1m UNRE SOR FORT IVS Gonanoscdsdnoounboed 100 man-hr 
IRIEMCISES acodacedoocosodosodscndo soos CoDoe ocd 3.1m UO NS HOMMSLIS oe cs 666 565.004 oo oniadign SOOO bon NA 
BUFUA oar evorens tetetor olialetstahnaals rateneverts ice lelelsfcifuiafeisialekeyaielet stats NA SPREEDICNOMS) CRU) S Emear-rtcnsteterstalentsretetertelera terete tetra NA 
(MEK UDIENADS secocnooceccanoupadDooDdeoodd 12 tons WY apart. dO D5 AO OOOO ROT OUOIOOOE 4/6 hr 
OPERYANTILDVS SIPURIS soococgasotognodgcuodosoDEas 600 m CREW RUE OMS! fesey cious. svenchelavcusueteheveyersaseel oneteystia tel arcvss fave ene 2 
COMEAPS EID ERM ten pavetetale teveleiton siel bel piccl’sisielsleiavel siecle = NA OFSERWERS odbosioc bogo00dos dO COMB EDeNoOO0 1 
ACN GEDA Eisitetoretciatetatetalet< [fete folacelistetelisifavel-faislat-iele 1973 EN ALOVND RE coo bondannoogoussanobace scopoRceee 200 kg 


PRESSURE HULL: Central cylinder with an OD of 1.60 m capped with a forward cone closed by a hemispherical cap and after cone through which 
shafting penetrates. Hull is composed of 210-mm-thick steel. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Four main ballast tanks of 2.4-m3 capacity blown by compressed air. Gross pre-dive ballasting is adjusted by the removal 
or addition of lead weights on the keel. Submerged buoyancy is adjusted by fore and aft variable ballast tanks within the hull which allow a total 
adjustment of 130 kg. An anchoring device consisting of 20 m of cable and a 200-kg anchor allows vertical hovering control near-bottom. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: One,three-bladed propeller at the stern (5-hp) provides main propulsion. Two vertical thrusters and one lateral thruster 
all of 0.5 hp. 
TRIM: Up/down bow angles can be obtained by transferring fresh water between two forward and two aft tanks within the pressure hull. 


POWER SOURCE: Nickel-cadmium batteries are located in jettisonable pods outside the hull. The batteries are pressure compensated and provide 
all electrical power. A 28-V battery within the hull is for emergency power. 


LIFE SUPPORT: Gaseous 02. CO, is removed by soda lime. Monitors for 07, CO2 and cabin pressure. Three individual emergency breathing 
apparatuses are connected to the main O2 supply. 


VIEWING: Five viewports. One is in the access trunk and four are on the pressure hull bow. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UOC (Straza ATM 504 A) which also operates as a transponder interrogator, an echo sounder, a pinger 
and a transponder. Depth gage, TV, VHF radio, gyrocompass, two recording echo sounders, sample basket. 


MANIPULATORS: One, with a reach of 1.60 m. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Battery pods and manipulator are jettisonable (total about 900 kg). Anchor cable can be cut with a pyrotechnic device. Two 
fire extinguishers. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Supported by the ship TRITON which may either tow it to the dive site or launch/retrieve it on station. 

OWNER: Operated by the Groupe d’Etudes et de Rescherches Sous-marines (GERS) and the French Navy. 

BUILDER: French Naval and Construction yard, Brest. 

REMARKS: Undergoing sea trials as of February 1974. 


133 


PLASTIC DOME 


HATCH 


THRUSTER 


PRIMARY SCRUBBER 


SECONDARY SCRUBBER 


STARBOARD 
VIEWPORT 


HYDRAULIC 
POWER 
UNIT 


MANUALLY DROPPED 
BALLAST 


GUPPY 


(UEINKCIMRIE Sonndébootcosons oon soooorDsagEooDADOnS 11 ft iVvAinels! IVANMISIHERIS  sodonancceocacopmoocuccoaoo 20 in. 
VANE anococoosonpdon Fane SoC ooao Ueno dob IeoO00D 8 ft EIREISUPRRO Rite (MAD) siicvcr-yameirreaskereteicucr meus rane tablets te 72 man-hr 
(ACRE. SAoc Said Sean oer Sta cro SRG OT hen Eee ee ones 7.5 ft Tent OMS oeocasunumodtadsouusopocosnede tethered 
DEYNFUS casos acoso cdo soaobbonoO sn nOnOO Roo eBseaD 5.6 ft SHES) (USNC RS)S CRUISES a ooscosgonedsonoroscscdosohs 1 
(EIA WORNDS cosnodsoocadnscbdocopconcoere 2.5 tons MARS. soooadneonootnonsaonoduopo dD 3 
QMERVATMINICIDISIPUIRIE oogonaasonoonsoosgcodobe 5 1,000 ft OS Vaio tooneaschpesdvnooccadccdcus comclcronsas 1 
COPEAPSEID EPilitl-matstetstararsiatstelaieital-hel-ielelnetsiienals 2,000 ft OOS WWARS ‘snanendososacsbAooot ot aogcaneasn 1 
LAN UN Cin) BVA ED osc bood ance nd Ooo oGomaoD oo5 © mer 1970 PEN ECOVNDS coos as ocdangenUoneedhecoboUeedO DON Ue? 850 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape of HY-100 steel 66-in. |D and 0.5 in, thick. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: An internal, variable ballast tank controls surface draft and main + buoyancy. Two lead shot hoppers (150 Ib each) 
provide negative buoyancy and a 400-Ib weight in the keel provides additional negative buoyancy. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two port-starboard mounted 10-hp, 440-VAC, 1,140/560 rpm, reversible and rotatable (180° in the vertical) motors 
provide lateral and vertical maneuvering. 

TRIM: Fore and aft shot hoppers may be differentially emptied to obtain up/down bow angles. 

POWER SOURCE: Derived from 440-V surface generator through a 35-kW cable. 

LIFE SUPPORT: 0 cylinders carried within the hull. 02, CO and temperature/humidity gages are also carried. 

VIEWING: Three viewports one 16-in. diam., 1.25-in.-thick, hemispherical viewport is incorporated into the access hatch. Two 8-in.-diam., 
1-in.-thick, hemispherical ports look forward on the centerline. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Hard line telephone, depth gage, inclinometer, corer. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Mechanically releasable weight (400 Ib). Shot hoppers can be emptied (300 Ib). Vehicle can be retrieved by its power cable. 
Sixteen man-hr emergency breathing, fire extinguisher, surface flashing light. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: SOO. 

OWNER: Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co., Chester, Penna. 

BUILDER: Same as Owner. 

REMARKS: Has not operated for several years. 


135 


\ 


agp 


a GtBh-sZ TAS 


ONE POINT BEACON LIGHT 
LIFTING EQUIPMENT 


ANTENNA 


TRANSPONDER BATCH 
EEA 
STABILIZING FIN VERTICAL THRUSTER VIEW PORT 
I I~ CONTROL 
GUARD 
PANEL OBSTACLE 


AVOIDANCE SONAR 


@ EXTERNAL LIGHT 


UNDERWATER 
CAMERA 


DIVE PLANE 


MANIPULATOR 


INBOARD EQUIPMENTS BOTTOM KEEL 


SAMPLING 
TRAY 


136 


HAKUYO 


Li=INKen nls oGonnos Sos OOD OOO OO Do OOO OOD Dome . LVAUELIOVANMISTIER cocdsosscocoonscocootoobOT 62 cm 
BEAM site tonctiet sitet aRete tarot) atisloleiiailstis fal afe)/nsiis)ellelevelisielis wile) clea lata LIFE SUFORIP (MARIS Siccanmon0ntoacadooacs 

inlEINR Badecoocodonodeo to OOD Colo-cioco reco ue och a TORN LIROMERS onotdcoonssochaoooseudacnods 

IOIRAVNFITS coopocounoogonoUgoo co cUnS aie A SPEED (KNOTS): CRUISE 

ENGR (DENS: 6 oad0 0 ce0.tcc ooo UO memoraic mood MAX 

OPERATING DEPTH: Senet CREW: PILOTS og8 aie 

COLLAPSE DEPTH: 35 OESERWERS coggessondo 

(LYAWINICIRIIDVNIIES nn ooogos cone noo Emon to ooo Oe too PAWALCYNSE soadsocosabodensnnd osboecon rood deDonS 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape of quenched and tempered, high tensile NS46 (Japan Defense Agency Standard) steel. Hull is 1.4 m in. diam. 
and cylinder is 12.5 mm thick, endcaps are 13.5 mm thick. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Vehicle is made negatively buoyant by letting seawater into the auxiliary tank and pumping out to become positive. A 
negative tank is used to Obtain greater negative buoyancy when sitting on the bottom. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: A stern-mounted propeller (trainable 90° left or right) provides main fore/aft propulsion and is driven by a 10-hp 
motor. A horizontal thruster, driven by a 1-hp motor is mounted on the bow and O.5-hp vertical thrusters (1 each) are mounted on bow and stern. 
Diving planes are mounted on the bow to provide underway vertical control, 

TRIM: A lead weight is moved along a rail at the bottom and inside the pressure hull by a hydraulic motor. Up/down bow angles of 10° are 
obtainable. 

POWER SOURCE: Two lead-acid battery systems are carried in a ring-stiffened cylindrical shell (battery pod) beneath the pressure hull. A 120-V 
system supplies power to all propulsion units, hydraulic pump and lights. A 24-V system powers acoustic equipments, compass and indicators. 

LIFE SUPPORT A high-pressure flask mounted outside the pressure hull carries the O2 supply. Baralyme is used to absorb CO}, silica gel is used to 
reduce humidity. A Drager gas analyzer is used to monitor the interior atmosphere. 

VIEWING: Eight viewports are incorporated into the forward endcap, six are arranged around the conning tower. A 90° view is obtainable through 
the viewports which have an |D of 150 mm. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UOC (9-kHz), obstacle avoidance sonar, up/down echo sounders, radio, pinger, transponder. 
MANIPULATORS: One manipulator capable of five degrees of freedom. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Auxiliary and negative buoyancy tanks can be blown in an emergency. Battery pod of 250 kg is droppable. Manipulator 
wrist detaches when its applied load exceeds 50 kg. Emergency breathing apparatus is carried in the pressure hull which draws off of the main air 
supply. Fire extinguisher, flashing surface lights. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Ocean Systems Japan Ltd., Tokyo. 

BUILDER: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Tokyo. 

REMARKS: Operational. 


137 


Fd 1 


Seer ete Wes 
acetates gs a : 
‘tai 2 — od +e i ve * : 
ae ' : / AS ? * & 
* : ' ‘ 


y 
Ve 
ars 


» HIKING 
ess dea cane scx racy, 


PLASTIC 
PRESSURE 


THRUST VECTOR HULL 


NTROL POWER 
e ana RETAINING RING 


JUNCTION ASCENT TANK 


AIR SOURCE = VENT VALVE 
STAND PIPE 


MOTOR POWER 
ote PURGE VALVE 


ASCENT TANK (SOLENOID) 


VENT VALVE 


FLOOD VALVE 


FLOOD VALVE 


BATTERIES SUMP PUMP 


PONTOON 


138 


HIKINO 


(Y=Nennae cooodogocd oct doob ono U Ob OCD OCU UO OromD oO Aine VANE ISIS oo opocosceoocdonogonodn obec none 
ENV pasvobooncoo bo +: oa oa se se LIFE SUPPORT (MAX): 48 man-hr 
HEIGHT: MOMALIPOWER SF iereere eiarahene Speers a0 2.3 kWh 
DRAFT: SPEED (KNOTS): CRUISE HOD OGO 0.9 
WIEIERAUDENAIS cosopacopocasosopouKQGgGgoGGGaCdS MAX aes 50 3.5/45 min. 
OPERATING DEPTH: CREWE OMS prerereramienetlavelereteonebeterelevaletaher. tataraiclerersvecenerene 1 


COLLAPSE DEPTH: OESERMEAG covindcnosccodeodnceghoodmropae6s 1 
LAUNCH DATE: 2.2.0... ce ec tee ee eee eee nee IPZWALOYNDR, sonicoddodduponoopecUpoODoGcDoo Bob ESO NA 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape of two 56-in. OD plastic hemispheres 0.25 in. thick. The two hemispheres were hinged together by an 
aluminum flange and opened to allow entry of personnel. The catamaran hull was constructed of marine plywood, covered with fiberglass and sealed 
with paint. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Lead ballast weights (1,750 Ib) gave the vehicle neutral buoyancy at launch. Total buoyancy was a function of trapped 
air, water absorption, personnel and equipment weight. The pressure sphere furnished about 3,160 Ib positive buoyancy. Floodable tanks at each 
end of both pontoons were vented to obtain negative buoyancy. Normally the vehicle dived 10 Ib heavy, but over mud bottom it was 10 Ib light to 
decrease stirring of mud. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two 1.4-hp, DC motors powered cycloidal propellers forward of pressure sphere and capable of swiveling 90° up or 
down. 

TRIM: None. 

POWER SOURCE: Twenty 6-V, 190-amp-hr, lead-acid batteries are carried in two containers in the catamaran hull. The batteries are exposed to 
water and ambient pressure; to protect them, the terminals were coated with rubber cement, most of the air was displaced by the electrolyte, cells 
were modified to prevent gas trapping and pressure relief valves were screwed into filler holes of each cell. Voltages supplied were 18 VDC and 24 
voc. 


LIFE SUPPORT: Gaseous On (514 in.3 at 1800 psi) was carried in the pressure sphere and metered out automatically at 2 SCFH. LiOH was 
employed in a 10-SCFM blower circuit to remove CO>. Silica gel was used to decrease humidity. 


VIEWING: Panoramic viewing through plastic hull. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: NA. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Two scuba tanks and regulators carried in the pressure hull for emergency breathing or to exit vehicle after flooding. 
SURFACE SUPPORT: Not applicable. 

OWNER: Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, Calif. 

BUILDER: Same as above. 


REMARKS: HIKINO was an experimental vehicle (called a Mock-Up) used to gain experience with plastic hulls; this experience led to development 
of NEMO, DEEP VIEW, and other plastic-hulled submersibles. 


139 


140 


JIM 


(LISNfentalS concongodsanonaucuson sohdor ao scanned becoodC PVATKn) (EVVANNJETIEIIE coooanooconocDooCKUGDOoadoNT NA 
EAE coosdodececdgenGn eee decodooneDdooUC ADE 3.1 ft NFS SUFARORTE UIMVEADOIE ooo nocecsootmoboceoon 16 man-hr 
nIEIKGRHS sonsosoopsosgodacondodoodoodopAaodane 6.5 ft WOWAEIFOUMSIA Soccoocsnsouosn sou ooonoedoudE Manual 
DIVAS codogoucoounDoopooUréDOUdOO OND oD OoSOGoOdOD SEEEDMKNO GS) CH UISE Myo crermrajeleln) ale iol ere raraiapear NA 
(EIST (ORAS. aoocactoaccocogpoCGHadousooad 1,100 Ib MAK oo vaai=ifecs leis eine) ee sfelayoneisselelielate NA 
CHERVAIINIGIEP URE coccccso0caagconganococads 1,300 ft CIMES (PIOUS, bonsusoueocoheansoneecbodcoudopoous 1 
COINS IEP sosnondonmeddongonuconocbonoe NA OBSERVERS miiwretetareretetarar-fal-teket ter areaener acne eeietaet ie) 
Ee MUINKELIEYNUTES boobed oadod saodemon age oue co 6 1973 EA UCPC) ore a.Olo ba god Sic Be ac CicmiO cin ecg coor cic NA 


PRESSURE HULL: Main body and dome, knee spacer and boots are composed of magnesium alloy RZ5. All joints are composed of aluminum 
alloy forgings, as are the elbow spacers and hand enclosures. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Lead ballast of approximately 150 Ib is required to reach neutral buoyancy. Additional buoyancy of 15 to 50 Ib 
(depending upon bottom conditions) is required for negative buoyancy. This ballast is jettisonable. For independent mobility the lifting cable can be 
jettisoned. By dropping all ballast the operator will ascend at a rate of about 100 fpm. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: A !ift cable provides ascent/descent. Mobility on the sea floor is by walking. 

TRIM: No systems provided. 

POWER SOURCE: Manual. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Sufficient O2 is carried externally in two flasks (440 | at 150 atm. each) and provides 4 hr for working with a 12-hr reserve. The 
Operator wears an oronasa! mask with an inhale and exhale tube, both are connected to CO2 scrubbers (soda lime) and work at atmospheric pressure. 
Two complete O2 and CO, sets are provided, one for backup. Monitoring instruments in the suit are for QO internal pressure, temperature. 
Lightweight clothing can be worn and in the waters where JIM has worked (Scotland) the internal temperature has stabilized at 19 to 20°C. 
VIEWING: Four viewports in the dome and two at the back. The viewports are concave-convex lenses machined from Plexiglas 222. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Compass. 

MANIPULATORS: Initially four simulated fingers were used and operated on a 1-to-1 mechanical linkage with a thumb on a swivel base, though 
satisfactory, other alternatives to these general purpose manipulators are being sought. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Lift cable can be released if snarled. Ballast jettisonable. Two life support systems. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: DHB Construction Ltd., England. 

BUILDER: Underwater Marine Equipment Ltd., Farnborough, Hants, England. 

REMARKS: Developmental stage in August 1973 at which time it had dived to 442 ft. Classification to 1,300 ft operating depth was under 
contemplation by Lloyds Register of Shipping. JIM’s design and operation fulfill every definition of a manned submersible (chap. 1). 


141 


SURFACE BOUYANCY 
TANKS 


ATTACHMENT POINT FOR 
HYDRO CRANE 


PNEUMATIC VENT 


DIVER BALLAST TANK 

SONAR CALIBRATION 
TRANSDUCER 

STROBE LIGHT 
PNEUMATIC VENT 


rT MAIN PROPULSION 
PNEUMATIC VENT MOTORS & RUDDER 


PASSENGER & PILOT 
ACRYLIC SPHERE 


ENTRANCE HATCH 


FLARE GUN 
SONAR 


BOW VERT. 


THRUSTER 
ELECTRICAL 


CONNECTORS 


DIVER 
GAS SUPPLY 


DOPPLER 
BOW LATERAL TRANSDUCERS 
THRUSTER 
HIGH PRESSURE 


O, SUPPLY 


BATTERY POD SIDE MOTORS 


HIGH PRESSURE pi veRs ENTRANCE PORT SIDE-FATHOMETER TRANSDUCER 
AIR TANKS & EXIT HATCH STARBOARD SIDE-STRAZA TRANSDUCER 


142 


JOHNSON SEA LINK 


(UINEKARIS aoeecdoodconoonooo Demon rUD doo coomouuD 23 ft HAG HID VAMERMER te rece: etet-tataten=fenelal=\elloire)\vie ella) »\(«1 = [ln\ «iim 24 in. 
EZR oougondecooomooddocooocH Us OOO OCOD ONO Ooo 7.9 ft (LIFE SWAPORAT (MAE 8 cocusomocccensenocHoS 72 man-hr 
RISKS oocounoeohuooUsooooeBsoDoeooooconoodE 10.8 ft IROUZNG (OWNERS oo bboscancoconocooonooD dD ooboUS 32 kWh 
DRYNEUS SocconcouConoCODo UD ode UO OO HOU OOO DIO CG 7.1 ft SPEEDIIKNOMS)SGRUNS Em ierreratetelalsleelelsitclereialelenel-iielel= 0.75 
WEIGHT (DEIN) 2 Sie crriere ee nie elm nee we nie eins oieine = 9.5 tons WARS arccoccdubgoronotoceoasosts 1.75 
ORERA TING DERM) (yee veto te teyet-t- t=ym la tenalelslinl eile) eree 1,000 ft GREW HEME OMS Mrenctenensctonevayekevaloharerarcitelevel= is l-iinks l(elle=| iel= inte le 1 
COLEBAPSE DERM Eye tnratel cde cl= (ells) 1m) «ie re DIVER 6,000 ft OBSERMERS miepepetereleterel stele lateltelis te elfeteleilet=)'sielinbellni=yisin 3 

PILOT 6,000 ft PYWALCYNOE a oooccecuceopas be oUouUoD Oooo OO oNOS 1,100 Ib 
EEAAUINGHIDAGTI ES iercrctetele!-velemale i=) lelat=) = (0) ellellole ie et=\=\in erm (el 1971 


PRESSURE HULL: Two hulls: Forward spherical hull is for pilot and observer and is composed of acrylic plastic (Plexiglas grade G) 66-in. OD, 4 
in. thick and weighing 2,300 Ib. The after hull is a cylinder of aluminum (alloy 5456) 50.5-in. OD, 3.36 in. thick and 513/8 in. long with aluminum 
(alloy 5456-0) plate hemispherical endcaps 2.33 in. thick at the apex and 2.80 in. thick at the equator. The entire cylinder is 8 ft long and weighs 
4,800 Ib. One metal hatch is topside of the sphere and the second hatch is on the bottom of the cylinder for diver lock-out. 
BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Surface flotation is from two port/starboard tanks which provide positive buoyancy of 1,940 Ib; these tanks are flooded to 
dive and blown with compressed air on the surface. Fine buoyancy trim control submerged is obtained from two tanks located (1 ea.) within the 
surface flotation tanks; they are blown by compressed air and contribute +170 Ib of buoyancy. TO compensate for weight of divers and their 
equipment when they leave the cylinder are two aluminum tubes (+180 Ib ea.) (which are a part of the top two frame members) and bilge ballast 
tanks (+110 Ib ea.) located in the bottom of the divers’ compartment. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Propulsion is attained through eight reversible 28-VDC electric motors driving 14-in., three-bladed propellers. 
Forward/reverse propulsion is from three stern-mounted (trainable 90° left and right) and two port/starboard motors mounted amidships. Vertical 
Propulsion is from one each, fore and aft thrusters, and lateral propulsion is from a forward-mounted thruster. 

TRIM: No systems available. 


POWER SOURCE: All power is obtained from fourteen 2-VDC, lead-acid batteries located in a pressure-resistant battery pod (jettisonable) attached 
to the bottom of the submersible. The batteries are aligned in two banks; each supplying 14 VDC. 


LIFE SUPPORT: 0, is from two cylinders (2,640 psi at 330 SCF ea.) mounted externally. The starboard tank supplies the sphere and the port tank 
the cylinder. He for the diver’s cylinder is supplied from a sphere (1,750 SCF) and four reserve buoyancy tanks (502 SCF). To remove CO both 
sphere and cylinder carry 8 |b of Baralyme through which fans force compartment air. 


VIEWING: Panoramic viewing through plastic forward sphere. Three viewports in the aft aluminum cylinder, one is central on the forward endcap 
and one each (port/starboard) on the cylinder. All viewports are double acting, the outside port is 7-in. 1D, 9.5-in. OD and 1 in. thick. The inside 
viewport is 10.25-in. OD; 7-in. 1D and 2 in, thick. Two additional viewports are located in the double-acting diver’s egress hatch. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, Doppler sonar navigation system, CTFM sonar, transponder, pinger, echo sounder, compass. 
Diver-to-submersible, sphere-to-cylinder communication system, 


MANIPULATORS: None. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Scott-type breathing masks in both sphere and cylinder are connected to high pressure air system. Battery pod (1.5 tons) 
jettisonable. Surfacing can be controlled from diver’s compartment. Divers and pilot/observer may lock-out in an emergency. Both surface flotation 
and ballast/trim tanks can be blown at operational depth (1,000 ft). 


SURFACE SUPPORT: R/V JOHNSON with articulated crane. 

OWNER: Owned by the Smithsonian Institution, Wash., DC. Operated by the Marine Sciences Center, Ft. Pierce, Fla. 
BUILDER: Designed by Mr. Edwin Link, built by Aluminum Co. of America (ALCOA). 

REMARKS: Operational. A second vehicle is due for completion in 1974, 


143 


ACRYLIC HEMISPHERE 
MAIN BALLAST TANK VENT VALVE 


FWD MBT BLOW VALVE 
AFT MBT BLOW VALVE 
(NOT SHOWN) 


AFT MAIN BALLAST TANK 


} 


FORE MAIN 
BALLAST TANK 


VIEWPORT 
PROTECTOR 


Tol 


TRIM PUMP VIEW PORT 


BATTERIES 
VARIABLE BALLAST TANK 


DROP LEAD WEIGHT 


144 


K-250 


LUENEHTAS ssooewadecaocSs cod oot aqenEoOodeaSuBed 10.5 ft PAT CHID VAIN EciEiRisime-wcreth snc peast-ea-erarer crctea sve eycdesele tees 22 in. 
SAE anooooos dono oononodHogsconcoDbOseoFo0CD 4.7 ft EIREZSU PPO RTs (MAX) caeretrenene renee -telctalelsietetaie) ceric = 6 man-hr 
InMEICNRIS oon ootoondonoossb ono po Oman ong SeonoddS 5 ft VOM AL IROMMIEIRS onodesoboocdooscnbboonoDboNAd CGS NA 
DAVANEUE oooodbosouonpoboD oD oG oo DD DODO OODC OD COD OO 3 ft SREEDMKNOMS) CRUISE remraiaieteolalalcleyateleie ieee ieistarees NA 
WEIR WEIR) anodcoddcocccooeocoonooooneoud 2,200 Ib Ai evetenste fete etter eds elogesenciesaieterstensla erehe 2.5 
IPSIRVATONIG OEP na cosas dsocoeccsceosoneodees 250 ft CREW MPI OiiSmrcwerucacten pereupercecrancnco-cneecs palelic-iouset svationenetencus 1 
(CKOVLILAVFSVE IDIEFIARK = cocacendodoonnacndnCdocdnoogs NA OBSERVERS mance tetetateie lene! ietolelelsictlsitiatsicta seta) tars Oo 
LAVINIA OVAINES. Gooddgonaccouoeoadonesnoonese ca. 1966 IPANALCYNDR ose codbuccodcaonoobboonopoooosdepdag 280 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape composed of 0.25-in-thick gage steel with internal ‘’T’’ bar frames. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Two fiberglass main ballast tanks, freeflooding and blown by compressed air. A variable ballast tank within the hull 
Provides buoyancy changes when submerged. The VBT is normally pumped dry, but can be blown dry if necessary. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two motors (port/starboard) are rotatable 360° in the vertical. The motors have three speeds forward and are manually 
rotated. A rudder provides underway directional control. 

TRIM: No system provided. 

POWER SOURCE: Four 12-V, lead-acid batteries carried within the hull. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Relies upon air entrapped in hull when hatch is closed. Snorkel for surface operations. 

VIEWING: Plastic dome (24-in. diam.) on conning tower provides 360° of viewing. Viewport in bow 2 in. thick, 16-in. diam. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UOQC, depth gage. 


MANIPULATORS: None. 
SAFETY FEATURES: Droppable weight (190 Ib). MBT’s and VBT can be blown dry at operational depth. Pressure hull can be flooded for 


emergency egress. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Various. 

BUILDER: G.W. Kittredge, Warren, Maine. 

REMARKS: Six of these vehicles were completed by 1971 and six more were under construction at that time. Also designated as the VAST MK III. 


145 


HATCH CLOSURE 
ELEC. PENETRATION 


ELEC. PENETRATION a 


OXYGEN BOTTLES 
U.W. TELEPHONE 


STEERING MOTOR 


CLEAR ACRYLIC HULL 
MAGNETIC COMPASS 


GYRO COMPASS 


AMMETERS & VOLTMETERS 
(BATTERIES & MOTORS) 


VERTICAL MOTOR 
MOTOR SWITCHES 
CIRCUIT BREAKERS 
STEERING MOTOR 
CO-PILOT SEAT 


SCRUBBERS 

FAN MOTOR 

FAN 

SILICA-GEL & SODA LIME 


PILOT SEAT 
WATER BALLAST CONTROL 
BATTERY CABLE 
ACRYLIC COVER OUTLETS 


MAIN HULL PENETRATION 


CABLE FROM BATTERIES 
(HOOKUP NOT SHOWN) 


WATER BALLAST PUMP 
MAIN PROP. MOTOR 


DROP WEIGHT 
(BALLAST) 


146 


KUMUKAHI 


IEE NIGH EAitetetet ate tevaietevalat-dela le vevelczanet= rel =[oVel sllsi=in) =lia)ielivie) ais) = 5,9 ft HAGCHIDIAMESTIE Rim steneteisteteiseatclsyaieteronelsiaieevstcierstetel= 18 in. 
BIE/NN soc ooooo do ooo OD OD aD NOC pOSUOOnOUMGOUCOaDS 6.6 ft (UNF SUPROGRAL (MMAVSIS cas sdeacoonsonoanceas 32 man-hr 
(RISIGInE ooddocpucotoopooucauCUUDKDO OU DOUOo or 7.5 ft TROTVNILIHOMMSRIS op Gocsconsos condo Fon doOtaoDGOn 5.1 kWh 
IRVNIFIIR ooo. co mou OO IDIOIW 0 0.0000 Go-cieicolo OU IES O10 rHespico 7.5 ft SPEEDKIKNOMS) iC RWIS EX ee rersteteteverelayelelelstelelelietei=ietels 1/4 hr 
WHEKSTT (RENO coo oocodoscotos Dodoo oOo Se Og DOD 3,700 Ib NUS loo depdvaoou Conon ooenood 1.3/3 hr 
ORE RAHN GrDE RT yt ofererelejaltels lol elelm elnjieisie\n)s\ee vere isrs 300 ft CAME (PULCUS sodoocbodnsobaopuoctehuGeraGocouNes 1 
(QOWLIL/NPSIS (DIEIPWe oosotdcnsccnonsonogGeuOudas 1,000 ft QRGERMSRE codscactocpoavvscobbosubooDEos 1 
FPAWINC HED AMES 2 cretetsto lel alia lstetelene)niaielepeteis)si'siie/ elles iefensrs|.s 1969 PAW IMOVNDS sopenscotoodssomooroocoodU Hoodoo 600 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Sphere of Rohm and Haas Plexiglas G, 1!/g in. thick, made in four parts and hot-press molded. Quarter parts bonded into a 
sphere using epoxy resin. Hull buoyancy 3,045 Ib, weight in air 690 Ib. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: A 150-psi pump moves water into or out of a 15-gal tank within the hull to provide 93 Ib of + buoyancy. 
PROPULSION/CONTROL: Four fixed, reversible, !/3-hp motors; 12-VDC Sears & Roebuck outboard trolling motors with minor modifications for 
kerosene-filled pressure-compensation and mounting. Two motors are mounted at the sides of the sphere for fore and aft motion. One motor is 
mounted at the top facing athwartships for transverse motion, another is mounted at the bow facing up for vertical motion. 

TRIM: None. 

POWER SOURCE: Two 18-VDC pods, each with three batteries (lead-acid) of fast drain type. Batteries are ESB Ltd 9, 143 amp-hr/6 hr built for 
golf cart use. Batteries are submerged in oil (SAE 30 motor oil) and pressure-compensated by a seawater bellows. 


LIFE SUPPORT: Two Scott Aviation O02 cylinders and two CO humidity scrubbers contain soda lime and silica gel (2 men, 8 hours, 0.5% CO}, 
60% rel. hum.). Instruments to check internal atmosphere are: Teledyne model 330 O meter, MSA CO, tester, Taylor temperature/humidity gage, 
Taylor 2-psi differential pressure gage. 

VIEWING: Panoramic viewing through plastic hull. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC (27-kHz), Directional gyrocompass and magnetic compass, depth gage. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: A 440-Ib steel drop weight is located under the pods and is actuated by three turns of the thru-hull bolt. Pods and mount 
frame release with seven more turns of the same bolt. Flood valve can equalize internal pressure in 1.5 min for blow and go ascent to surface. 
SURFACE/SUPPORT: SOO. 

OWNER: Oceanic Foundation, Makapuu Point, Waimanalo, Hawaii. 

BUILDER: Oceanic Institute, Mak apuu Point, Waimanalo, Hawaii. 

REMARKS: On display at Sea Life Park, Waimanalo, Hawaii. 


147 


So Pecan 


; << ia = a = <> 
Stet Paaeeste _- , 
ee ( 4Us : é € 


COMPRESSED AIR CYLINDER 
ELECTRIC SUPPLY CABLE 


OBSERVATION WINDOW 
HAND RAIL 
RUDDER 


HOISTING HOOK AZIMUTH FINDER 


TIDAL CURRENT METER 
\ OBSERVATION WINDOW 
SONAR SOUNDER 
BALLAST TANK 


UNDERWATER 
FLOOD LIGHT 


PROPELLER 


ANCHOR CHAIN 


TURNING MIRROR 


OBSERVATION WINDOW 
OBSERVATION WINDOW 


REVOLVING STAND 


148 


KUROSHIO II 


(LENCE cucduccdosbesccseecuueconoboogac cmos 11.8m HAT CHIDNAMEMER), | ont jeyerorterecici cecvee svete overs ¢ 538 mm 
BEA Mister atenersisietotalevatcietalalinial sel equitet =) mi=isis)'=tereeie\)el \{-1</)elel6 2.2m PIR ESSU PPO RANA sinret-c- -teterelefeiarecciels) ciel sei eieie 96 man-hr 
(Flaketshyrs oooncdooeroononpoODooOD oon moOCooDOUD ODO 3.2m TGOmALI ROWER tetas arndesemi scm itvosicinicice akc. tethered 
PIVRUe. paconousodbboonomeGdr aoe On ao oD OOmOnIIG 1.9m SPEEDIIKNOMS) ACRUISEO wane sinc cic ner cine cine ceontinters 1 
VOSVGR Ar DEN) contsumoso¢omoob ooo dou oD Deo 12.5 tons WOVENE Seen sere ele Ce ec CP Ie ee ee 9 2 
OPERATING DEPTH: 2.2.6.6 26. eee eee oe 200m Se PONS eci.ccudune tin cone ond oD Come e sari oo 2 
COMEAPSESD ERIE smener-tetercrelotsleleiaietorsisieleielelehelei=ielele 365m OBSERVERS Weir ears ct oe een eae 2 
PAUNGHIDAT Ei veiarerercneleienelele\eieieselininteelefehsieieselsti=ialalsb< 1960 PENRO YD: Ara oan.oola ro DEO Oe Oise ee ne ion NA 


PRESSURE HULL: The main section of the hull is a cylinder of soft steel (SM41) 14 mm thick; 1,482-mm OD and 5,600-mm length. One end plate 
is a hemisphere of soft steel 24 mm thick and 1,300-mm radius. The other end plate is a cone of soft steel. The hatch coaming is a cylinder of soft 
steel 12 mm thick, 550-mm OD and 1,000 mm high. All components are joined by electrical welding. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Two ballast tanks fore (240 |) and aft (180 |) within pressure hull are flooded and pumped dry of seawater to obtain 
desired surface weight. A main tank (6,000 |) below the pressure hull is filled with seawater to capacity to obtain negative diving buoyancy. To 
ascend the ballast tanks are pumped dry and, upon reaching the surface, a low-pressure air hose from the support ship is used to blow the main tank. 
PROPULSION/CONTROL A stern-mounted, three-bladed,, 800-mm diam. propeller provides lateral propulsion and is driven by a 3.2-kW, 
three-phase AC, 4006 motor. Underway lateral control is through two rudders mounted within a cylinder surrounding the propeller which is trained 
left/right. Two stern-mounted, port-starboard bow planes control vertical movement. 

TRIM: Up/down bow angles can be obtained by differential filling of the VBT’s. 

POWER SOURCE: A 600 m long, 36-mm diam. cable from surface ship supplies all electrical power. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Compressed O, is carried in a 40-|-capacity cylinder. CO, removal is through a 100-W ventilation system. 

VIEWING: Sixteen viewports throughout the vehicle ranging in diameter from six 60-mm, seven 120-mm to three 160-mm. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Hard-wired telephone to support ship (24-V, battery-powered), battery (3-V) powered compass, tidal 
current meter, water temperature sensor, horizontal vertical sonars. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Main ballast tanks can be blown. Electric supply cable can be manually detached from within the pressure hull. Vehicle can 
be hoisted to surface by power cable. Marker buoy. 

SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: Towed by support ship to and from dive site. 

OWNER: University of Hokkaido, Hokkaido, Japan. 

BUILDER: Japanese Steel and Tube Co., Hokkaido, Japan. 

REMARKS: Operational. Kuroshio | was a tethered vehicle also, and operated from 1951 through 1960. Kuroshio I| radically departs from its 
Predecessor’s design, in that Kuroshio | was basically a diving bell configured for support from the surface. 


149 


CYCLOIDAL PROPELLER HATCH 


PLASTIC SPHERE 


INTERIOR SUPPORT STRUCTURE 
HYDRAULIC DRIVE MOTOR 


ELECTRICAL BOX 


BALLAST AIR sronase Af 
BATTERY POD 


BATTERY 


BALLAST TANK 


HYDRAULIC MOTOR PUMP UNIT CENTER CROSS STRUCTURE AND SPHERE TIE DOWN 


150 


MAKAKAI 


LiZiNkenie cohpavocmocon DODO C0O. Ob on Codi DOCG OO 18.5 ft HATICHI DIVA MEME Ri) Sricyecalelepslelelelelelshel=\«) smi === /els lke 18.5 in. 
TEAWR Soocoocdocn moOU BODO oe anu O ero OUDOO BOD OOOO 8 ft EVEEISUPPRORI (MAX) eye eieere ere ele sie =te © om ele == 72 man-hr 
HACIA a5boouooccon Dob O OD GO coo oo ccioo-0 OL0.OU 7.5 ft TRO NEIAOMMSIRIG Goocoo ob ebpoODOO OOOO ODIOO ODO oc 36 kWh 
DIRYNEIS seco oood 0 an00 0.008 00 COU Dodou DODO OUIGo 5.9 ft SPEEDI(IKNOMS) CRUISES erence oie viaje sie), = ier 0.75/8 hr 
WEIGHT (DRY): -...0.2-- 20.0.5 00.0-- 2 eee a 5.3 tons MUMS cocedscsucsnuoHuOnDoOonONOoUUO 3 
OPERATING DEPTH: 2.2... eee eee eee ee eens 600 ft GREW IE OMS eave ereietatenevetclolielatedoletells('stelle (1 e)'e\feNelel = fel «ilsile'=/fal'n 1 
GOLLAPSE/ DERM “i.e eee wre ie se es een 4,150 ft OBSERVERS) errecr ere ciejs ce 0 wie vivir ee see eisieicies ais 1 
L/NUIN Cir] PYMINSS Gop psocouoocuDooU DOOD OCD eon GOOD 1971 PANAIROAID Siete ile lalate cloierefistiesellel=i«)\=[lat=)\s/=) eel») ale) sisielc?s! ie 870 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Acrylic plastic (Plexiglas G) sphere composed of 12 spherical pentagons bonded together with adhesive. Hull is 66-in. OD and 
2.5 in. thick. Top (hatch) and bottom plates are of cadmium plated 4130 steel. Bottom plate is for passage of penetrators. Hull weighs 1,500 Ib in air 
and displaces 5,500 Ib in water. A 0.5-in-thick acrylic cap around the pressure hull protects it from abrasion or accidental impact. 
BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Variable weight system consisting of four pressure-compensated ballast tanks mounted at each corner of the vehicle from 
which water may be pumped into or out. System is limited to three complete fill/refill cycles by the volume of compressed air used for pressure 
compensation, 400 |b may be gained or lost. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two Kirsten Boeing, pi-pitch cycloidal propellers provide four degrees of maneuvering freedom and are driven by a 4-hp 
hydraulic motor. 

TRIM: Gross trim is adjusted manually before diving by fore or aft movement of 1,200-Ib (each) battery pods. Trim is controlled up or down by 
Pumping water fore or aft in the ballast tanks. Roll is controlled by pumping water overboard on one side and taking water Onboard on the other. 
POWER SOURCE: External, pressure-compensated, lead-acid batteries in two pods, each containing a 120-V and 30-V battery string. The 120-V 
string is made up of twenty 6-V, 190-amp-hr batteries which power the propulsion and ballast systems and lights. The 30-V string powers the 
controls, electronics and scientific instrument payload. 

LIFE SUPPORT: ©, is stored in the pressure hull in high pressure flasks and is bled through a pressure reducer at 2 #t3/hr. CO, is removed by 
Baralyme and water vapor by silica gel. Both O2 and CO, are monitored visually from instruments within the sphere. Three blowers circulate the air 
to remove water vapor and CO. 

VIEWING: Panoramic viewing is provided through plastic pressure hull. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC (8.08-kHz), two depth gages, altimeter. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Emergency breathing through two closed-circuit 02 rebreathers of 36-hr capacity each. Pressure hull mechanically releasable 
from chassis. Jettisonable 50-Ib ballast weight. Jettisonable 1,200-Ib battery pods (2,400 Ib total). Additional surface freeboard (3 ft total) may be 
obtained by inflation of four modules (one at each corner of the chassis). 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Air, ship, or truck/trailer transportable. May be launched/retrieved from conventional ship with necessary capacity handling 
system. Has been deployed and retrieved with LARP system (see chap. 12). 

OWNER: U.S. Naval Undersea Center, San Diego, Calif. 

BUILDER: USNUC, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. 

REMARKS: Placed in storage in 1974. 


151 


HORIZONTAL THRUSTER 
WITH HYDRAULIC MOTOR 


LIFT HOOK 


MAIN PROPELLER 


VIEW PORT HORIZONTAL THRUSTER 


BATTERY POD 


152 


MERMAID I/II 


(L(SNentel: secos ocoo dooeoU O00 od UrndoO 4 OcsoICIDIOIMIOOn, 5.15m HAST CHAD) A ME gE Ricmietencpsietioueneltenstelfenel pifcanielalefviede)eltalis\e 0.60 m 
BENE Soococdbotoponuo5 opUCoD boo OUOUUumoDme on 1.70m BIE ESSUPPOIR GT (MAX) Saanerctatans)<taketetated Nel elelslalinielle 120 man-hr 
RAESUG EAM ierene pata detetarclavel elt ele) oleleiehei=[~i-rat= le) «ieiele) sire) (nila l= 2.60 m TOTAL (HOMMEIIE” co poomocduoduacoog ona COO CURE 16.2 kWh 
DIRVNFIE conodspcnu Od OOmDOUDOn GOOD om OIOOn COmou cE 1.8m SPEEDI(IGNOMS HG RUIS Egatereteteretatskeletalaleteteiat=tanet-t ae 1.5/8 hr 
WENGE (IRMA) 3) terete crete oles nel = lel «oe nl eims wreile 6.3 tons WMS noscédan soouopeDdooUOUoDaO 3/4 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: <2. cee we ecw wt tee eee 300 m CIEE TILOUSY ph nig cacubougceboucodeDonODU DOO CUODC 1 
GOEPEAPSEIDERT Es (ice cre wtere + ale = fole sime) fein) leiielnle | « 600 m OBSERVE RS miirancievercontic ic close sel eterevevelelecoxe lupehayetere 1 
(E/N Kets hloySUISe) Sc coc crowd oro olo-old Olu Oro Gin GOO Orolicen 1972 7 WAhoyND)s = sh dcecov ont cconcodao booooo Gon aap ac 550 kg 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape composed of three cylindrical sections and two endcaps of high tensile steel (St 53.7). Diameter of the 
cylinder is 1.25 m; thickness is 15 mm and total length is 4.30 m. A cylindrical conning tower (600-mm diam.) is welded to the main hull. 
BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Glass-fiber reinforced ballast tanks (300 kg total) are located one on each side and atop the pressure hull. The tanks are 
free-flooding for descent and blown dry for ascent by compressed air. Fine buoyancy adjustments are made by regulating tanks in the pressure hull 
which are blown by compressed air. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: A stern-mounted propeller driven by a 3-hp motor provides fore and aft propulsion. Two lateral thrusters, one in the 
stern and one aft of the conning tower, are each driven by a 1.6-hp motor. All propellers are controlled independently and are reversible which 
allows any combination of lateral thrust. 

TRIM: Within the “‘legs’’ beneath the vehicle is a trim system which is hydraulically or manually Operated and can obtain up/down bow angles of 
+20° by moving the batteries fore or aft. 

POWER SOURCE: Within the two “‘legs’’ are pressure-resistant containers holding two lead-acid accumulators which supply 660 amp-hr at 24 V. An 
emergency battery of 24 V, 115 amp-hr is carried within the pressure hull. 

LIFE SUPPORT: 0, is supplied from tanks of 24-1 capacity mounted external to the pressure hull. CO is removed automatically on command by a 
special compound called Drager-Atem Kalk and a CO, detector controls removal rate. 

VIEWING: Four viewports are available: three in the conning tower of 180-mm diameter and 35 mm thick and one in the bow of 22-mm diameter 
and 55 mm thick. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UOC, echo sounder, depth gage, directional gyrocompass. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Mechanically droppable ballast. Ballast tanks may be blown at maximum Operating depth by a hand valve or compressed air. 
A pressure sensor may be set to automatically activate surfacing if maximum depth is exceeded. Emergency battery in pressure hull; hull may be 
flooded for egress. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: International Underwater Contractors, New York City. 

BUILDER: Bruker-Physik A.G. Karlsruhe, West Germany. 

REMARKS: Operational. A prototype, MERMAID |, was launched and tested in 1972. From these tests modifications were made and the vehicle 
renamed MERMAID I/II in 1973, 


153 


ELECTRICAL DECOMPRESSION 
CONNING TOWER HATCH SWITCHBOXES CHAMBER 


HORIZONTAL 
THRUSTER 


TRANSFER 
CHAMBER 


MIXED GAS 
DIVING EQUIPMENT 
VIEWPORT 
MAIN PROPELLER 


NAVIGATION 
PANEL 


HORIZONTAL THRUSTER 


BATTERY POD ANCHOR DEVICE DIVER LOCK OUT 


MAIN ENGINE VIEWPORT 


154 


MERMAID III/IV 


PEEING isterenetey stad ckerotencie tee tet «fellelevelalelefairsiey sel) =1lelad=1=1 =ii=)i= 6.2m VMI MOVAMIEINSRB canoodcocpnosGosos0d main hull 0.6 m 
FE/AME ecoonsngocbcoddos Cos CoD eOOUD UO OOOOUO 00 1.8m HATICHIDIAMEME Rte rereistetslelatelaterelsicre'slereyale lock-out 0.7 m 
VEG ilpsrenerehateteraveuste otcloveheralniel=-lelafmiei=(=).-P=i'=\el=ie zal ele-e 2.7m EIRESSUPPROR Te (MAX) isi tcp terete) relarel=terar<lelereyerace! = 120 man-hr 
PIRVAIFYR pacnoonacocoon code Sooo n oon COU OUOUOD OOnIO NA TRON NU IHONMERS Soosscnancoogo0dccouggoco mudd 36 kWh 
WEIGHT (DRY): .. 10.5 tons SBEEDI(IKNOMS) FI CRUIS Eierracerlsteret-tsichataceperave apeust-)anars NA 
OBERVATING DERM ra terete ay<ieleleleisieVelsi©ls\ehe) leis! lene sae 200 m WARS saonteoodootesoedcsopecass 2/1 hr 
COLIYN-s laruink  adoacoonqeoonconecodouqUoGoUE NA CRAVE FICHS oasccsssonnccnbo cobb dDodDodeOduoGdS 2 
LAWN DYNES Soo cosdasoupdDo noone oUOOsnOOObO 1975 OBSERVERS! ciecsteysteye ecotstexs;eud ces ueke: cece censieus eyeychers 2 

RAMEE OAD Eire ieieteieratelelotel elioiiel g isilepeivpslet= vale tet=h=lei=i=inicminledet == NA 


PRESSURE HULL: Composed of two cylinders of high tensile steel (St 53.7) both with hemispherical endcaps and joined by a cylindrical chamber. 
The forward cylinder operates at atmospheric pressure; the after cylinder operates at ambient pressure and is equipped for diver lock-out. 
BALLAST/BUOYANCY: NA. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion is from a 10-kW, stern-mounted hydraulically-actuated propeller continuously variable in speed and 
reversible, Two lateral thrusters of 1-kW each are mounted fore and aft, provisions can be made to also incorporate vertical thrusters. 


TRIM: NA. 

POWER SOURCE: Same as MERMAID 1/II. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Same as MERMAID 1/II for the atmospheric (forward) cylinder. He/O2 supply for the divers consists of four flasks of 50-I 
capacity (each). 

VIEWING: Nine plastic viewports. Five in conning tower of 170-mm diam. and two of 80-mm diam. Four viewports in lock-out chamber of 70-mm 
diam. The bow can be fitted with two or three viewports or one large plastic hemisphere. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UOC, depth gage, echo sounder, compass. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: No data available, but is assumed equal to that of MERMAID 1/11. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: SOO. 

OWNER: International Underwater Contractors, New York City. 

BUILDER: Bruker-Physik A.G. Karlsruhe, West Germany. 

REMARKS: These are two identical lock-out submersibles. MERMAID III/IV is scheduled to be operational by 1975. 


155 


GLASS HEMISPHERE 


CONTOUR 
BUCKET SEATS 
as, 


fea BATTERY CASES Pas 
i ee 
TRIM PUMP = 


VARIABLE BALLAST TANKS 


RADIO ANTENNA 


LIFTING EYE 
LIFTING EYE 


FORWARD 
BALLAST TANK 


BALLAST TANK 


MAIN PROPULSION MOTORS 
MOUNTED OUTSIDE 


N QUICK-RELEASE DROP KEEL 
TRANSDUCER 


156 


MINI DIVER 


UERICHIE sacspoosopouooDoUnO Ub DONOR e mood oO Ouo 16 ft HAICHIOUAMEMER Grrrl sRelelaioicistet-Veteletelsialsiel<)eferaistetsi« NA 
VE/NMB scoop Goobogord 06 hoe nooLoDOpOD DOD EoOoDUOD 3.5 ft DIREIS URE ORs (MAD) mt etetetanstaetsieterst ateten<tatevers fairs 18 man-hr 
FIEUCGIEHTS ocoosoopodomopoouDMoG oda DOO pOdOODomOUMOD 5 ft MOTALIROWER cimretedenetstersie micusiayersvorarsuets isu-yaie seceded . NA 
IDIRVAIF IES -o Gd0n dc gobo Ac DOR OboDO GU hOODOODUOD Soup et 2 ft SREEDIIKNOMS)CRUIES Cagepaieterete site tototet as iatetaleletate 1/6 hr 
(WEHGIA WOYRNOS neosocsee pug asso orp OOD Oe OT. 1.9 tons WWAVS: compe obinoodeuuD OOO oODoDOoO0S 6 
ORERATINGIDERM Ean cperaretatere) «leseistenen-n0,-teheieselwvaeeteyfel= 250 ft SEW (PIMOUS snasosdonboanpoodaecanddooccHodoa 6 1 
COREARSE DERdH te cmreterelel-rel=iener- aoorcoone soos 400 ft OESISAMERNS saccossastossenocsnsbedsugaas 1 
(NUN PYMNSS ooconocucodoos oon OdU OOUDO oOo oo 1968 PENAMUCYNDE Soomacccbacoodn donee odasouaoBeduc 300 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape of welded steel 0.275 in. thick; 3-ft OD. Penetrations include two for motors, dive planes, rudder and three 
for viewports. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Surface buoyancy derived from a main ballast tank; submerged buoyancy changes are obtained from a variable ballast 
tank. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Latera! propulsion is obtained from two stern-mounted, 1-hp, 6-V propellers. Diving planes and a rudder provide 
underway maneuvering. 

TRIM: No system provided. 

POWER SOURCE: All power is derived from four 6-V lead-acid batteries. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Compressed air for 07; CO absorbant. 

VIEWING: Three, 16-in. diam. acrylic plastic viewports. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Transponder, Fathometer, artificial horizon, chronometer, compass, UQC. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Droppable ballast, emergency breathing apparatus for escape 

SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: SOO. 

OWNER: Great Lakes Underwater Sports, Inc., Elmwood Park, III. 

BUILDER: Same as above. 

REMARKS: Not operating. Deepest dive 70 ft. Undergoing refit, operational future depends on market for vehicle or services. 


157 


158 


NAUTILETTE 


FOE NU Gitilelisteeteetelciats|eflslateheiciatel=tmrataiatata/ -islwielaleis 1-man: 11.25 ft HATCH DIAMETER 2 . a0 Seo Aes UN 
2-man: 13.75 ft LIFE SUPPORT (MAX) onde od So coode 1;2 man-hr 
HENGE Soaoteasoouodaagque Sports tie oD Se be ba TOPALPOWER: (<.- -:- <o06 soc con aéotowsoc 4.4 kWh 
HEIGHT Spapeleter crete ie, <3 =the varcrers . : c 3.9 ft SPEED (KNOTS): CRUISE ieteistehsl st Sa su syedsievsr -2/Ou0% 
PIRVNEWS naongocoosn coup SU OOO OCC 5 50 a2 2Oitt MVS coooonGoonsocsenaboeoS aon 5/3 hr 
(MEIGRAPWDIShie ssScosocsneopconoonuone 1-man: 1.9 tons CRIEWRENMOHRS ssodoccbdoconbonegseenooeees es cteyarecen ae 
2-man: 1.2 tons ORSERWASES sooscoscess -..-.. 1 (2-man model) 
ORERATING DE RIls topes crepeteretet ale etoiesclalnlere:0ie)isleierel nia 100 ft PAVE OAD iierer-ycicrelelistsiakelolalcleletsicl= t=] -\'=\=1'==ls)elnlel=)=iFel=iceis NA 
COPBAPSEIDERMH Ds fiers cletaieierselets inte l<leie)=)=/=1=) s)/s7a1'=) = 1,800 ft 
NUNC PY MASS GabpoocooconoeDooobdGUobOoOUC Odo 1964 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape composed of steel, 9.375 in. thick and 30-in. 1D. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Interna! ballast system (400 Ib) which can be pumped dry by an electric motor or manually. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: A 1.5-hp, 24-VDC reversible electric motor in a pressure-resistant container drives a propeller mounted topside aft. Two 
bow planes and a rudder are manually maneuvered to obtain underway control. 

TRIM: No systems. 

POWER SOURCE: Four 185-amp-hr, 6-V, lead-acid batteries provide all power. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Air within the pressure hull at time of hatch closure provides about 1 hr/passenger breathing. Soda Sorb used for CO removal. 


VIEWING: Cylindrical plastic dome (two on 2-man model) over hatch openings and one forward on bow. Domes are 0.5 in. thick on cylinder 
portion and 2.5 in, thick on plate portion. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Depth gage, radio, lights, remote compass. The Haight 1-man model has a hard line radio from vehicle to 
surface buoy. 


MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Droppable weight. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: SOO. 

OWNER: Various. 

BUILDER: Nautilette, Inc., Ft. Wayne, Indiana. 

REMARKS: Three vehicles built, two 2-man and one 1-man, and are located as follows: 


1-man: Mr. D. Haight, Warrensville, III. (used for salvage of wrecks). 
2-man: Mr. C. Russner, Nashville, Mich. , 
2-man: Nautilette, Inc., Ft. Wayne, Ind. (used for commercial purposes). 


All models are capable of operations within 48 hours. 


159 


160 


NEKTON ALPHA, BETA, GAMMA 


BE NGiGilsiereretetercisrst= Behera casicietsietsheletetetel > 15.5 ft HA CHID VAMESIE Risttetereleteteiietetel select lrieiatelsteleletsarer= t= 18 in. 
BEAM: ... o- as SOO OOO DO 5 ft LIFE SUFRORT (MESS coc ook osonpooocopDode 48 man-hr 
HEIGHT:.. SOO SOSA OCOD OOO RDO OOOO OCOD sre Gant TREMP ALL ITHOMMEIS = conoodcccoonoc ose ccouosoeoOn 4.5 kWh 

1.5/3.5 hr 


DRAFT: .. oe ehelsteeiie,nielenel'ei'sssieleie}sisielis! soe 4ft SPEED (KNOTS): CRUISE . 


(MElKern Re (ORNS OF Ooo ooscooooDpeccootooUoeooND 2.35 tons MAX 2.5/1 hr 
OPERATING DEPTHS) varcacielel='s)=)< sles wirieirivle soto Uo CREW: PILOTS std choles 99 1 
COPLEAPSE) DERM isc ieiecpatetereloteliel'=!'ssieis\'s)(e)« seis e1s)o\e\e 2,500 ft ORSSIRWIERS casdodcudonboctooudeo05GK00 O00 1 
EAUNCH DAME: ccs) -7- speteietavelciarclelals 1968, 70,71 BAYA OAD eteersleneiate retest erelisie! oitel.=i== ie)=> (ollel'='lw! =te"=1=\=! =! 450 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape of A-212 and A-515 (BETA, GAMMA) mild steel, 9/16 in. thick, 8-ft length and 42-in. 1D. Conning tower is 
24-in. diam. and 24 in. high of A-285 steel. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Vehicle launched positively buoyant, flooding of fore and aft ballast tanks (1,500-Ib capacity each) produces 15 to 20 Ib 
negative buoyancy for descent and during dive. Fine buoyancy control can be obtained by venting or blowing a 30-Ib-capacity tank in pressure hull. 
PROPULSION/CONTROL: One 3.5-hp Westinghouse M-15 electric motor (24-V) mounted on the stern within a pressure-resistant tank, drives a 
10-in. diam. propeller. Mechanically actuated rudder provides lateral control anda starboard-mounted dive plane provides vertical control. 

TRIM: Up/down bow angles are controlled by dive plane. 

POWER SOURCE: Eight 6-V, 190-amp-hr, lead-acid batteries, wired for 24 V and 48 V, carried in a pressure-resistant compartment. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Compressed > is carried in the pressure hull in two tanks, one tank is of 50-ft? capacity and the other is of 25-ft3, both are at 
1,800 psi. CO is removed by blowing air through Baralyme cannisters of which four each are carried (2 |b Baralyme/cannister). An aircraft altimeter 
is used to measure ambient cabin pressure. 

VIEWING: Seventeen acrylic plastic viewports are provided which are flat discs 6.5 in. in diameter and 1.25 in. thick. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC (8-kHz) 2,000-yd range, needle type depth gage (0-1,300 ft), scanning sonar (audio, variable 
frequency), Straza-type tracking system (37-kHz), compass, directional gyro, echo sounder, sample bag. 

MANIPULATORS: One hand-operated manipulator consisting of a 3-ft long rod penetrating the starboard side of the pressure hull through a 
stuffing gland and terminating in a 3-pronged grasping device can be manipulated by the observer to obtain suitable samples or artifacts. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Emergency breathing provided by two scuba regulators attached to a high pressure air system (72-ft? capacity). 
Mechanically-droppable, 75-Ib lead weight, propeller-rudder assembly droppable (40 Ib), ballast tanks and trim tank blowable at maximum operating 
depth (1,040 Ib total). 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Supported and launched/retrieved at sea by either R/V SEAMARK or R/V DAWN STAR. Launch/retrieval from SEAMARK 
by a non-articulated boom, from DAWN STAR by an “A” frame type apparatus. A total of four people is required to support and operate the 
submersible and support ship (DAWN STAR) at sea. 

OWNER: General Oceanographics, Inc., Irvine, California. 

BUILDER: NEKTON, Inc., a subsidiary of General Oceanographics. 

REMARKS: All operational. NEKTON ALPHA varies from sister submersibles in the following: length 15 ft, weight 2.25 tons, payload 300 Ib, and 
in its topside bow viewport configuration. 


161 


CONTROL 
CONSOLE 


LIFE SUPPORT AND 
MANUAL HYDRAULIC 


MAIN BALLAST 
TANK ELECTRICAL AND 
HYDRAULIC 


HIGH PRESSURE AIR PENETRATOR PLATE 


BALLAST BOTTLES 


SERVICE 
MODULE 


BATTERY 
COMPARTMENT 


NEMO 


LENGTH: nVAsineta) AVA MISTISIIS. coccoocenedoceaenononsoos 18.7 in. 
[HENME soodtoosgcososaneaudenoenopounooeooUSH 3 (URI SUAROR TP UNV s bcoscensaAnsoccesoend 64 man-hr 
IRIE cbeonnscebocds scosso see comeobooaoose E TROT EIFOMMSRE goncenséucScaenononoececoens 15 kWh 
DRAFT: SREEDIKNOMTS) MC RUIS Earereyete seetatatel ete teretere l= 0.75/8 hr 
WEIGHT (DRY): INV oone ooo éntéogeotreseos uo NA 
QHERVATUNIGIDIEPIIE sacooogpoteoosoopocougoun 600 ft COMES (PUIIMOHIS cosccoccneSootsecoccoucerocoseoose 1 
COLLARS DISPUIRE sodcoonddo0de0coeognensouse 4,150 ft QDS IWaARS sscccosendassuossotoococooords 1 
ILANUINICIA BYES co ccosedcacouspccesaenpacnoeods 1970 FAN ALOVNS! soaccoocas0ecuDeSoSobooseE 850 Ib (incl. crew) 


PRESSURE HULL: Acrylic plastic (Plexiglas G) sphere composed of 12 spherical pentagons bonded together with adhesive. Hull is 66-in. OD and 
2.5 in, thick. Top (hatch) and bottom plates are of cadmium-plated 4130 steel. Bottom plate is for passage of penetrators. Hull weighs 1,500 Ib in air 
and displaces 5,500 Ib in water. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast is supplied by an 8-ft3 capacity free-flooding cylindrical tank below the pressure hull. Deballasting is 
accomplished by six 50-ft3 capacity air bottles at 2,250 psi. which make available 19-ft3 (371 SCF) of air at 600-ft depth and allow two complete 
cycles at this depth. A free-flooding auxiliary ballast tank aft has a capacity of 2 ft3. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two 1.5-hp hydraulic motors mounted on each side of the vehicle drive 8-in. diam., shrouded propellers, which serve to 
rotate the vehicle in the lateral plane and to allow short excursions when at neutrai buoyancy. Within the service module is a hydraulically-driven 
winch (1,200 ft of 0.25-in. wire ropes) which the pilot can operate to provide vertical excursions (anchor weight 380 Ib). 


TRIM: Not required. 


POWER SOURCE: Main power is from twenty-one-6-V, 150-amp-hr, pressure-compensated, lead-acid batteries supplying 120 V. Secondary power 
is supplied by a 20-amp-hr, silver-zinc battery carried within the pressure sphere 


LIFE SUPPORT: 03 is stored in two 50-ft3-capacity tanks at 1,600 psi and automatically bled into the sphere at a selected rate. CO) is removed by 
blowing air through an 8-Ib cannister of Baralyme. Silica gel (50-in 3) removes water vapor. Partial pressure of O2, cabin pressure and CO content 
are continuously monitored, a Drager kit serves as backup measuring device. 


VIEWING: Panoramic viewing through the plastic pressure hull. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC (8.08-kHz). 
MANIPULATORS: None. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Two closed-circuit O2 rebreathers for emergency use. Internal emergency power supply can actuate anchor cable cutter drop 
battery pack (2,170 Ib in air), blow ballast tanks and operate normal life support system. There is also a manual anchor cable cutter. 


SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: Air, ship, truck transportable. Launched/retrieved at sea from any ship of 100 tons or greater with an over-the-side 
handling capacity of at least 10 tons. 


OWNER: U.S. Naval Undersea Center, San Diego, California. 
BUILDER: U.S. Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory, Port Hueneme, California. 
REMARKS: Not operating. Now at Southwest Research Inst. 


163 


HINGE OF ENTRANCE HATCH 
CONNING TOWER 


SIDE-THRUSTER : FENDER V!EWPORTS (4) 


PRESSURIZED SEAWATER BALLAST TANK TRANSDUCER U.W. TELE 
FIRST STAGE CLAW FIRST STAGE MANIPULATOR CABIN VIEWPORTS (8) 


PROTECTIVE 
SONAR HOUSING 


VARIABLE PITCH PROPELLER 
MOVABLE MAIN BATTERY HOUSING RETRACTABLE 


AUXILIARY MACHINERY SONAR DOME 
SEAT/BED EMERGENCY BALLAST 
ECHOSOUNDER TRANSDUCERS 


164 


NEREID 330 


REIN Galil siemeten tetera viel eValntetal kote fetetatciavalaynlslisiinie lsifagetel/avele 29 ft VAIS VAM IESNTISR 5 noo GocadcoodGodeon Jono 22.8 in. 
BEAM: PIRES UPPOIR TE UNAD) tetetenetatencten=tetelcneietsusierste!< 7 96 man-hr 
HEIGHT: TOMALES POWER meena deneiaiererbercroiatetsianetlcess) atsiiscaisiats 40 kWh 
DRAFT: SREEDRRNOMS) kG RULS Eger eretetetcten eels) oistieveve 2/8 hr 
WEIGHT (DRY): INMWARS co sidiectonooo sobeo moo sues omotro <! 
SASWATUNGCHIDESPINS osadégocc0cgc0vcognonmoodoD 330 ft CREWRIRAILONES. gcc co0oa0dabao ondG DOOD U emo eSOOOD 1 
(ROMANS DIAVIIAR GooodoodocadasoosdocooHOOUS 500 ft OESERW SERS 6564 5d0G055000005 eae Penh chee es 
(L/NUINTG A IDYNTIES 55 gonads ccn0osc0scdbenoUdDUdDOT 1972 PENALOVND BS Gant cote ob odoaen aco one ooonde ooo .. 5,500 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape steel hull, OD of 70 in. symmetrical axis perpendicular to fore-aft axis. Dished ends. Two cylindrical 
extensions, OD of 20 in. on port and starboard side, length of 13 ft. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast tank is half filled with seawater and air compressed at a higher pressure than the 330-ft operating depth; to 
obtain negative buoyancy a pump is used to add more water. To obtain positive buoyancy a purge valve is opened which biows the main ballast dry. 
One 200-| atmospheric tank provides auxiliary negative buoyancy. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: A stern-mounted, laterally-trainable, variable-pitch propeller driven by a 10-hp motor provides main horizontal 
propulsion, A 2.5-hp lateral thruster mounted aft of the pressure hull assists in fine maneuvering control. 


TRIM: Up/down bow angles of 30° are obtainable by hydraulically moving the main battery housing fore or aft. 

POWER SOURCE: Nine 12-V each, lead-acid batteries are carried in two longitudinal pressure-resistant tubes below the vehicle and deliver 200 V. 
Four 12-V, lead-acid batteries supply 24 V. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Two 12-I-capacity tanks. 

VIEWING: Thirteen viewports. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UOC, CTFM, gyrocompass, depth indicator speed log, downward-looking echo sounder. 


MANIPULATORS: Two; one is 15 ft long and capable of 2,500-Ib lift; the second is a smaller one attached to the larger arm which is used to 
perform delicate operations. Installed on starboard side near center of buoyancy. Gripping force of the large claw is 6 tons. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Internally-pressurized buoyancy tank may be blown by entrapped air to operational depth. Hand released reserve ballast 
(700 Ib). Emergency breathing equipment for leaving flooded hull through escape hatch. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Nereid nv. Schiedam, Holland. 

BUILDER: Same as above. 

REMARKS: Operating. A 700-ft lock-out NEREID 700 was scheduled for launching in 1973, but nothing has been heard of this project since May 
1973. 


165 


166 


OPSUB 


(EN GIARR soadoonconosbesucouSsobeoeoooonodon6 HS 18 ft nVANIClA OWNS pancopcadas0ocoononbeosaqnd NA 
BEAM ceararatetolobolalatstnicieleleusisioxsliekstelskete\'e/'s.eueneysienelleKereitete 8.5 ft FE SURRORI UMAR Nes oosopeoccodcomoboonT 48 man-hr 
REGU Aileceeettetietatettelaltelietal exelefisioteleieluie|lellaatale}alieleroi=leleieisiele 7.5 ft THOT E TOMES on onbeoboeoudcocdneDouoODoood Tethered 
DRAFT: 6 ft (est.) SPEEDICNOmS) CRUS Exper craretenetecstaker-tenerersiatete arate =r NA 
WEIGHT (DRY): 5.2 tons WWAYS non coododckd sodas Sotogdood 2 


OPERATING DEPTH: 2,000 ft CORSE IMO gosocccnddo esos don oomdoosusebe Goes 1 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape, 66-in. OD, 0.5 in. thick and composed of HY-80 steel. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Large weight changes are compensated for before the dive by changing external weights in the fixed ballast compartment 
on a droppable weight platform. Small buoyancy changes during the dive are obtained through a variable ballast tank (200-Ib capacity). The tank is 
flooded to fill and pumped dry. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Five motors provide propulsion. Three are for horizontal motion and are mounted port, starboard and aft, the aft 
motor is trainable 90° left and right. The remaining two motors are thrusters for horizontal and vertical control. All motors are oil-compensated, 
10-hp, 350-Ib thrust, and are reversible with two speeds forward and aft. 

TRIM: No systems provided. 


POWER SOURCE: An umbilical from the surface provides 50 kW of power from a diesel generator providing 440-VAC regulated power. 
Communications, TV transmission and voltage sensing also passes through this wire. The umbilical is 1,000 ft long, 1.4-in. diam. and has a breaking 
strength of 10,000 Ib, it can be cut by the vehicle if the need arises. 


LIFE SUPPORT: Three O2 flasks are carried in the hull. CO2 is removed by Baralyme in a forced-air scrubber. O2 is monitored by a Teledyne 
Analyzer, CO2 is monitored by a Drager Analyzer, a second Drager Analyzer (Multi-gas Detector Mod. 21) measures both CO2 and CO. An altimeter 
measures cabin pressure. Two scuba bottles (compressed air) and regulators provide emergency breathing for approximately 4 man-hr. 


VIEWING: There are 13 viewports total. Four are in the hull, eight in the conning tower and one in the hatch. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC and hard wire communications, scanning sonar, TV, 35-mm still camera & strobe, two depth gages, 
directional gyro. 


MANIPULATORS: None. 


SAFETY FEATURES: A 600-Ib, droppable weight, emergency breathing, backup communications on batteries, umbilical cutter, running lights, fire 
extinguisher, life jackets, underwater flashlights. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Phillips Petroleum, Bartlesville, Okla. 
BUILDER: Perry Submarine Builders, Riviera Beach, Fla. 
REMARKS: Inactive, has not made an operational dive. 


167 


MAIN 


PROPULSION FAIRING 


oe © 
DC 


MTR 
METAL 
FAIRING 
PRESSURE 


HULL 
BATTERIES 


168 


PAULO I 


(HEN(CHlale comon oon God COS oo como rom Ome Ose ta Oo 13.5 ft PACA DUAN MISINSIRIS coangbononmoncondgongboad 20-3/4 in. 
EAU! Scooter ain omolerso o¢ Baio MOO. DOE cae Gace De 4.5 ft LIS SUF ORAr MOS conuscokecenoonegoen oe 96 man-hr 
RNEIKGIRIS Aso oadenoen oo ooco oo moo Ooo. coe. tip oso teon 6.3 ft ROR ANC HOMMEIRIE E Sauls 4 moe Od eae Sthon boo MOOD ..5.2 kWh 
IDIFYNETS. os cb ot aneeseooaaopootae oo goat aoe pode - 4.5 ft SPEEDIICN OTS) EC BUS Ee iierrenasetedeleielata tsi kauase nes 0.75/25 hr 
WUBINCIRI WDIRNOIR oasccosgopsaenGosacdgdoneHBscos 2.6 tons WARS ao oasooaecsancags ecieaetee SALON: 
QRSRVATUNG DIFP ab oooadoooongoscop mono oe aso o 600 ft COLES IAIMONERS condor odosAoe 165 5cd0sb6socu05NES saat 
SOLLNSE DIZPUIE seoosdnccnsscogeeasuobBobeE 3,650 ft COISIWASERS. scoscesosocenedoacneood Soe cr bo.c I 
PAGING HID Ai Eitercyleveteron=ieWelacen spol aeife cxeyeS=iellees =\'s\ eas} =ter 1967 IVASALOYNDS nococanpoooogsoodes eanuvaneoooD .. 480 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape with hemispherical endcaps. Cylinder is 4-ft. 1D, 8 ft long and 0.75 in. thick of A 212 steel. Endcaps and 
hatch are 0.5 in. thick of a 212B steel. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main and fairwater ballast tanks provide 480 and 3,000 Ib positive/negative buoyancy, respectively. 
PROPULSION/CONTROL: A stern-mounted, 11-in. diam. propeller is driven by a 4-hp Bendix, 4,000-rpm, 30-amp motor. Propeller may be trained 
mechanically left or right and is reversible. 

TRIM: Ten 6-in. OD, 40-in.-long tanks of 48-Ib capacity each may be vented or blown to adjust trim. 

POWER SOURCE: Four 6-V, 217-amp-hr. each lead-acid batteries provide 6, 12, or 24 V through a selector switch to provide main power supply. 
Auxiliary power is from two 92-amp-hr each lead-acid batteries. 

LIFE SUPPORT: 03 is carried in two 70-ft3-capacity tanks at 2,200 psi with automatic flow adjustment. A blower circulates air through a soda 
sorb cannister to remove CO2. 

VIEWING: Ten acrylic plastic viewports. Six are in the pressure hull forward area and are 4-in. 1D, 8-in. OD and 2 in. thick. Four girdle the conning 
tower and one is in the hatch which is 2-in. 1D, 4-in. OD and 1 in. thick. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC (42-kHz), Bendix Magnesyn compass, depth gage, echo sounder, altimeter and differential pressure 
gage. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Mechanically droppable keel (100 Ib). Main and fairwater ballast tanks can be blown by divers from surface ship. Pressure 
hull can be pressurized and opened for emergency exit. 

SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: SOO. 

OWNER: Previous owner: Anautics Inc., San Diego, Calif. 

BUILDER: Same as above. 

STATUS: Sold in 1971 to Candive Ltd., Vancouver, B.C. and leased on long-term basis to Arctic Marine, Ltd., Vancouver, B.C. who reconfigured it 
into the present SEA OTTER. 


169 


Ses ag 

Ke eid amine = 

; LFS ee peg 

epee ok By > 

: ——— 

| aed 
SURFACE UNDERWATER 
RADIO TELEPHONE 


ANTENNA TRANSDUCER 


AFTER HATCH 
TRIM FORWARD 
AND TRIM AND 
V.B.T. VARIABLE 
FIBERGLASS \ BALLAST 
FAIRWATER \ TANK FIBERGLASS 


FAIRWATER 


OPERATOR'S 


COMPARTMENT FORWARD nan 7) 


BALLAST Bile | 


BOW 


HOVERING 
MOTOR 
ROOM AFT AUX.  F.W.D. DROPPABLE BALLAST 
FOOT comp. FOOT 
WELL WELL 


PC-3A1 &2 


IEINICTInIS Godconooncosop cosmo mono noOg oom foo 18.5 ft DVI OWA MIZITSRIS onoceoodecdannonRcooooneOs 19 in. 
BSN caoagoogodcuon sos OO DODO SuObOdOodON Godde 325 ft LIFES SUAPORTE (MERE cogaccocopbGosdsocdogs 20 man-hr 
HEIGHT: aoe S00 a s/s TOR MANLIAOWMEINS ooconpodeonsopoconsoos cuca don 7.5 kWh 
IDIRVNRGT so conacs 35) fit STEED (SNICKERS CMOS, Gass onchasocandg05n5bL 2/8 hr 
WEIGHT (DRY): 55 occ Sa0 = .. 4,790 |b WAYS a melo casted Aaa adamen ese 4.5/5 hr 
OBEIRVACIIN GIDE Pili Fl citer tere tetefotelcy alee si ttacs: efslcierstals .iteile 300 ft CREWRIPILOUS saccadgaccnnondosbcaqncuocpsGo 90056 1 
COLNE ERP WRIS socoscondcedgougoudod0d0DIdS 500 ft ORDISIRIWIERS sqocdanatscbansonednasosonooas 1 
WAUINTCIR EVIE coassssccotsadosacesooe .. 1964; 1966 PENALOVNDS so coodsdoccrndocanoodoengsagcadeds 750 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Main hull, motor room and battery compartment are of 0.25-in.-thick A285 steel. Canopy is 0.25-in.-thick plate, heads are of 
A285 steel. Hatch trunk is 0.5-in. S.S.-ASTM A-351 casting and hatch cover is Almag 335 casting. Mechanical penetrations in hull are for propeller 
shaft, hatch opening shaft and droppable keel operating shaft. Motor room is separated from batteries and operators by a wall capable of 
withstanding full ambient pressure at operating depth. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast tanks are made of 11 & 12 gage A285 steel and located fore and aft to provide displacement of 1,250 Ib. 
Trim tanks may also be employed to provide 320 Ib displacement. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion is from a stern-mounted, 7-hp, 36-V, 855-rpm, Allis Chalmers motor with infinitely variable speed 
control. Hydraulically-operated rudder and bow planes provide horizontal and vertical maneuvering. Bow or stern thrusters of fractional hp are 
available if required. 

TRIM: Two tanks, 0.25 in. thick, of A285 steel, 160-Ib capacity each can be blown or pumped to and from seawater or fore and aft from one tank 
to the other. Valves and piping are stainless steel of non-corrosive 600-psi test minimum. Trim pump is a Hypro 3.1 gpm at 200 psi driven by aG.E. 
0.5-hp, 15-amp, 32-V motor. 

POWER SOURCE: Six 6-V, 210-amp-hr, Excel, lead-acid batteries, type GRP 6, are located in a pressure-resistant, gas-tight compartment. 
Optionally, silver-cadmium (72 Yardney Ys-200) or silver-zinc (100 Yardney LR-200) batteries may be used to extend cruising time to 10 and 20 hr, 
respectively. 

LIFE SUPPORT: CO) removal by Baralyme (4-qt supply) through which air is drawn by two 72-cfm Vane-Axial Blowers. One external 70-4t3, 
2,200-psi O27 bottle connected to reducer to flowmeter and regulator. Low pressure air is connected to the scuba regulators which can be used in an 
emergency. 

VIEWING: Seventeen viewports through vehicle, thickness is 1.0 in.; 1D of 6.5 in.; OD of 8 in. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC. magnetic compass, depth gage. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Pressure hull can be pressurized and flooded for escape. By blowing ballast tanks or dropping solid ballast the following 
positive buoyancy can be obtained: Main ballast tank 1,250 Ib, trim tanks 320 Ib, keel 180 Ib. Emergency air is obtained through scuba regulators 
and hoses off the low pressure air supply. Ballast tanks can be blown through external connections. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: SOO. 

OWNER: U-‘S. Army and U:S. Air Force. 

BUILDER: Perry Submarine Builders, Riviera Beach, Fla. 

REMARKS: Operating. Kentron Ltd. of Hawaii operates these vehicles for the Air Force and Army. 


171 


SURFACE RADIO ANTENNA 


BOW HOVERING ane 


MOTOR HIGH FREQUENCY 


HATCHES UNDERWATER PHONE 


FORWARD TRIM 
& VARIABLE LOW FREQUENCY 
ACOUSTIC PHONE 


PLASTIC FAIRWATER 
4 


UNDERWATER 


AFT. MBT 
MOTOR ROOM 


FWD. BATTERY 
AFT. BATTERY 


AFT. TRIM & VBT 


\ TV LIGHTS (2) FLOOD LIGHTS 


TRACKING HYDROPHONE DROPEPEEE KEEL 
MECHANICAL ARM 


172 


PC-3B 


LISNICHIAR sanocodoosccogoocpcamaoodUUO Gc dd uolo od PMNS OIVANMISUIEING  gooonacohatocosteusooneanees 19 in. 
IEAM: ooncoosodososonononosoosoOCdDSouDDASoGO0O z LIFE SUPPORT (MAX): . 40 man-hr 
MIENGIsnre. osenoodbbugocsoocotobotongo duoddedas fs MOMALIP OWE Riss texevetagererccreicncisssteerens eye cievencns i) averele 10 kWh 
(QYRVAIFUTS cog dteotobocadseoseeodoo spd obCobodaUuDOdS . SE BEDIKNNOMS IMC RUIS Emserreveteteret-tedelemistatevate roe 1.75/10 hr 
WIEIGIRAT (DIRE oqo ecdd-0.0 bonoo 6 DOSOM Ur Oro WAS oe baa bod seR OOS OOo ee GeEios 4/2 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: CREW 2 RUE OMS erecetsners eres cieeersienae aici concie wie Suexs iste qeow U 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: ESSERE gsacedcoaachonpowdcesaobookoon 1 
LAUNCH DATE: PAWL OAD si crepsiotebove ce teteyenonetatcte ist susiciaelcl scusiersveuatcuctey 300 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Main hull of 0.5-in.-thick plate and heads of A212 steel. Canopy of 0.25-in.-thick plate and 3/8-in. heads of A212 steel. Motor 
room & battery compartment 0.25-in. plate and heads of A212 steel. Hatch trunk is 0.5-in.-thick S.S.ASTM A-351 casting; hatches are Almag 335 
castings. Mechanical penetrations in hull are for propeller shaft with crane seal backed up by pneumatically Operated seal; two hatch openings and 
one droppable keel operating shaft. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast tanks made of 11 & 12 gage A285 steel are located fore and aft and provide a displacement of 2,000 Ib. Trim 
tanks may also be employed to provide 400-Ib displacement. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion is from a stern-mounted, 7-hp, 36-V, 855-rpm, Allis Chalmers motor with infinitely variable 
speed controls. Hydraulically-actuated rudder and bow planes provide horizontal and vertical underway maneuvering. Bow or stern thrusters of 
fractional hp available. 

TRIM: Two tanks, 0.25 in. thick, of A212 steel 200-Ib capacity each can be blown or pumped to and from seawater or fore and aft from one tank 
to the other. Valves and piping are of stainless steel or other non-corrosive material. Trim pump is a Hypro 6 gpm at 400 psi driven by a 2.5-hp, 36-V 
60-amp, Milwaukee motor. 

LIFE SUPPORT: CO) removal by Baralyme (4-qt supply) through which air is drawn by two 72-cfm Vane-Axial blowers. O2 is supplied from one 
externally-mounted 70-ft3, 2,200-psi bottle connected to reducer to flowmeter and regulator. Two scuba regulators within the vehicle are connected 
to the low pressure air supply for emergency breathing. 

POWER SOURCE: Either silvercel batteries or 10 lead-acid batteries may be used which are located in a pressure-resistant compartment just above 
the keel and aft. The silvercel batteries extend cruising time by a factor of 2 over the lead-acid batteries. 

VIEWING: Seventeen viewports throughout the vehicle of 1.5-in. thickness, |D of 6 in.; OD of 8 in. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UOC, radio, echo sounder, magnetic compass, forward-scanning sonar. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Pressure hull can be pressurized and flooded for escape. By blowing tanks or dropping ballast the following positive 
buoyancy can be obtained: main ballast tank 200 Ib, trim tanks 400 Ib, weight drop 75 Ib. Main ballast tanks can receive air from ship or scuba diver 
with air bottle. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Soo. 

OWNER: International Underwater Contractors, New York. 

BUILDER: Perry Submarine Builders, Riviera Beach, Fla. 

REMARKS: Has not dived for several years, but can be available on short notice if required. Renamed TECHDIVER when purchased by its present 
Owner. 


173 


ARteup 


174 


PC3-X 


MAN Suns SoonconcnsoscpocossooUOoUDOUOOOOOboOGD 20 ft BATCHIDUAM EMER reegeteterstateteisisiatatnrotete ereteotet ers tetas 19 in. 
BEAM ieee ateistclotetafotetclet hel vale l-b-t-fetatetet tela t=lielists(s/(so fein 3.5 ft RFE QUATRE NUE oSscenccnGossccsccmace 16 man-hr 
TEKGRIUE ocoocscnrossoccassoosoososoDoMonocGoodoo 5 ft TROUZNE HOMERS coooscoctocesscccsssosoecscuss 
DYSYNFUS coeooospoogcdsosc 3.75 ft SPEED (KNOTS): CRUISE 

WEIGH (DRY) 25 ee -iete =o 4,700 Ib MAX 

OPERATING DEPTH: 150 ft CERES sockcceocectrdoeeedeeesessooccsssse 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: 500 ft OBSERVERS 

EAUWNCHIDAMIES eretepe ic eretetetet=ni-yat-olme lela leiele «sia ial == 1962 EPANILOY NDS oosscoscotS Scene cessosos se ecososon 


PRESSURE HULL: Composed of 0.25-in.-thick plate and heads of A285 steel. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast tanks fore and aft which are free flooding and blown by compressed air in four bottles (270-43 total 
capacity) at 2,000 psi. Two variable ballast tanks fore and aft which are pumped dry to the sea or from one tank to the other. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: One, stern-mounted, reversible propeller provides all propulsion. It is powered by a 4hp, 115-VDC, 32-amp motor 
enclosed in a separate water-tight compartment. Bow planes and rudder are hydraulically actuated by the pilot using airplane-type controls. 


TRIM: Up/down bow angle can be achieved to a moderate degree by differentially filling the VBT’s. 

POWER SOURCE: Six 6-V, lead-acid batteries rated at 210 amp-hr each are carried in a pressure-resistant compartment. 

LIFE SUPPORT: NA. 

VIEWING: Thirteen viewports located around the conning tower, 0.5 in. thick. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Magnesyn compass, echo sounder, two depth gages, CB radio, UQC, forward-looking sonar, transponder. 
MANIPULATORS: None. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Emergency breathing through scuba regulator off high pressure deballasting air. Pressure hull may be flooded for passenger 
egress. External fitting to receive air from divers. Life vests. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 
OWNER: Applied Research Laboratory, Univ. of Texas, Austin, Texas. 
BUILDER: Perry Submarine Builders, Riviera Beach, Fla. 


REMARKS: This is the first Perry CUBMARINE considered a production-type vehicle (it was the third one built). |1t now dives occasionally in Lake 
Travis, Texas. Its present owner has designated it the GASPERGOU. At one point in its diving history it was called SUB-ROSA. 


175 


CONNING TOWER 


Vee BALLAST TANKS 
PRESSURE HULL VIEWPORTS 


RUDDER 


BOW 


MAIN PROPULSION THRUSTERS 


MOTOR 


HIGH PRESSURE AIR BATTERY COMPARTMENT SAT USLN Cen un TEN 


176 


PC5C 


MEE NGG 5 cine cieie ee ewie sw le winnie ine civ wicle sire seis erie 22.3 ft HATCOIDIAMERERisgerer-ieletatairisrsietel sgogcDdaCoEt 23 in. 
BENE sono ceeds eoocmoa boddccdo e@coninbo Coourercccs 4.1 ft LIFISSWUHRORT UNVAR9I8 on doc abencoucodocs got 180 man-hr 
(nF Ssh esacobnoad odono coo oo ooo ODO OmooD Tealas YORHALL (HOMMERIE cn diogndcoonassecopogoococes . 16 kWh 
LIRVAVFINY 6 ac.bneis Oho Dro-Ot8es COICO COICO A ECHO Mee 4.75 ft SPEED (NNO) s GRUISE cot atcetonasnnascunaes 0.5/4 hr 
WWElGikhy (DERMIS conoonsobtooacouonoopcogoodd 11,450 Ib WAS aAonom oo8 Gon ooo Go 4 0 6-5/0-5)nf 
QRWN EPs ogGotiGodesoponoonogo0ooUoO 1,200 ft CREW HEE OMS me reteptehlareleistelaisictotsielctsiatotct= fa) afc iahenet ied ae 1 
GOILIVUN-SS DISPFIIAIS onpsoososecanccnggddopUnES 2,000 ft CEDSISEMISIIS coos eopackosnngo cena goeeooaso 2 
AUN CHU ANT Esvimetateunitsheliaehelaetietetejnistelsiniakersiaysjeisieteiers 1968 IPANILOYND)S Gascon oonoosogo poss oodooOON DODO O dS 725 |b 


PRESSURE HULL: Passenger compartment is a stiffened cylinder with hemispherical endcaps. Main hull and battery compartment is 0.5-in.-thick, 
SA 212 grade B steel; conning tower and motor room are 3/8-in. SA 212 grade B steel; hatch is Almag 35 steel. Passenger, motor, and battery 
compartments have separate, water-tight integrity. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Buoyancy contro! tanks, made of 18 gage, 304 stainless steel, are located within the hull and have a total capacity of 260 
ib. A hydropump (4 gpm; 700 psi) can pump from tanks to sea or sea to tanks or bilges to tanks. The pump motor is a G.E., 120-V, 2-hp at 750 rpm. 
Main ballast tanks straddle the pressure hull. 

PROPULSION CONTROL: Stern-mounted propeller provides main horizontal propulsion and is driven by a 10-hp motor. Two bow and one stern 
thruster of fractional hp are fluid-filled, and 36° trainable. Plexiglass bow planes assist in controlling underway vertical motion. 

TRIM: A mechanical control system within the pilot’s compartment moves lead slugs fore or aft in trim tubes located in the battery compartment. 
POWER SOURCE: Twenty 12-V, 67-amp-hr, 20-hr-rated, lead-acid batteries in separate water-tight compartment with nitrogen atmosphere and 
provisions for purging. Power available to customer: 120 VDC. 100 amp; 12 VDC, 2 amp. Additional 4-amp invertor available. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Three blowers supply air through three 4-Ib beds of Baralyme with 36 Ib carried in reserve for 52 hr of life support for three men. 
Increasing to three 6-Ib beds of LiOH extends life support for three men to 60 hr. O2 supply is 50-ft3 bottles (ea.) at 2,000 psi carried externally. 
Reserve supply of chlorate candles can be made available to provide 50-man-hr support. Three emergency regulators operate off the air system. 
VIEWING: Eight horizontal and one vertical viewports in conning tower; 13 forward and 4 aft in pressure hull. Thickness of 1.5 in.; 1D of 6.3 in.; 
OD of 8.0 in. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Magnesyn and gyrocompass, automatic pilot, depth gage and depth recorder, UQC, current meter, water 
temperature sensor, altimeter. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Can surface by blowing main ballast tanks or buoyancy control tanks at operating depth. Droppable keel; inflatable bag can 
be filled with CO or gas generator. Cockpit may be flooded for egress. Three emergency breathing regulators are connected with vehicles’ low 
pressure air system. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Sub Sea Oil Services (S.P.A.), Milan, Italy. 

BUILDER: Perry Submarine Builders, Riviera Beach, Florida. 

REMARKS: Presently undergoing refurbishment. 


177 


178 


PC-8B 


LENGTH: .....-.. H HATCHIDIAMEMER sieatenteicrelslsjotctsterstetstefelstielotersi-teicis) aie 24 in. 
BEAM: . WIFE SURFOR I (MERS osonoocbacgconbeagcade 48 man-hr 
HEIGHT: MOA OWE Rimear.tatotetayeneiatatctetelsieleiaiale)s\ayetaletat r= tote 22 kWh 
DISVNaUIR GopocooDDDOODOOGUDOGOUOCOOUDOOUOOUUOU SPEEDI(KNOMS) se RUIS Egetereretetetaletee ateteter siete ieierare 2/8 hr 
(WENGE (DENS ssosoossongooge5psCsas0gcessDdS WARS oooooooUobCooDDd sooooOnOR 4/2 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: MAW (HI LMOUS oc ondodlacdosoood6uuedeonsordoddonSoNS 1 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: OASIS cosochbsdboossucdonndeedeeooecse 1 
LAUNCH DATE: ..... PENALOYNDE santos c00n00CooDDODODDOSOgCoooDddan 500 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylinder with hemispherical bow and conical aft section composed of low temperature carbon steel 3.5-ft diam., 13.7-ft length, 
and 3/8 in. thick. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Two main free-flooding ballast tanks straddle the pressure hull and are blown with compressed air. One variable ballast 
tank (160-Ib capacity) in the pressure hull is free-flooding and pumped dry. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: All propulsion is provided by a stern-mounted, reversible propeller which is driven by a 7.5-hp, DC motor within the 
pressure hull. Electro-hydraulic rudder and dive plane. 

TRIM: No system provided. 

POWER SOURCE: Lead-acid batteries are carried within two pressure-resistant pods beneath the hull and provide 24 and 120 VDC. 

LIFE SUPPORT: 0p flasks are carried externally (four ea. of 72-43 cap., 2,250 psi). CO2 is removed by LiOH. Monitors for O2 and CO, altimeter. 
Emergency breathing provided by two scuba regulators drawing off the compressed air for deballasting. 

VIEWING: Plastic bow dome, 2.25 in. thick (114° spherical segment). Eight (8-in. OD, 6%-in. 1D, 2-in.-thick) viewports in conning tower and one of 
the same dimensions in the hatch. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UOC, CB radio, scanning sonar, compass, automatic pilot, depth gage. 

MANIPULATORS: One with three degrees of freedom. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Droppable weight (450 Ib), MBT’s can be blown at operating depth. Fire extinguisher. Life vests. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Northern Offshore Ltd., London. 

BUILDER: Perry Submarine Builders, Riviera Beach, Fla. 

REMARKS: Operating. 


Ie 


EXTERNAL RING STIFFNERS 


PRESSURE HULL 
PLASTIC 


BOW 
DOME RUDDER 


COMPRESSED AIR 


DROPPABLE 
BATTERY POD 


180 


PC-14 


LENGTH: .....00 weet tee c ert ett ete wt estes 4 VANIKClal IVAISTIEIR SonoonponboneondodecenUSoce6 19 in. 
BEAM: ....... mie tatehstatatal=t=t=feteletershelalafalstalsinlsjie/elujfulelle)iele PIRES UPPORM (MAX) simclsicietntsistelalel=telet=felelel=iiens 60 man-hr 
HEIGHT: .......... . TROUVAVL HOWMEIRE nodooonasogenoooudsoqscugG0n09 15 kWh 
DRAFT: ..ccececaes . SEED (KMS 3s GRUISIS ccoooposcnocospeosooocodao NA 
WEIGHT (DRY): .....--- IMVAOS Snood cansccdgonsooconDEoeo NA 
OPERATING DEPTH: CREW -s RIE OM Si epete an siclerate|elals)-\a\e(=)n/ei=inielel=ie\l| seis) =lelsiniels)e 1 
COEEAPSE/ DEPTH: <.. OBSERVERS eitetetetete te letel alate a¥etelat=tetel-tell=tet fe ielsitst=t= 1 
LAUNCH DATE: ...... IMM ALCYNSE So odccocunO DOU DRO UOUUOOOU CU cota 1,100 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape with a conical aft section made of A516 grade 70 normalized steel 7/16 in. thick. Plastic bow dome 40-in. 1D 
and 2 in. thick. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Two main ballast tanks straddle the hull, these have a capacity of 200 Ib each and are blown dry. Variable ballast tanks to 
obtain neutral buoyancy submerged have a capacity of 100 Ib. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion is from a stern-mounted propeller powered by a 36-VDC, 7.8-amp, G.E. motor in the hull which drives 
a 0.5-hp hydraulic motor to actuate the propeller. Propelier is reversible and has three speeds forward and reverse, Manually actuated dive planes and 
rudder, 

TRIM: No systems provided. 

POWER SOURCE: Within a droppable, pressure-resistant cylinder are twelve 12-V, lead-acid batteries which provide all electrical power. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Four 0 flasks within the hull. O2 flow is controlled by a flow meter. CO is removed by LiOH. Monitoring devices for O2, CO? 
and hull pressure, 

VIEWING: Plastic bow dome forward. Six plastic viewports on conning tower sides and one in hatch cover of 7.5-in. OD and 6.5-in. ID. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UOC, directional gyro, CB radio, depth gage. 

MANIPULATORS: One with four degrees of freedom. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Main ballast tanks can be blown at operating depth. Battery pod droppable. Emergency breathing off compressed air. Life 
jackets, 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Presently operating off the R/V GYRE. 

OWNER: Texas A & M Univ., College Station, Texas. 

BUILDER: Perry Submarine Builders, Riviera Beach, Fla. 

REMARKS: Operational. Redesignated D/APHUS by owner. 


181 


ROLEX 


SURFACE 
PORT MOTOR CONTROL RADIO ANTENNA 


HATCH 


EMERGENCY REBREATHER 
= a DEPTH SOUNDER 
——_, 


CIRCUIT BREAKERS 


UNDERWATER PHONE 
TRANSDUCER 


OXYGEN REGULATOR 


AND VALVES 
MACHINE CONTROL 


wae, oP chads ce 

1B EL) | SURFACE 
Si 

os f BUOYANCY TANK 
Ai 


OXYGEN TANK 


PORT 
AIR TANK aw 
STARBOARD ° 1000 W LIGHT 
(QUARTZ IODIDE) 
OIL 
RESERVOIRS NAVIGATIONAL 
INSTRUMENTS 
syovancy sas 
LIGHT 


COMPENSATING 
OIL BAGS FIXED 
BATTERIES MANIPULATOR 


PROPULSION MOTOR (2) 
CAMERA 


SONAR VIEW PORTS PORT 


CONTOUR FOAM CUSHIONS DROP WEIGHT 


182 


PISCES | 


PEIN CUES tretctsteYelefebelot=tetet=tol -lelatetataiereKele/slsleleleleleiateleletele 16 ft BATCHED AMES ER aitersletatsisfotel«latsieteretal=lelelalelaiei=ia) ofee 18 in. 
ESA citatia etal alatiafelintaielielni=ielstistnfolsiainintsielclalelalsiafelelslsislshaia 11 ft PIP RISUPEOR TMA) camtetstolelstereirictelerelensiersisierle 100 man-hr 
inlEKelanre- aoasoondenags aes ccc ec asiascicevcevcevs 10 ft MOMMA LOWER: ie vovelelatelalsyeletava(olaralstavaletelalaloyatsver vate 
DGVNFITE. cao co cn Dodo DAO DUCOOODOUD ODODE OOO OOOoS Zoot SPEED (KNOTS): CRUISE 

WENGE (DIRNOR saossoocccdcagasononoood 00000 7.5 tons MAX .. 

OPERATING DEPTH: ........ . 1,200 ft CREMIEIE OS motetelalelslalonoloratalaletotat-isieraielersisicictetersnsiekencicns 
OVI LNT DISPUTE soasousosededosocdcadassse 3,600 ft OBSERVERS 

LAU a) BYNES sosdgogcenesossusoscdacogcensods 1965 AL HOVANO) Soho sooooa6 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape (two hemispheres), of Algoma-44 steel, 0.75 in. thick and 6.5-ft OD. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Thirty gal of oil are carried in a hard aft sphere which can be electrically or manually pumped into flexible bladders at 
ambient pressure. Pumping oil into the bladders increases buoyancy at a rate Of 64 Ib for each ft3 of water displaced. A total of 300 Ib of positive 
buoyancy may be obtained with this sytem. On the surface high pressure air can blow clear a circular tank surroundirg the upper half of the pressure 
hull and add a total of 2,000 Ib of positive buoyancy to increase freeboard. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two 19-in. propellers mounted amidships on each side the vehicle provide forward or aft movement in the horizontal. 
The propellers are driven by two oil-filled, 5-hp, DC motors which can control screw rotation from O to 1,200 rpm in either direction. 


TRIM: Up/down bow angles of + 15° can be attained by moving the lower battery pod fore or aft by a hydraulic arm. 

POWER SOURCE: Lead-acid battery pack (60 cells) in an oil-filled, pressure-compensated aluminum box rated at 500 amp-hr. 

LIFE SUPPORT: 05 supply is carried internally in a 50-ft3 tank and is manually bled into the hull. CO} is removed by LiOH. 

VIEWING: Three viewports looking forward and slightly downward of the horizontal. The two large ports are 6 in. thick, 6-in. 1D, 13-in. OD 
providing approximately 48° of viewing each. A smaller viewport is located slightly above and between the two large ports for photography. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC (8-kHz), echo sounder, directional gyrocompass, TV, obstacle avoidance sonar, VHF radio, seawater 
temperature indicator, depth gage. 

MANIPULATORS: One arm, six degrees of freedom, of 82-in. total reach and 150-Ib lift. A second clamping arm is available which has three degrees 
of freedom, a jaw opening up to 21 in. and can rotate 360° at the writst. Jaw clamp is capable of lifting or pulling 400 Ib. 

SAFETY FEATURES: 0,5 rebreathers (two ea.). Mechanically jettisonable, 400-Ib weight. Surface buoyancy system can be employed in an 
emergency while submerged. Mechanical arms jettisonable. 

SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: VICKERS VOYAGER & VICKERS VENTURER. 

OWNER: Vickers Oceanics, Barrow-in-Furness, England. 

BUILDER: International Hydrodynamics Ltd., Vancouver, B.C. 


REMARKS: Operational. The basic details, e.g., length, beam, height, etc., are taken from a recent brochure from the current owner; the remaining 
data was obtained primarily from the builder and may be incorrect as the vehicle now stands. 


183 


RADIO ANTENNA 


STABLIZING FIN 
UNDERWATER 
TELEPHONE 


TRIM SPHERE 


MACHINERY BALLAST TANK 


SPHERE 
OXYGEN 
BOTTLE 


VHF RADIO 


BATTERIES 


PROPULSION 


MOTOR 
\a a\ 
(wor V7 spnipuraron 
SY as 
HANDLING SKID a —— ECHO SOUNDER 
VIEW PORT 


SONAR CONTROL CONSOLE 
= 


AIR PURIFICATION UNIT 


184 


PISCES Il & III 


LENGTH: ...-.--eeeees care e eee se see see rere rcs 20 ft 
HSA Son couDoUCUoDODOODO OC DUCOOUCODTOOCODtOG 10 ft 
TEKH Soooodd BeIScciceOmiCmce Cc ice icici icine 10 ft 
DRAFT: wc cece ence cence cence ccc e set ccssesces 7.5 ft 
WEIGHT (DRY): we teeee e+ 12.5 tons 
QMHERVATMNG DEP uink PUUE oh cocodocsgoandoocddad 2,600 ft 
HINES sooasgoccncaoesd0dds 3,600 ft 

COREARS Ea DE Palit iitetetatetaict=tetorsiotetotatefel-re)elotsfale tel 5,000 ft 
YNUCl IYAIHES TFITE cococobnocomdcngonconddUdGS 1968 
FAM Sivepstatecapatels efexeretsintetataleyalsreelatatsts 1969 


IRVAIREL A) OVA MIEIKESIRR: aon boocancdedsonnocuosobuN 19.5 in. 
LIFE SUAFORIPUMVACE ssooomceanosdgsoo coe 100 man-hr 
THON LIFOUMEIRIE sonccoosospognenosre eas aegaoo 40 kWh 
SEEEDMICNO MS) CRUISE miatatelststetelefetelalar=ielstel =) ie) cneietets NA 
WARS soaa cocunuconaneoaescodoHoods a 

CIRMEINES IPULOUS ssaccsonopcontood0csoo gob acooedbos 1 
OBSER MER Satetetetetstelat tele iet-tet=tet=t-t-ta\alat- t-te tele teats 2 
PENALOYNDR proaadesnenoddooondonogacauscdDONS 2,000 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape, two hemispheres of A242 welded steel segments 1.1 in. thick; 6-ft 8-in. OD. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UOC, depth gage, echo sounder, directional gyro, transponder, TV, scanning sonar/interrogater, VHF 


radio. 


MANIPULATORS: Two; one is for grasping (three degrees of freedom) and one for working (six degrees of freedom). Both can be adapted to carry 
drills, impact wrenches, grinders, mud pumps and cable cutters which can be changed underwater. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: Both are supported by the M/V VICKERS VOYAGER (4,500-ton displacement) or the VICKERS VENTURER (640-ton 


displacement). The former is an ex-fish factory ship; the latter an ex-stern trawler. 


OWNER: Vickers Oceanics Ltd., Barrow-in-Furness, England. 
BUILDER: International Hydrodynamics Ltd., Vancouver, B.C. 


REMARKS: The features given above are from the present owner, features not described parallel those of PISCES | when both PII & Pill were first 
constructed, Considerable modifications have taken place since the present owner acquired these vehicles. 


185 


186 


PISCES IV & V 


UAC: poscooooodd Seateletsiatstaliatalallsielaletel'el<ielts|iaitstal leis 20 ft 
HSA GoboocgnddncocoonaoD misksveleistarele(siafetelohelclevate 10 ft 
FREG TA secketeatuvalateistallsifessievs/alafei=\atensleteieiele\eleisieratars ie ies 12 ft 
ERVAIRiirexreletere mintelniisvelsfatsielsieiieie mialepselevuiisl sale issn atern 8.75 ft 
WETEIRITT (OEE. scosooncenddovcoéeuudooccudadod 10 tons 
QPESRVATINKSIDE AWS sosapoccacsococonouDCOUOE 6,500 ft 
COLINAS IEPUIRS oaocoansodooc pound andonoMmS 9,750 ft 
LAUNCH DATE: ........- mpotiets| aletuveleleiaixtetelstelal's 1971, 1973 


BATCHED IAM Ent Fp-taterdisfatctateialetelcveretetetetetsrctevelerstete 19.5 in. 
IPE SURROERT (QUAY QS cuscaoaecnossccoooKdacd 76 man-hr 
MOMALSPOWE Riera stetevercraravelaveusiorene ereta a) otatel evecare 70 kWh 
SPSS kNensys CHUNISE senoospospancseudeadas 2/6 hr 
WARS iG chock ocogeducgneooUDID OOS 4/3 hr 

GREW-IBNE OMS warateiaichetatedolereie eter cneliet ence te ycieiecorsnevevsiara ileiave 1 
OESSEMWERS scoccosotsovcotpooootousnedeoda 2 

PAN IEOA Drtareccernorernertercnstcieneiotoelensvarets 1,500 Ib (Incl. crew) 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape of HY-100 steel hemispheres 1.1 in. thick, 6-ft 8-in. OD. 
VIEWING: On PISCES II, III, |1V and V there are three viewports one looking directly forward, and two looking slightly port and starboard of the 
centerline a few degrees below the horizontal. All are 6-in. 1D, 14-in. OD and 3.5 in. thick. 


OWNER: PISCES IV: Canadian Department of Environment, Victoria, B.C. 


PISCES V: P & O Intersubs, Vancouver, B.C. 
BUILDER: International Hydrodynamics Ltd., Vancouver, B.C. 


REMARKS: Operational. PISCES IV, V fall under the same constraints as the descriptions for PISCES I & III. 


187 


188 


PS-2 


EENGiititietetetert= 7 VAT) PIVAWIETERE = onconooapoooctosgsonooboosns NA 
BEAM: ..cc ccc ccs ceneees LIFE SWAHOEATS concccosaocnoococecupododod 72 man-hr 
EMER odode TOTAL IHONMERE sooacs don nconc0d0Gcod Doo OgdoS 17 kWh 
DRVNFUE cococcnocconMapsoanocUuDDDODUDoOOEDdOOUUS SPEEDIIKGNOMS) CRUISE mre ateict=tal-leletalsteretiaieteiteveke NA 
WEIGHT (DRY): WW Gorsatsocacsaosaesccsasccos NA 
OPERATING DEPTH: CREW SPIE Ons moervaleystetetelatstsketoiaiofeheionaValctsisieteke tol ohatol-rs terete 1 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: = CESSRMERS sooscocng0dccnsuncDscoDconNOOnC 1 
EAUNCHI DATE: er. ses PAY MOA D cmacteteterelcieletelalatelolsietelsfenctetetetet=feyen=t-rat=)- tar 1,000 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape of ASTM A-516 grade 70 steel, 42-in. diam. and a 28-in. diam. conning tower. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Buoyancy is obtained through a soft tank which is pumped full to provide positive buoyancy or emptied to obtain 
negative buoyancy. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion is from a stern-mounted propeller driven by a variable-speed, reversible, DC, 7.5-hp, electric motor. 
Low speed maneuvering is provided by a thruster which can be mounted vertical or horizontal. Bow planes and a rudder are hydraulically controlled 
to provide underway attitude control. 

TRIM: No systems provided. 

POWER SOURCE: Two pressure-resistant battery pods carry lead-acid batteries providing 120-V main power and 24-V auxiliary power. 

LIFE SUPPORT: NA. 

VIEWING: Six, 6-in. diam. viewports in conning tower and one 6-in. diam. in hatch. One 116° hemispherical bow window similar to PC-8 provides 
wide angle viewing forward. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UOC, (27-kHz), directional gyro, CB radio, scanning sonar, pinger, transponder, surface light. 
MANIPULATORS: One with four degrees of freedom. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Ballast can be blown at maximum dive depth. Droppable weight of 200 Ib, scuba apparatus for each passenger. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Sub Sea Oil Services, S.P.A., 45 Via San Vittore, 20123 Milano, Italy. 

BUILDER: Perry Submarine Builders, Inc., Riviera Beach, Fla. 

REMARKS: Operational. Also known as TUDLIK when operated by Access of Toronto, Canada, 


189 


HATCH 


FIBERGLASS 
FAIRING HYDRAULICS 


MOTOR 


UPPER BATTERY BOX 
é CONNECTING TUNNEL 


COMPRESSED 
AIR 


FORWARD 
SPHERE 


VARIABLE 
BALLAST 


SECURING 
STRAPS 


LOCKOUT HATCHES 
(INSIDE & OUTSIDE) 
LOWER DIVER LOCKOUT 


BATTERIES SPHERE 


IVER’ 
vera (MOVEABLE) 


GAS 


190 


SDL-1 


(LENCE scodecaca Efeteforteteierckerercreceveveveicleterersiehersiela/a 25 ft HAT CHIDIAMEME Ret aictsicvci cic ote eraieexcis.0r8) ene fore sphere 25 in. 
BEAM = Sissies cere ondoo dGoceunooo UO OO Ud mOOUOOUG 10 ft aft sphere 22 in. 
FMEA Eli hememeteteterete) cfeterahet=fahetedsheletataretaisie oleletsis/epetslels\siehe 8 ft tunnel 22 in. 
DISVNFUS Sood 5050 s0noanso nS SbocdooboOUMOBDOoOOUOD NA PIRES UPPOR Dn MADS) -itetaielsistatetslatels)srateli= tales ate 204 man-hr 


WEIGHT (DRY): . 14.25 tons TROT NEIAONMIEIRG sacsoopososdobcogsonsegsocose 68 kWh 


OPERATING DEPT 2,000 ft SHEED (UCNOTS AGREES oascscossnon0dngn5Ga5c 1/8 hr 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: ...ccc ee scceseccerercccece 4,000 ft MAX ior akeratiolelinle¥s alate nile ls) sfetaleveieberaet= 2/4 hr 
EAUNCHI DATED 2 ccc cc ccc cca anes ete ane sicecies 1970 CREW SPT OMS ere ietetaleta tole tote ifedelie fal =] <U-hn)'=ielin/=hey=\=2=V1 =ifa\/atin) alt= 1 
OBSERVERS merarerereiee-tateie terol satel hele) feneiaiaketelotataleieks 5 

PHEW LOVADIE oo sag conn d obs dns ose Sot ooSdeoues6 1,300 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Two spheres joined by a cylindrical tunnel. All hull components are of HY-100 steel. Forward hull is 7-ft OD and 0.481 in. 
thick with an overhead access hatch, Aft hull is 5.5-ft OD; 0.387 in. thick with a bottom diver lock-out hatch. Connecting tunnel is 25-in. 1D; 71 in. 
long and 0.75 in. thick (Identical to BEAVER hulls.) 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast tanks forward and aft which can be blown at 2,000 ft to supply 7,000-Ib lift. Two variable ballast spheres 
(tanks) hold approximately 780 |b of seawater and dre filled and emptied by a pump. In the event of pump failure the VBT’s can be blown dry. Two 
lead blocks each weighing 350 Ib can be dropped in the event of an emergency. Syntactic foam provides additional positive buoyancy. A 
hand-operated bilge pump is in the diver’s compartment. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two, 5-hp port/starboard side-mounted, reversible, variable-speed thrusters provide lateral maneuvering. Thrusters are 
fixed in a horizontal position, but may be operated independently to provide maneuvering about the vertical. 


TRIM: Bow angles of +30° can be obtained by moving one of the battery packs and droppable lead weights fore or aft. Movement is accomplished 
by a hydraulic pump. 

POWER SOURCE: Externally-mounted, pressure-compensated, lead-acid batteries supply 60, 120, 12, and 28 V from three separate banks totaling 
495 amp-hr. Emergency power is from two 15-V nickel-cadmium batteries. 


LIFE SUPPORT: 03 is carried externally in a 750-SCF, 3,000-psi tank and internally in two 60-SCF tanks. Each sphere contains a CO? scrubber. 
Oy is controlled automatically and partial pressure is constantly monitored in both spheres. CO 2 is monitored with a Drager system in the forward 
sphere, as is temperature and pressure. 


VIEWING: Ten acrylic plastic viewports (identical to BEAVER). 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, scanning sonar, up/down sounders, aircraft gyrocompass, two depth gages. 
MANIPULATORS: Two; one is articulated, the other is for grasping. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Hydraulically jettisonable weights, motors and manipulators. Pinger, flashing surface light. Emergency breathing masks, fire 
extinguishers, VHF radio transceiver, pinger. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Canadian Forces, Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

BUILDER: International Hydrodynamics Ltd., Vancouver, B.C. 

REMARKS: Operational. The pressure hulls of this vehicle were originally intended for a second BEAVER, but these plans never materialized. 


191 


SIDE PROP (2 PORT & STBD.) 
MAIN BALLAST TANK (PORT & STBD.) 


CTFM 
PROPELLER VB BAGS SCANNING 
STEERING (2 INSIDE BALLAST TANK) SONAR 
LIGHT 
Tv 
AUX. MOTOR 
MAIN 
PAN & TILT 
AIRBOTTLES 
(3000 PSI) 


MANIPULATOR 
SPHERE (2 PORT & STBD.) 


RELEASE FWD HYD. TRIM TANK 
WEIGHT DROP (2 PORT & STBD.) 


AFTER HY. TRIM TANK 
(2 PORT & STBD.) 


MAIN BATTERY 
ELECTRICAL (2 PORT & STBD.) 


DISTRIBUTION 
CENTERS HYDRAULIC (CENTER LINE) 
(2 PORT & STBD.) CANNISTER VB (STBD.) 


192 


SEA CLIFF & TURTLE 


nV) (IVAN s660sno0nnsomscasonoopobes 


LENGTH: 

BEAM: LFS SUA UV NE oaocacocemoopcanconoUr 
HEIGHT: TROnVNCTHOMMEIIS Geoookon eke doboncnopposdospend 
DRAFT: SPEED (KNOTS): CRUISE 

VUSUGTRIE WSIEINQIS  Gocdcoore coco 0 bcm Comet ro oc 24 tons MAX 

GRERATINGIDEPTE cence crerecyers ole eee ee ocvene « 6,500 ft (OL MIEMURIFIILOR IST so aomoo 

COPIBAIPS Es DERI) oc rrenelle elle) oe el olloi= «tniet stain osfoltel «saie)™ 9,750 ft OBSERVERS sie esr 

LY N(UINKEIR MEY SS Sooeecononboso roo mny oo Od orm eas 1968 [PAWALCVND apoachonoeconepocanoonU Oooo eu OuaTODS 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape of 1.33-in.-thick, quenched and tempered HY-100 steel. Sphere is 7-ft OD of two welded hemispheres which 
thicken to 3.5 in. at viewports. Entire sphere stress-relieved. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: The submersibles descend by flooding the two main ballast tanks and partially emptying the two variable ballast oil-filled 
bladders into the four variable ballast tanks. This variable ballast system is the primary ballast control for diving and surfacing. The variable ballast 
system can attain a buoyancy differential of 880 Ib. The two main ballast tanks are used primarily to gain freeboard while on the surface. 
PROPULSION/CONTROL: A single stern shroud and propeller and two side propulsion units are the principal propulsion systems. The stern 
propeller is powered by a variable-speed, hydraulic motor and can be trained through 45° deft and right. The side pod propulsion units are powered 
by reversible, variable-speed, DC electric motors and can be trained together through 360° by an electric motor. The three motors and reduction 
gears are encased in a pressure-compensating Oil environment and can be operated in three modes: stern propeller alone, side pods alone, side pods & 
stern propeller together. 

TRIM: Up/down bow angles of +25° are obtainable by transferring 540 Ib mercury/oil fore or aft to three (two forward & one aft) small fiberglass 
spheres. 

POWER SOURCE: Electrical power is supplied by two 60-V and two 30-V, pressure-compensated, lead-acid batteries. The 60-V batteries have a 
total capacity of 500 amp-hr at a 6-hr discharge rate; energy stored totals 30 kWh. The 30-V batteries also have a total capacity of 500 amp-hr ata 
6-hr discharge rate; energy stored totals 15 kWh. Power is available as: 120 VAC, 60 Hz, single phase; 120 VAC, 400 Hz, single phase; 60 VDC; 30 
VDC; 24 VAC, 40 Hz, three phase (fed directly to gyrocompass). Two 30-V, silver-zinc safety batteries located within the personnel sphere have a 
total capacity of 12 amp-hr ata 1-hr discharge rate. 

LIFE SUPPORT: 02 is carried in a 0.6-ft? tank at 3,000 psi. LiOH is used to remove CO2 by air blown through cannisters at 7 SCFM. 

VIEWING: There are five viewports, four in the sphere and one in the hatch. The four main viewports are oriented one dead ahead, two (one each 
side) on the port and starboard quadrant at an approximate 40° declination and one on centerline looking downward at approximately 80° from the 
horizontal. The main ports are 3.5 in. thick with an ID of 5 in. and an OD of 12 in. The fifth smaller port is located in the center of the hatch and is 
used for obstacle avoidance and ambient light observations, it is 2 in. thick, has an 1D of 2-1/8 in., and an OD of 6 in., anda 45° angle of view. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC (8.087-kHz) Two closed-circuit TV cameras (one mounted on pan & tilt mechanism the other on 
starboard manipulator), gyrocompass, depth indicator, altimeter, speedometer, odometer, CTFM sonar, electromagnetic log, inclinometer, echo 
sounder. 

MANIPULATORS: Each submersible is equipped with two identical manipulators. Each manipulator can be equipped with tools to perform varied 
tasks such as drilling, cable cutting, and grasping of objects. These tools are stored in racks on the submersible and can be interchanged during a 
mission. Each manipulator is capable of seven degrees of freedom. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Emergency breathing apparatus (3 man-hr). Manipulators jettisonable. The three banks of batteries weighing 3,400 Ib can be 
dumped. Ultimately, the personnel sphere and buoyancy ring can be separated from the rest of the vehicle from within the sphere; its 1,800 Ib of 
positive buoyancy will float the sphere to the surface. Emergency power in pressure hull. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Air (C5A), ship and truck/trailer transportable. Presently launched/retrieved at sea aboard a leased offshore work boat of 
164-ft length, 198.4 tons and equipped with a 100-ton-capacity non-articulated crane. 

OWNER: U.S. Navy, Submarine Development Group-One, San Diego, Calif. 

BUILDER: General Dynamics Corp., Groton, Conn. 

REMARKS: Both operational. These vehicles were originally designated AUTEC | & II. The Navy’s numbered designation is DSV-3 (TURTLE) and 
OSV-4 (SEA CLIFF). 


193 


LATERAL 


BALLAST TANKS 
THRUSTER Z 


MAIN 
PROPULSION 


VERTICAL 
THRUSTER 


IEW PORT 
SEES PRESSURE 


HULL BATTERY 


EMERGENCY 
WEIGHT 


194 


SEA OTTER 


(Y= Keniink socgacosvosnuuoGboDO dU coo Ooo oodOn do 13.5 ft IVI IOWANMISUISI ootdcbonassocodmoaeqgoncd0dn 19 in. 
BEAM: LIFE SURRORT (INVAYSS soovsdodcosncndohoond 192 man-hr 
ISN socoeneoagedoandapooeo boouoa0 too oGoURD 7.2 ft VOILE IFOWMSING Soboone coo gonsenedoaco onan 13.8 kWh 
DRVMRUE 50 Coon JOCUUO CO OUD OOD oeo. Up co0 C0 Da 5.5 ft SPEEDICNOS) ACh |S Eamerereiehietetetetet-ieiaaetan-hetentststen= 1/6,hr 
MWeorhrWeinhos nosoocoundogoobodeoobo sco cod 3.2 tons AAO are ratetestollereifenetisselaietagsiensisvaratallorene 3/1.5 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: ...........022+-2-++22- enue 1,500 ft CHEE IPILOUNS sacscoscdgoocadosaobdneduddaOODODDIO 1 
COMEAPSEIDIERMHE cieteternrete!=seieaielele) eis) eles! eee si == 3,650 ft ORDISAWSES sosogoccsoondnooongnoegeococnOD 2 
EAUNCH DATE: 22. ce ce ee eee e et ena 1971 IMAMILOVAN DS Soorngoosceocoupeconoescudocnnodoooo4 550 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Two 0.625-in.-thick, section welded, mild steel, hemispheric sections are welded to the ends of a 0.75-in.-thick, 57.0-in.-long, 
48.0-in.-wide, mild steel cylinder, with a 0.75-in.-thick, 19.0-in.-diam., hatch tower welded in with double plates to the pressure hull. 
BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Launched positively buoyant. Buoyancy is controlled by two 250-lb main buoyancy air/water ballast tanks and two 
62.5-lb forward trim air/water ballast tanks, The tanks are alternately flooded and vented for descent, ascent and trim as required. Venting air is 
supplied by a 500-ft3, 3,000-psi air flask. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: A 3-hp, DC motor drives a 9-in. by 15-in. propeller for main propulsion. Two %-hp, DC, horizontal thrusters located 
fore and aft provide steering along with a hydraulically controlled rudder (mounted on the main thruster) which serves as a trim tab for use in cross 
currents, A %-hp vertical thruster is mounted forward. All thruster and main propulsion motors are air compensated. A Kort nozzle surrounds the 
stern propeller. 

TRIM: Bow angle and fine trim are controlled by high pressure (3,000-psi) air and water in either the main or forward ballast tanks. 


POWER SOURCE: Twelve 2-V lead-acid batteries provide 13.8 kWh. They are located inside the pressure hull and are equipped with catalyzers to 
eliminate H2. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Three 40-ft3 tanks of medical grade 02 supply the life support system. Scrubbing of CO2 is accomplished by recirculating air 
through a 6.4-lb LiOH cannister. Three cannisters provide 192 man-hr of available life support on each dive. CO2 and O2 percentages along with 
atmospheric pressure are monitored. A backup emergency breathing system (air supply through mouthpieces), is also provided off the high pressure 
air. 

VIEWING: Four viewports are provided forward for the pilot and passengers, with two viewports along the side to accommodate reading 
externally-mounted instruments. Three viewports are located in the hatch tower, providing 270° of viewing and one viewport is located in the hatch, 
providing visibility toward the surface. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Two underwater telephone systems are provided (27-kHz primary, 42-kHz secondary). A directional 
gyrocompass and a narrow, horizontal bandwidth, 27-kHz receiving antenna are provided for navigation along with five air-compensated lights 
totaling 1.5 x 106 cp of illumination. Also provided are external depth and temperature gages, a pressure gage, a Hydro Products 400-exposure 
70-mm camera and strobe, 16-mm cine camera with a capacity of 400 ft of film and a video camera with both audio and video recording capabilities. 
A 23-channel CB radio is provided for surface communication and direction finder location. A 27-kHz pinger for location, tracking and 
diver/submersible rendezvous operations and a upward/downward-looking echo sounder. 

MANIPULATOR: The Beaver MK! Manipulator gives all the degrees of freedom of the human arm and hand plus 360° of rotation at the wrist and a 
wrist extension. Additional tools are available and can be provided on the manipulator for specific tasks. An ‘A’ frame which is hydraulically 
controlled is also provided and is utilized as an attachment point for core samples, cable cutters, collection basket and many other simple tasks and 
applications as required. 

SAFETY FEATURES: A 200-Ib, mechanically-releasable, emergency ascent weight. A releasable buoy and messenger line that can be released by the 
pilot through a thru-hull penetrator. A magnesium release pin is used to provide release if the pilot is incapacitated. The messenger line is used to 
send down a self-locking clamp and lift line. The submersible can be retrieved even if flooded. Eight hours of emergency breathing air is also 
provided. Xenon light, life vests, fire extinguisher, distress rockets, CB radio, emergency food rations. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Can be transported by aircraft, ship, truck, or trailer. Submersible is normally on a trailer and can be launched from small 
boat launching ramp. Can be towed at 4-5 knots. Tows completely submerged. 

OPERATORS: Arctic Marine, Ltd., North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. 

BUILDER: Anautics Inc., San Diego, California. 


REMARKS: Operational. This vehicle was originally PAULO |, it was purchased by Candive of Vancouver, B.C. and is now leased by the present 
Operator. 


195 


pS 


SS © 


Pane, 


PRESSURE 
HULL 


VIEW PORT MAIN 


PROPULSER 


VERTICAL 
THRUSTER 


BALLAST TANKS 


196 


SEA RANGER 


KEEN Gilets ore retretetaneheiuitetelte sfece jel eqaislisniciecs cc)» isha; eile nie tslain\ sane 17 ft VITA) (IVAMISINERIE soonquonocdndonodubooboesoS 20 in. 
BEAM ipererartenetareloiahekelalel ole) elivle(ellaisininl<Gs\elelielelekeleleiietetee isi = he 8 ft FE SUATORIN MARYS cb cacadcodcodeonesane 120 man-hr 
RISIKCRATS shococecon coor pOnb Ooo nob OD odonuod 7.75 ft TOTAL POWER: ....... Recon pddoodadeaon aan 43.5 kWh 
DDIAVNTIS. So oogopooo noob oooEE On OOOUUbOb UL Oo ddoUOOM NA SHZED (SIMONA RWIS soscnconconsgseanncocdu0s NA 
WHENGRAr MDRNOE coodosdsodogn oo cnodom soon oe tonS 8 tons WV o@ocgoot ca scadgccgenbogasose4d 4 
OPERATINGIDEPT cic. cece ce crete m we www woe wom 600 ft CHIEU FILS soovoodonncsasscnncopgspadnaodoenooK 1 
(Soll SEle=rinads soacessoqcuscpogc0gegdGouGodug0G NA GIEDSISAWAEERY soogcodoocdgebncpacsooDcsanDoDO 3 
LANUINTETRIBYMIFES: ogo doadooesoncdon EO OUsOGoc0o.0 O6 1972 PANAMOVND)A sonsocoucsacossegnosoboSagsoegas 1.25 tons 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape with hemispherical endcaps; composed of 0.5-in.-thick A-285-C steel, 16 ft long and 4-ft diam. Conning tower 
is 2.25 ft high, 21-in. diam. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: NA. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two stern-mounted (port-starboard) main propellers of 5.5 hp each. One stern-mounted 5.5-hp thruster provides 
movement in the vertical. A 10-hp electric motor in the pressure hull and hydraulic pump operate propellers and thruster. 

TRIM: NA. 

POWER SOURCE: Lead-acid batteries mounted externally in a pressure-resistant tank supply 240 V at 180 amp-hr. A cable can be fitted to the 
vehicle to supply surface-derived power if desired. 

LIFE SUPPORT: NA. 

VIEWING: Conning tower fitted with seven-7-in.-diam. plastic viewports, six circle the tower and one is in the hatch looking upward. Two 
12-in.-diam. viewports are located in the forward hemihead (port/starboard) for forward and downward viewing. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Electronic compass, depth gage. 

MANIPULATORS: Two manipulators. One is 6 ft long, has six degrees of freedom and can lift 200 Ib at full extension. The second is a telescoping 
type with a clamping device to stabilize the submersible when necessary. The telescoping device is pivoted at the center of the vehicle and can drop 
vertically to provide 2,600 Ib of lift. 

SAFETY FEATURES: High pressure air can be blown into submersible to prevent flooding; 400-Ib ballast is jettisonable; the entire undercarriage 
holding the propellers, manipulators, batteries and variable ballast tanks may be detached. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Verne Engineering, Mt. Clemens, Michigan. 

BUILDER: Same as above. 

REMARKS: Operating. 


ONG 


AFT BUOYANCY 
TANK MOTOR ROOM 


AFT TRIM 
CONTROL ROOM 
(PRESSURE HULL) 


TV CAMERA 


PHOTO 


vi EQUIPMENT 


MECHANICAL 
ARM 


EXTERNAL 
LIGHT FORWARD 


IM 
NEGATIVE ue 


TANK 


MAIN BALLAST TANKS 


198 


SEA-RAY (SRD — 101) 


=EKetlai Saoonoensocooouodou dou do Cold UCoUCmOOOD 20.5 ft VAIN A) IVNMISUIEE Gonondoodnnodcucnancednoos4e 23 in. 
HE/NMB ooncacgcoda cdc 20 COU O00 C0 O00 Ooo rp icra ton 5 ft EI RESSUPP OR Te UM ADC) i reretetelsiteis el=l-Uskei=t=!>ileliateiji="= 24 man-hr 
SVENKGIRINS:) coseancon- todo NOOO OOOO OOMGUU COMIC UC 5:5itt TORING THOME chndaanndcodooonasscodgncoumaT 15 kWh 
IDIRVNFIES soog pd dood sda toc don U CON SOO mOOOo A ooo de 3.25 ft SEEEDMICNOMS) aC RUIS Emr puctohlatelelcietelelsfelsler=uetatela) « 4/4 hr 
WEIGHT (DRY): ...- 4.5 tons WARS GaoDpe boop con Kaoo.csaon bd on 6/2 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: 1,000 ft COMES (AILOUS socodaocconenguenesopoooboscongNoooO SS 1 
COLLAPSE DEPTH 5,000 ft QPS RWSES sopcstosssosonsestonssense 1 


1968 YAN IUGY NDS as, oe bed od 0 oe chs o oin.s Scomeo 5.5 400 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape with hemispherical endcaps, 3-ft diam., 17 ft long, 0.5-in.-thick steel. An 18-in.-high, 2-ft diam. conning 
tower joins the hull. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast tanks for surface buoyancy. A separate tank which can be blown or pumped dry provides negative buoyancy 
to submerge. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: A reversible, 2-speed, stern-mounted propeller provides all propulsion and it is driven by a G.E., 5-hp, 900-rpm, 36-VDC 
motor. Rudder and dive planes are hydraulically-actuated. 

TRIM: Up/down bow angles can be obtained by transferring seawater between a fore and an aft tank. 

POWER SOURCE: Six, 12-V, 208-amp-hr, lead-acid batteries provide all power. The batteries are housed in a sealed compartment within the 
Pressure hull. 


LIFE SUPPORT: 0 tank carried within the hull. CO2 is removed by soda sorb. Monitors for O27, CO2 and a H2 detector. Silica gel carried to 
reduce humidity. 


VIEWING: Eight viewports 1.75 in. thick and 6-in. diam. Four are in the conning tower and four are in the bow. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, gyrocompass, two depth gages, still and cine cameras, TV. 

MANIPULATORS: One. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Hull may be pressurized with compressed air for underwater egress. External fitting for resupply of air underwater. 
Droppable keel. Negative tank can be blown or pumped dry at operating depth. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Submarine Research and Development Corp., Lynnwood, Washington. 

BUILDER: Mr. E. Crosby, Edmonds, Washington. 

REMARKS: Operating. 


199 


VERTICAL THRUSTER INTER 
LIFE SUPPORT GAS MEDICAL LOCK 


STORAGE SPHER 
VERTICAL ERE 


STABILIZERS 


BOW THRUSTER 
BOW PLANES 


MAIN MOTOR 
< TRIM TANK 


— HORIZONTAL 


DROPPABLE BOW THRUSTER 


BATTERY 
COMPARTMENT 


HORIZONTAL STABILIZER DIVER EGRESS HATCHES | 


HIGH PRESSURE 
AIR 


200 


SHELF DIVER (PLC4B) 


aNchtglh sodsnoannoosoeso CODCOD OOODUDdOUUGUOUUGG 23 ft VATE ROIVANMISIISIR ncosdpocconnoucoUndcUdododK 23 in. 
EVNME oc hooapongoeo oS ooo O oun BODO OOo IS 00000 G00 5.5 ft EIEESSUPPOR TCM AX) cirateleieteleleleleleleleletet-tet-le! le 172 man-hr 
IEKEISHTS oo asenonheascenoenss geass esouonecnoG56 9 ft MOMALFPOWE RR gesretetetaletaf ae feliselotetatol stelinlsyellali=ieini=)=1<i(= 37 kWh 
APN AS sod doa 0000.0 Opto Scho ero Oe EEO PCIe 6.7 ft SEEEDIIKNOMS) CRON Estate tele relele relate terelot=t-)-i-t=) i= t= 2/6 hr 
(MEK iG WDENS seboosndnososbaocopeesoonuoode 8.5 tons WPS Go cdcDooD OOUsaD DOU oO GOpGS 3/0.5 hr 
OPERATING DEPTS oe ccc eve cee ences were nis slew 800 ft CREAM NATEOUS) conccacs duocnoonooadooo cD CGCoddD IO. 1 
COEPEAPSEI DERMIS (ere eyecelereyensrelisiierellsiefsic elu mite) s\lella/ 4) « 1,200 ft OBSER MER Siilets ete tetetete totaled tel atettela telat -Rellet-lelle ial tats 3 
Ly NUN eI EY MAES soonnasogonscosusos aooeouonoog 1968 PAWALOV NDR. Sadognavocanoo one sWooO SUS OOOO eo ad 1,400 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Consists of two cylindrical compartments 0.5 in thick with 54-in. diam., hemispherical endcaps. The hulls are A.S.M.E. SA-212 
grade B firebox quality steel. The conning tower is made of the same steel but is 3/g in.thick increasing to 0.5 in. at the interception with the hull. 
The conning tower is 28-in. OD and 19 in. high. Hatches are’ made of cast Ailmag 35. Gas sphere 0.5-in. HY-100 and HY-80 steel. 
BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Two main ballast tanks, made of 11 gage mild steel, straddle the hull and provide 845 Ib of positive buoyancy. Two 
externally-mounted high pressure air bottles of 440 ft3 total capacity supply air at 2,250 psi to blow the main ballast tanks. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main horizontal propulsion is provided by a stern-mounted propeller driven by a 120-VDC, 1,150-rpm motor. Bow 
and stern thrusters are driven by a 2-hp, 120-VDC, 500-rpm motor. Bow dive planes assist in underway maneuvering. Additional assistance in 
steering is obtained from vertical and horizontal stern stabilizers. 

TRIM: Consists of one fiberglass tank forward divided into two sections of 380-Ib total capacity and a steel trim tank aft of 400-Ib total capacity. A 
Hypro pump (6 gpm at 500 psi) driven by an electric motor can pump water from one trim tank to another and/or to and from the sea. 

POWER SOURCE: Thirty-four V, lead-acid batteries of 95-amp-hr capacity each are located in an external battery pod. The batteries are at 
atmospheric pressure in the 0.5-in.-thick, 6.5-ft-long, 2.1-ft-diam., 1,200-lb pod. The pod is droppable in an emergency. 


LIFE SUPPORT: CO? is absorbed by two 12-Ib beds of Baralyme. Four externally-mounted bottles of O72 supply a total of 338 ft3 at 2,200 psi. 
Blowers circulate air in both compartments. Diver’s gas mixture is supplied from a steel sphere of 33.5-ft3 capacity at 2,000 psi. Emergency 
breathing from regulators in the vehicle is supplied from the high pressure air bottles used to blow the main ballast tanks. 

VIEWING: Twenty-three viewports total, 15 double-acting in main hull, 8 single-acting in conning tower. Thickness of ports is 1.5 in., 1D is 6 in., 
OD is 8 in. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, Magnesyn compass, depth gages, echo sounder, radio, scanning sonar. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: The following systems can be blow free of water or jettisoned: ballast tank 845 Ib, trim tanks 780 Ib, battery pod (weight in 
water) 1,200 Ib. Emergency batteries in hull. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: The vehicle can be carried on a truck, ship or an aircraft. It can be towed to the dive site or carried aboard its 85-ft support 
boat. 


OWNER: Operated by Inter-Sub, Marseilles, France. 
BUILDER: Perry Submarine Builders, Riviera Beach, Florida. 
REMARKS: Operational. Originally designated PLC4B. 


201 


WIRELESS 


ANTENNA 
NAVIGATION LAMP 


TRANSPONDER 
AUXILIARY TANK SONAR 


VERTICAL STABILIZER 


EMERGENCY 
UNDER-WATER 
MAIN TELEPHONE 


PROPELLER 


MANIPULATOR 


————————— 


VIEW PORT 


HYDRAULIC PUMP 


INVERTER EMERGENCY AIR FLASK 


202 


SHINKAI 


HATGCHIDVAMEDMER i ssreicccte cierois’sicieretossis (Escape) 1/600 mm 
BEN Gili cieerencnciatetctonctetetenat sl atotaleta!cl'etatelsdant == iq) =\'m\=)-ss0Vais 15.3 m (Access) 4/500 mm 
BREA Mirae ganataterotteturon- tetera eterayetel a) atfereyal oite(elslelieojeler= euallote 5.5m CIR ESUPPOR Ta (MAX)i2)-, te iene ee eurcieente 192 man-hr 
ELEN Gia tpmercterataieralcreersienteieteictiotakcteielelsi-t=leteletatelenel=ieivelete 5.0 m MOMALS ROWER sicrre; craton 2) cra) o) sues sits dovenei ey yale 200 kWh 
IRV NTS. o 35 oC OOOO 00 ROSH CSCS OC COI oC OHnOIIO 4.0m SHEED) (KNCHAS CUE Soocacosécasesasaoue 1.5/10 hr 
(WiSiGinhr (DROS ssésécecdncnso ss 0Coemeo cc aon 100 tons WARS cane goeadas goscoeoopoes oo 3.5/3 hr 
OPERATING DER TES ete eietcicleretatescleicteietetere(=\107s) == s/s 600 m (CRE IHIMon Re? Shoc.dcmmoonged coduaomebooos eared 2 
COPEAPSEI DERM ereccyere statede «relleielelecelele.e «ieiei=!=\ei= 1,500 m GOJISSAWISAS occocdssasesobecoonesacscsoccdes 2 
EAUINGHID AM bcreleraier sy enersienet eter tel cletata = telalels! eles.» i0ls/ oie 1968 PEN AHOVNDYR Gc oguacouanngodceeooadoNHesoucaoGe 3,300 kg 


PRESSURE HULL: Two spheres connected by a 1.45-m-diam. cylinder. Spheres are 4-m diam.; 36-mm-thick steel of 60-kg/mm2 tensile strength. A 
spheroid espace hull of 1.7-m diam. is attached to an access trunk in the forward sphere. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Two tanks (300 kg each capacity) are flooded by ambient seawater and blown by compressed air. One tank is used to gain 
fine buoyancy control; the other provides surface freeboard. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: A stern-mounted, reversible propeller driven by a 11-kW motor with range of 680 to 3,200 rpm provides main 
horizontal propulsion. Two port/starboard, reversible, side motors are each driven by a 2.2 KW motor and can be rotated 360° in the vertical. A large 
rudder and stabilizer fins assist underway stability. 

TRIM: Provided by two tanks, one forward and one aft in the pressure hull, each having a capacity of 1,200 |. By pumping water fore or aft an 
up/down angle of 5° on the bow may be obtained. 

POWER SOURCE: Fifty lead-acid, externally-mounted, pressure-compensated, storage batteries of 100-V and 2,000-amp-hr capacity provide all 
power. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Interior is air conditioned to maintain 22°C temperature. 

VIEWING: Five viewports: three in forward sphere of 120-mm |D and one on each side of sphere of 50-mm |D; all have a viewing angle of 90°. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, radio, gyrocompass, speedometer, depth gage, echo sounder, obstacle avoidance sonar, 
transponder, TV, stereo-camera, water sampler, bottom sampler, salinometer, water temperature sensor, seismic profiling system, light measurer, 
current meter, magnetometer, gravimeter, heat flow measurer, depth/sound speed meter, radiometer. 

MANIPULATORS: One. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Releasable escape sphere, manipulator jettisonable, releasable lead ballast (2,100 Ib), automatic blow of ballast tanks below 
Operating depth, life vests, fire extinguishers, surface lights, emergency air. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Towed to dive site by surface ship. 

OWNER: Maritime Safety Agency, Japan. 

BUILDER: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Kobe, Japan. 

REMARKS: Operational. 


203 


MAIN FLOOD 
LIGHT 


OPERATING 
BALLAST 


STROBE 
LIGHTS 


SURFACE 
OPERATION PRESSURE 
BALLAST HULL 


PIVOTABLE 
MOTOR 


MANIPULATOR 


DROPPABLE 
CLOSE-UP WEIGHT DROPPABLE 


STROBE BATTERIES 


204 


SNOOPER 


(USINISUIAB soecoecn ooo Soe sesonobdene coded pon 14.5 ft BATCHED VAMES EG Rirmcyetererteterteneteieteleientetereloialaieestete 24 in. 
SAME cop hon dooenousoudaguagDdnooD poo oun OOOUG 4.1 ft (LURES SURFORT (MAE oognodgesopndsoodcooon. 24 man-hr 
RIENEIRNES coocaconncoognont acon bo nOtoou pod ao comO 7 ft VOUNE OMMERE combacccaoconooneooee aoe donac 9.7 kWh 
DRVNFITS cosos bao DUoU DOU eo UD eo ooo CO OmUnn CaO UO oe. Soft GHA (SNOT) CRUISE aobntocoonaecdoongnscn 1/6 hr 
CUENGIRTE I DIRSMS soodoncooonnod dp odnoddnsonaS 2.25 tons NWS Gennoootonoo book ood ood aod 3/4 hr 
OPERVATUNKS DSP ins nodooo.ogcoeon den aod top ooo 1,000 ft CREWHIPIEOUS coscoododdoconsoooMoumooooucunDoS OA 1 
QOL L/ARASEIDIEPUIne scosacsesasuo6n4dgbaoqeasecn 2,100 ft QIZSSRIWMEAS ssecnconsonooddoceoaasuesn65n38 1 
LANUINIEIR BYATIES SacconoesoéuenosodondsadoognDodo 1969 RAMEOAD i eernnmrrcer rrr tcior tal aren vec r-weke scoters tepee ear 200 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape with hemispherical endcaps. Composed of mild steel (A-212) 0.5 in. thick and 36-in. OD on body and 24-in. 
OD on conning tower. Cylinder is approximately 8.3 ft long, conning tower is approximately 2.2 ft high. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: At launch vehicle is positively buoyant and made negative by flooding a small volume tank located on conning tower 
fairing. A 12-ft3 capacity tank provides additional freeboard when on the surface. Both tanks are free flooding and open to the sea at their lowest 


point at all times. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: One stern-mounted, reversible propeller driven by a 2-hp electric motor and capable of rotating 220° in the horizontal 
Provides forward, reverse and lateral movement. 

TRIM: No system included. 

POWER SOURCE: Four 205-amp, 6-V, lead-acid, pressure-compensated batteries Mounted under the pressure hull provide main propulsion power. 
All other power is supplied by two 100-amp, 24-V, nickel-cadmium batteries carried within the pressure sphere. 

LIFE SUPPORT: 0, is carried within the pressure hull and CO, is removed by blowing cabin air through a Baralyme cannister. 

VIEWING: Ten acrylic plastic viewports all 2.5 in. thick. Two viewports are 12-in. OD, five are 10.5-in. 1D and three are 8-in. ID. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC (8.072-kHz) range 6,000 yd. Two externally-mounted strobe lights for photography in addition to 
12 flood lights of 250-W capacity each contained within four (three bulbs/dome) pressure-resistant pyrex domes. Vehicle was designed primarily for 
Photography. 

MANIPULATORS: One mounted forward of pressure sphere capable of two degrees of freedom and 8-Ib lift. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Hand-operated, hydraulically-releasable 140-Ib weight. Mechanically-droppable battery pod (400 Ib). Pressure hull is 
floodable to allow egress in the event of emergency. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Soo. 

OWNER: Sea Graphics Inc., Torrance, California. 

BUILDER: Sea Graphics Inc., Torrance, California. 

REMARKS: Operational. 


205 


a RF ANTENNA 


ENTRANCE 


LIFTING EY 
GEYE PRESSURE HULL 


PLASTIC SHROUD 


MERCURY TRIM 


BATTERIES Be ee 


PRESSURE HULL GYROSCOPE 
> ~ Hy 
ae LIGHTS 

RUBBER CAMERA 
BUMPER« & OT’s AND 

PILOT'S AN 

INTERNAL WATER ; 
OBSERVER'S 7*~MECHANICAL ARM 


BALLAST 


WATER PUMP 
FOR HYDROJETS 
(NOT SHOWN) 


MERCURY TRIM 
BALLAST 


BALLAST TELEPHONE SONAR 


206 


SP—350 


BEN Gaited sirens vate teteltsKeleielat- felt fetelelelielisiteivlelet-)-(ei=\a/a/eio is) aleiale 9 ft HATCH) DIAMETERS creice cle elec wie © vleiels === =n)=i = 15.75 in. 
[VA ss 6 Ga ciqeco OO OO OUT HO a6 OG ELS CO IOOChonD Cid ORC O oiErOIs 9 ft LIFE SUPPORT (MAX)2 200 cece ees ee cee = 96 man-hr 
RES GEAiis eter a teraite nee totele reels) el elloie).elolei~i=leonsiieheidieleie! eis este’ se 5 ft MOMMA POWER iieteteleletefeleiot=)q)=fq)lafalal<)=(alelelielalisieln}s|ele 13 kWh 
IDIRVNFIE aoocoods conc0 DOCU DOOCO OU OOO OIDsO coco 5 ft SPEEDN(IKNOMS) = CRUISE cia reiele erelalelelalai=t=1*)=1=1-1-)= 0.6/4 hr 
WlelKetahr Walshe) osoccoonumou ocd 0d Ulmoueoomicdd 4.2 tons MAX 2c ccc cc cicie ce cee cieaies wens 1.0/2 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH .......--- eee eee e cece enee 1,350 ft CREW: PIE OTS) once oie i0 0m 0 0)e 10's) el are) s)eje)eisiele| wie Ce) =iels =\eisJeis 1 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: ......2--- ee ee eee eee recece 3,300 ft OBSERVERS i reratetetapeletate ofeleletelefallel =lelelfel sii-i>E=tnilteatn= 1 
TEAWINGHIDAMIES Save eiers on 0 ele eiwie =n inieis.e sie siese ws siaioce 1959 BAWIEOAD aio eratel «fete =felarel=\e/ajialelal =e) elviiniis!=/alw lake) l= itso 300 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Two, 0.75-in.-thick, forged, mild steel ellipsoids are welded together to form a 6.5-ft major diam., 4.9-ft minor diam. pressure 
hull. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Launched negatively buoyant. Two 55-lb cast iron weights provide negative buoyancy at launch. When nearing the 
bottom one weight is mechanically dropped and the vehicle is near neutral buoyancy. Fine buoyancy control is obtained by flooding/pumping 
seawater in or out of a 12-gal tank. To ascend,the second 55-Ib weight is dropped. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: A 2-hp, DC motor drives ambient seawater through a hard plastic, 2-in.-diameter tube configured to terminate on port 
and starboard sides at jet nozzles. Jets can be made to rotate 270° from straight forward (pointing aft) to the vertical. Water flow may be diverted 
from one jet to another. Motor speeds are % or full. 

TRIM: Bow angles of +30°from the horizontal are obtained by hydraulically pumping 275 Ib of mercury from one to another of two cylinders 
located fore and aft of the vehicle. The forward cylinder is above the vehicle’s centerline and the aft one below, 

POWER SOURCE: Six 120-V, lead-acid batteries supply 105 amp-hr of power for propulsion and lighting. Batteries are located external to the 
Pressure hull and are pressure-compensated. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Two 20-ft3 capacity tanks in the pressure hull holds sufficient O2 for 96 man-hr. Six perforated trays hold a total of 16 Ib 
Baralyme to absorb CO}. Air is circulated by a fan to facilitate CO2 removal and is monitored periodically as is atmospheric pressure. 

VIEWING: Two, acrylic plastic viewports 120° apart looking forward and slightly below the horizontal for pilot/passenger. These two ports are 3.5 
in. thick, 4,7-in. 1D, 6.55-in. OD and provide overlapping coverage at 80° each. Between the two large ports is a 1.65-in.-diam. camera port. Three 
wide-angle optical windows look upwards and provide 170° field of view. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC (42-kHz), gyrocompass, depth gage, up/down echo sounder, 35-mm external camera. Hydraulic 
boom (5 ft extension) holds a 2,500-W light source for internal 16-mm cine camera. 

MANIPULATORS: One mounted port side forward, hydraulically driven, with two degrees of freedom (shoulder/hand). Basically this is a pivoted 
arm (rotating in one plane) which folds under the brow when not in use and is extended downward in the vertical to grasp. The vehicle itself can be 
maneuvered to attain somewhat greater arm versatility. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Inflatable conning tower around hatch for emergency surface exit. 400-Ib mechanically releasable weight. Trim mercury 
(275 Ib) jettisonable. Scuba tanks inside hull for emergency breathing. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 
OWNER: Campagnes Oceanographique Francaises, Monaco. 
BUILDER: Office Francais de Recherches Sous-Marine, Marseilles, France. 


REMARKS: Operational. Redesignated SP-350 in 1970 following repressurization of all components to assure greater operational depth capability. 
Also known as DIVING SAUCER, DENICE, DS-2, SP-300 and LA SOUCOUPE PLONGEANTE. 


207 


CT IE coor ay, -<iiparte ath wees a 
 aemame sane oe i. : 


he 


RADIO 


PRESSURE ANTENNAE 
HULL 
STARBOARD LIFT 170° OPTIC 
WATERJET PADEYE DOME 


VIEWPORT 


MAIN BALLAST TANK 
(EXTERNAL) 


FIBERGLASS 
FAIRING 


RUBBER BUMPER 


BATTERIES BATTERIES 
Bites (EXTERNAL) (EXTERNAL) <> 
BROW PROPULSION 


VIEWPORT MOTOR 


DESCENT 


MANIPULATOR WEIGHT 


ASCENT 
WEIGHT 


208 


SP—500 


LIEICARIS Sooondcdoooconstoaccag oe men poN aon s 2.9m VATION MIEUEIRE omcénn Gomacuboudos aUmmeinoc.e 0.4m 
HIEVNMIS ocsoscondGousondnnsetcoedenonenaeaodmas 1.93 m LURE SWUFRORMI (IMMA sce beoeohtoconeonenoue 12 man-hr 
RIBNGIRATS os coochosoocgeeAooono sno oOsmoODOne OD 1.35 m I OMPAUSI ROWE IRIE ercaenerevssenaiterve ie foie coertesiaysi-ercioge lech avale sels 6.8 kWh 
DVNFTS coctooo sb noo Deo Ado ooh noo dp ooReUeOoOOue NA SPEED UIsINCUNs GRUNGE socctoocosenccearaan 6 0.8/2 hr 
WME MENA) osd5o066005 a0 0n000ondDG Ou OOdO 2,400 kg NAR io co-opococcdooaoso nb O00s 1.1/1.5 hr 
(COPERVATINIG IDIEIFARIS oodososcsoonosdooneoponedd 500 m CREW: APINMEOMS Ser, torcccietcr sce cucvs ie cerehacereteusvarcvesepenemn levees per geet 1 
GOWLNASE DEP socotaconasnsabdgbedscduCdS 3,000 m OBSERMERS marerstsrchemieletsiicisi-teloietersststene tener ie ie) 
LAWNS IDAVINES ooasonsoocgoncmoonoonoaodonocod 1969 IYAWALOVNDS “on docebosondmnoDodoD sodas oonneou Gos 45 kg 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape steel with two hemispherical endcaps; |D of 1.03 m; length of 2.0 m. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Launched negatively buoyant, 40-kg descent weight; 20-kg ascent weight. There are twenty-one 1-kg lead weights which 
may be dropped individually and 20 kg of water ballast for fine buoyancy control. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Water jets with reversible-directional nozzles and a 2-hp electric motor which drives water through a ‘’Y”’ shaped valve 
for yaw control. Jets rotate 270° in the vertical. 

TRIM: Up/down bow angles of +30° can be attained by transporting 70 kg of mercury fore or aft. 

POWER SOURCE: Pressure-compensated, lead-acid batteries of 125 V at 55 amp-hr. 

LIFE SUPPORT: 0) is carried within the pressure hull and is automatically set and released into the hull. Cartridges containing |R8 are used to 
absorb CO2. 

VIEWING: Three viewports, one large and two small. Large viewport on centerline is 120-mm OD with 80° field of view. Two smaller viewports are 
left and right of large port at 46°; they are 60-mm OD and allow 80° of view Atop and astern is a wide-angle viewport of i 7Aabe enabling viewing 
upward in the vertical. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Gyrocompass, echo sounder (down/forward) pinger. UQC, cine cameras, radio, directional antennae. 
MANIPULATORS: One hydraulically-operated arm and claw capable of two degrees of freedom. 

SAFETY FEATURES: One 50-kg weight and mercury dump of 70 kg. Inflatable hatch trunk, flares, smoke signal, portable scuba for emergency 
breathing. 

‘SURFACE SUPPORT: SOO. 

OWNER: Campagnes Oceanographique Francaises, Monaco. 

BUILDER: Sud Aviation, France. 

REMARKS: Inactive. Two similar vehicles. Also known as PUCE de MER or OCEAN FLEAS. 


209 


AFT TRIM FIBERGLASS 
TANK FAIRING PRESSURE HULL 


aii Case tn PROPULSION MOTOR 
(STBD) 


FWD TRIM 


DESCENT 
WEIGHT | 
INVERTER 


COMPRESSED 
AIR TANKS JUNCTION 
BOX 


VIEWPORT 


FAIRING 
LINE 


BATTERIES SAMPLE BASKET 


210 


SP—3000 


lai length Sosons Soo ood = fs VANIER ONAMISTERS sonconnosoopnoonocuouboodGd 0.4m 
BEAM: EYE EISUPPOR Ms (MAD) cmmete rate letetetteieneiaye| tate tare 144 man-hr 
HEIGHT: TIONVANL THONMIEINE SoGcdonaccnccac0baspdonsan 380 amp-hr 
DRAFT: . SPEEDIIKNOMS) EG RUNS Egg crperersieteteteietetsteteterer-to nee 0.5/12 hr 
WEIGHT (DRY): .- WARS oooopocmouesosacecas Seb acasgo00 


CRIBGE PILCHS aseoscosbaoddod0doapbodondddcK 
OESSRWERS sasesqgcosdsncaccsa0ssoes 0 5.0 
PAW{EO AID) amcaeholotetelietelalivest Nelle fabeicstetsiel sh-ier- tril ate t=ti-=h=he 


OPERATING DEPTH: 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: 
LAUNCH DATE: ... 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape composed of two hemispheres. Sphere is of Vascojet 90 steel, 2,001-mm OD, 305 mm thick and weighs 7.35 
tons. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Vehicle is launched negatively buoyant and descends in a helical spiral. To Obtain neutral buoyancy at operating depth a 
100-kg weight is released; to ascend an 82-kg weight is released. To obtain fine buoyancy control when submerged titanium spheres (6.8 kg each) can 
be employed to take on seawater for negative buoyancy; 56 weights (1.9 kg each) may be dropped individually to obtain positive buoyancy. TO 
compensate for loss of positive buoyancy through hull compressibility two weights (15 kg each) may be dropped. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion (forward/reverse) is provided by two, port/starboard-mounted, 3-hp, 750-rpm motors driving 
355-mm-diam. propellers. The reversible, 3-phase propeller motors can be independently adjusted to maneuver in any lateral direction. 

TRIM: Two tanks fore and aft are used to transfer 95 kg of mercury to obtain +28° up/down bow angle. 

POWER SOURCE: Pressure-compensated, Fulman-brand, type P2380, lead-acid batteries in three banks; one of 18 elements and two of 22 elements 
each. The 62 elements (cells) are in series; rated at 2 V each with a total of 380 amp-hr. Variable from 130 to 117 V. Forward battery pod is 
jettisonable (185 kg). 

LIFE SUPPORT: 03 is carried internally and its output is manually controlled. Cabin air is forced over a cartridge of soda lime to absorb CO2. Six 
cartridges are carried to absorb 1 I/min/man of CO2 for 24 hr minimum. Regnerated air is passed over a cartridge of CaCl (700 gm) to remove water 
vapor and reduce humidity. 

VIEWING: Two acrylic plastic ports for viewing located just below the equatorial axis and left-right of the vertical centerline forward. A smaller 
camera port is located on the equatorial axis between the viewing ports. Viewports are 110-mm !|D and 100 mm thick. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC (8.08-kKHz), VHF transmitter, audio tape recorder, depth indicator, depth and temperature 
recorder, inclinometer, gyroscope, up/down, forward echo sounder, lateral speed indicator, CTFM sonar, 27-kHz pinger, still and cine cameras. 
MANIPULATORS: One with three degrees of freedom. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Manually jettisonable: forward battery (185 kg); trim mercury (95 kg); and all weights described for buoyancy control (320 
kg total). Emergency breathing for each Occupant through a closed circuit system (2 hr each). Inflatable conning tower for a surface egress, three 
1-man life rafts, flares, smoke signal, life jackets, surface flashing light, radio signal. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: SOO. 

OWNER: Centre National Pour I‘Exploitation des Oceans (CNEXO), Paris. 

BUILDER: Centre de |'Etudes Marine Advancees (CEMA), Marseilles, France. 

REMARKS: Operating. Renamed CYANA in 1974, participated in the French-American program (FAMOUS) of exploration on the Mid-Atlantic 
Ridge. 


211 


212 


SPORTSMAN 300 & 600 


600 300 600 
LEINISUIEIS eoasccuscnonnodoons ceo dO O09 13 ft BATCHIDUAM EsihE Riera ctelelaltavelsisteieteren els NA NA 
VANE. sooodccodoongodpoopodooodoan 7 5.5 ft LIFE SUPPORT (MAX): ......... 16 man-hr 16 man-hr 
TISKCIENTS sacsdoodnonbonnadocodoseos - 5.2 ft VOU LIONS sagas cuooocag soos 4.2 kWh 4.2 kWh 
DRAFT: ...... NA SPEED (KNOTS): CRUISE .......... 2/8 hr 1/10 hr 
WEIGHT (DRY): 1.75 tons MAKES atepereceiencversrerere 4/3 hr 3/6 hr 
OPERATINGID ERT israleletelalislelela)sterel= 300 ft 600 ft GREWSIRULOMS) ce xyarereteyeinaenelayele cue:sisteie ls crete 1 1 
(SOUNDER cobococoossandoe 1,300 ft NA ORSERWERS seosooossoceqpccouc 1 1 
PYNUINTSTHDYATHER no ooocconaepocoodedn 1961 1963 PANALOYOR gaoeoocnoaueUieKoonlonoT 450 Ib 700 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape of high-strength, welded and dimecoted A-36 steel 3/16 in. thick, partially reinforced with 3/g-in. double 
Plate and 2-in. flat bar rings for the 300 model. The 600 model is composed of 0.5-in.-thick A-36 steel. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Surface buoyancy is supplied by two, side-mounted 1!/¢6-in.-thick ballast tanks. A small tank within the pressure hull 
Provides small adjustment in buoyancy when submerged. A low pressure (150 psi) tank is normally used to blow main ballast, a high pressure (2,000 
Psi) tank is carried in reserve, 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: A 3hp electric motor (12 and 24 VDC) with two speeds forward and reverse drives a stern-mounted propeller. 
Bow-mounted dive planes and a rudder provide underway attitude control. 


TRIM: No systems provided. 
POWER SOURCE: 300 Model: four, 175-amp-hr, 6-VDC, lead-acid batteries. 600 Model: four, 6-VDC, nickel-cadmium batteries. 


LIFE SUPPORT: 0, is carried within the pressure hull in a 15-ft3-capacity tank and bled off as needed. CO, is removed by Baralyme. A snorkel 
device may be used on or just below the surface. A barometer is carried to measure cabin pressure changes. 


VIEWING: The conning tower has circular wrap-around windows 4 in. wide and 1 in. thick. The 600 model has an 8-in.-diam. viewport in the bow. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPENT: CB radio, depth gage, compass. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: High pressure air for emergency ballast blow at operating depth. A 150-Ib droppable weight on the keel. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: SOO. 


OWNER: Several of these vehicles are reportedly built, the only ones which have been located are The Tiburon Marine Laboratory, Tiburon, Calif. 
(300 Model) and the Brazosport College, Lake Jackson, Texas (600 Model). 


BUILDER: American Submarine Co., Lorain, Ohio. 
REMARKS: None of the models located are operating. 


213 


STAR I 


LENGTH: HATCH DIAMETER: ee oe mie cine wien ein we een nn 19 in. 
BEA Msiierererr PIERESSUBRO Rit ( MAX) oi tere ialleteletereletetelelevelellclelsleete 18 man-hr 
HEIGHT: MOA POWER vcr terejetetelstetelsinic leis lefisiiel-llelals)\e (elles « 4.3 kWh 
DRAFT: SPEEDI(KNOTS) CRUISES ere rcretetalalelsieislsKeltelels (aalet= 3/4/3 hr 
WEIGHTA(DRW) 2) eleleielelereel=) «10 WARS Sopdiouaacdoomogs#acoosopooT 1/1 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: CREW SPITE OTS) ore cine ellene wile) mets alate tallelis)e/a\s) 0m, »\=/*1.5)*) «16186 1 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: OBSERVERS ...... Detekenatetetel-Patelel-UalicKels/sfetelelelstai= te) 
EAU NGHID AEs) teletet=latelalehele lela ca) =leelall=iels[ate)elinie/s)alsielale BANE OA Driteyctaterereionetkekel ticten-fel=tstet-tshelel=is¥elelelelteiens 200 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape 4 ft in diameter, 3/g in. thick, A 212 grade B steel. Penetrations include two viewports, hatch and two shafts 
for rotating side pods, 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Six main seawater ballast tanks of 375-Ib capacity. Ballast is blown by 144-ft3 (STP) air at 2,250 psi. Auxiliary ballast 
tank inside pressure hull to obtain fine buoyancy control. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two side-mounted, rotatable, 0.25-hp, 24-VDC motors. Both steering and depth are controlled by rotating the motors 
and differentially controlling their speed. 


TRIM: None. 


POWER SOURCE: Two externally-mounted, pressure-compensated, 24-VDC, 72-amp-hr, lead-acid batteries for propulsion and one 12-VDC, 
72-amp-hr battery for instrumentation. Has carried experiemental fuel cell. 


LIFE SUPPORT: CO, scrubber system with blower. O> is carried in an 18-ft3 (STP) bottle. Emergency system consists of a scuba regulator which 
can be attached to the high pressure air supply or a scuba bottle. 


VIEWING: Two 7-in.-diam, flat plate plexiglass viewports on the centerline. Axis of one looks forward and up 15° above horizontal. The other 
looks down and forward 45° below the horizontal. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UOQC, directional gyro, echo sounder, depth gage, CB radio, avoidance sonar. 
MANIPULATORS: None. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Droppable weight of 200 Ib. External salvage and air connections. Emergency breathing off main de-ballasting air or 
portable flask. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Philadelphia Maritime Museum. 

BUILDER: General Dynamics Corp., Electric Boat Div., Groton, Conn. 
REMARKS: On display. 


215 


MAIN BALLAST TANK 
MAIN PROPULSION MOTORS 


VIEWING PORTS 


SYNTACTIC 


FOAM PRESSURE HULL 


BATTERIES 
HIGH PRESSURE AIR 


216 


STAR II 


PEIN Git icercetarsieteVetatavaral-telclatebelefekelela)relivinleieieieleielwislis 17.75 ft PVATTOlr| IIVNMISINEIRNS oocenpoodopnoccocn Doo moOOO 20 in. 
EAM etetesatetieherati- (ete tePateiel,=)=Ualiellelteil=['s1=/0(sie'jese,7e fe\le\'s|,»iejelie ele 5.3 ft LIFE SUPORTE IMP cooconcocoocdosdoacce 48 man-hr 
IMMSKnil SsiosscsdsiooncdoccosooooosUUonoodonoS Haden WCHL IFOMERS SopocdsosudecsoutpooanadoDede 14.8 kWh 
BIRIMPITS sedgcoccconooopsnc cn socoss oo penoGo Koco 4.9 ft SFASE) (SNCS? CRUISE coooconncascccuaapaas 1/10 hr 
WHElCihr (DROS odooccoodesdessponsononnoodoss 5 tons MVS Scogscscodccegd0dscndGods 3/1.5 hr 
CHERVATINeelPilal GodomopnocadcudoooDDde0 Gon 1,200 ft CREME IULOUS coacdoogeeconco0dpSdgaaaconUEaDDaOS 1 
COMPAPSEID EPaitltaeetatlelcretaletalet-t=\eieielatalal<iafaiaiia inlets 2,400 ft OBSERMEIRS Bitte tetra tetetettala).<tefaicietetaten-pater=taiete deere 1 
UNUM ers DYNES: sopdpsemocobosusssesuoosnoedooS 1966 HANILOYNDS ondosshoondobosocgngonesn65cousHooe 250 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape, 5-ft 1D, 5/8 in. thick, of HY-80 steel. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast tank of 500-Ib capacity is blown by four tanks of compressed air at 2,250 psi. Auxiliary seawater ballast tank 
of 130-Ib capacity is used to obtain buoyancy adjustments when submerged. Two blocks of syntactic foam (30-pcf density) are carried fore and aft 
to provide additional positive buoyancy. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion is provided by two propellers mounted aft on stabilizing fins and driven by a 2-hp, DC motor at 900 
rpm which is reversible. Immediately behind the hatch is a vertical thruster of similar characteristics as the main propulsion units. Electrically-driven 
rudder controls underway lateral maneuvering. 

TRIM: No systems provided. 

POWER SOURCE: Main power is derived from externally-mounted, pressure-compensated lead-acid batteries (Exide 3-FN-17) providing 180 
amp-hr at 115 VDC. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Gaseous O9 is carried within the hull. CO2 is removed by soda sorb. 

VIEWING: Six viewports 5-in. 1D, 9-in. OD and 0.625 in. thick. A smaller viewport (2-in. 1D) is located in the hatch cover. 
OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, CB radio, still camera, TV, pinger, Magnesyn compass, altitude/depth echo sounder, depth gage. 
MANIPULATORS: One. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Droppable skid (300 Ib). Emergency battery pack in pressure hull. Scuba regulator in pressure hull provides emergency 
breathing by drawing off the deballasting air supply. Hull can be flooded for emergency egress. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: Soo. 

OWNER: Electric Boat Div., General Dynamics Corp., Groton, Conn. 

BUILDER: Same as above. 

REMARKS: Operating. On loan to Deep Water Exploration Ltd., Honolulu, Hawaii. 


217 


GENERAL py 
Electric Bast poss 
OW itigs, 


°° 8 B 


VERTICAL THRUSTER 


MAIN BALLAST TV CAMERA 


TANK 


HORIZONTAL 
THRUSTER 


PRESSURE HULL 


FORWARD 


RUDDER 
ANK 


AFT TRIM TANK 


Wu Y 
L ps 
MAIN PROPULSION SN ie eee ee 


IN 
MOTOR HPSAIR 9° GN ee MOUNTING 
PLATE 


BATTERIES VIEWING PORTS 


MANIPULATOR 
218 


STAR III 


LENGTH: 2.20 cect cent treet eee were recs sces 24.5 ft FASC ERD VA METI Fils epatatar ete) eteelelletelelelis/aie/elelnvele\sisinvnl's 20 in. 
BEAM i) circ ce inte cree nis wiv e eleim't ie wie wins oles oles 0 ie sia 6.75 ft EVEEISUPPO Riles (MAD) cieetajatereisteleleletel«fel=telletaleiel= 120 man-hr 
FENG is) sree cree wie ein wie w vie = om =n alaiaic esis 00s vie e\aje 8 ft MOMMA POWERics ficveteletatat=aicielsfelsleie\elelel=(elelein)einiels/= 30 kWh 
DIVNA cooo nou VOODOO Ob OOo eo COU OLOID OOO 0 UG 6.5 ft SPEED) (KNOTS): CRUISE cone ee cence <== 1/12 hr 
WENGR (DERRGE ocoohdooposu0dupoupUoDDOODdGS 10.5 tons MAX ore cfe elm) eleheleiefeieie)e»is\eje/s/se 0/0 4/1.5 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: . 2... cence ncn ncccscnscces 2,000 ft CREW IRE OMS reparepetet rhe! fate iatetalelnlelelelel/alsole\\e) =e) =|e)=\sl= ial 1 
COLELEARSE DEPTH (ic svete nie © ee elereinie. wie isie sin 6 imines 4,000 ft OESIAMERS soveteccondccusocbascosboesscod 1 
EAUNCHIDAME: cece cman ween sc ceiewins 1966 BPANIE OAD iiaretonenetatien ater state totaietclel(eled=iioil=|iainielayeialierai=felt= 1,000 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape, 5.5-ft 1D, 0.5 in. thick and made of HY-100 steel. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: NA. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion is provided by a stern-mounted, reversible, 7.5-hp propeller. One vertical and one horizontal thruster, 
each powered by a 2-hp motor, assist in maneuvering. An electrically-actuated rudder assists in underway maneuvering. 

TRIM: Bow angles of +30° can be obtained by transferring mercury between fore and aft tanks. 

POWER SOURCE: Sixty, external, pressure-compensated, lead-acid battery cells provide 29 kWh of 120-VDC power at a 10-hr discharge rate. This 
can be converted to 115 VAC, 60 Hz. 

LIFE SUPPORT: A pressure regulator automatically bleeds O2 from a 72-ft3-capacity tank into the hull. CO2 is removed by soda sorb. A reserve 
QO tank is carried that is manually operated as desired. Monitors for O02, CO and cabin pressure. Emergency breathing is from two scuba regulator 
drawing off the high pressure air supply. 


VIEWING: There are five viewports, each is 2 in. thick with a 5-in. 1D and a 9-in. OD. Three of the ports look forward and are depressed 33° fror 
the horizontal. One of these is on the vertical centerline. The remaining two viewports are raised approximately 10° above the horizontal and aré 
located 90° to the right and left of the centerline. Each viewport has a field of view of 69° in water. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UOC, CB radio, pinger, Magnesyn compass, altitude/depth echo sounder, depth gage, two TV cameras 
still camera. 

MANIPULATORS: One with six degrees of freedom. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Lead weight (250 Ib) drops automatically if high pressure air supply drops below 185 psi above ambient seawater pressure 
Manipulator jettisonable. Hull can be flooded for emergency egress. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Scripps Institute of Oceanography, La Jolla, Calif. 

BUILDER: Electric Boat Div., General Dynamics Corp,, Groton, Conn. 

REMARKS: Not operating. 


219 


nites ase RIES 


220 


SUBMANAUT 


LENGTH: HATCHIDIAMEMER: 6 oc cnc cise wie noe mee eieicie isis 16.5 in. 
BEAM: MITES SUIARORIT (MVC OE So doa cooconne omood ooo 24 man-hr 
HEIGHT: MOAT POWER Gi terenatetetenstst-leletsi=telal etulateleilele silaleleia) «ii 3.5 kWh 
DRAFT: SHEED (KNORR ORMUNISE csucoshooncaucuuondade 1.1/4 hr 
WEIGHT (DRY): MVS Goggao ans cooOMOOd ouGn JONG 1.6/2 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: .........-. 22 eee eee ee eee 200 ft CREE (PULOHIS: sandcusccmogdcondbomodnoend 60 gU ob O60 o 1 
(COJEPY NAS VelFiinlG “Adia ao omc eo. coro Dood oroo-o 2,000 ft ORSSRWERS sooasoocoucasncndnsonoenooauTes 1 
BAUWNGHIDAMIES foci cece ctetetspe sie = winieins le ie eee 1963 PYWHLOYNS) Saunidnno doco Odo,cuOtD Uap ooo 2o.O-omne 1,200 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Elliptically-shaped pressure hull, with a major axis of 96 in. and a minor axis of 42 in. It is constructed of 128 rings of 
0.75-in-thick plywood bonded together. The radial thickness of the rings is 4 in. and the assembled hull is covered with 0.75-in.-thick glass reinforced 
plastic giving a total hull thickness of 4.75 in. The hatch is of steel with a flat gasket seal. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: A water ballast tank located within the pressure hull provides +110-Ib buoyancy and may be manually pumped or blown 
with air. External ballast tanks are presently under construction. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: Forward and reverse thrust is provided by a 1.5-hp, 1,800-rpm, 24-VDC motor mounted on centerline aft. Two !/3-hp, 
800-rpm motors are mounted on the main motor casing, one vertically and one horizontally to provide vertical and horizontal! thrust. 
Pneumatically-actuated diving planes and rudder are also mounted aft for altitude control while underway. 


TRIM: No static trim or list control is provided. Underway trim is controlled by the diving planes and vertical thruster. 
POWER SOURCE: Four 6-V, 120-amp-hr, lead-acid batteries connected in series and one 12-V battery are carried inside the pressure hull. 


LIFE SUPPORT: ©» resupply is accomplished manually from a 60-SCF O 2 tank and CO 2 is scrubbed using a blower to recirculate cabin air. A 
desiccant is used to reduce humidity. 


VIEWING: A single 4in.-thick plexiglass viewport with an OD of 24 in. is located at the bow. Because of the method of mounting, a viewing angle 
of 170° is obtained when in the water. The ID of the window is 12 in. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, speed/distance indicator, water temperature sensor, depth gage, pinger. 
MANIPULATORS: None. 


SAFETY FEATURES: 300 Ib of lead in segments formed to the hull are held in place with a steel band around the hull forward of the conning 
tower. The band can be released hydraulically from inside the pressure hull to jettison the weights. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: SUBMANAUT is transported on a modified auto trailer and launched by moving the trailer down any available boat 
launching ramp. No support ship has been used for transport. 


OWNER: Helle Engineering, Inc., San Diego, Calif. 
BUILDER: Same as above. 
REMARKS: Not operating. 


221 


222 


SUBMANAUT 


TREN Gili epetetatateustemeteteret=fetelelelalelelelel=sel=tsli»ieie)s 1s] elie) sls =a 43 ft HAMCHIDUAM EME Reeser ete lefet=) ele) -e tie) »fellelleleicll*l ele) =l=/ 34 in. 
BEAM aie repe tela oelelaretonat-t-tetiat=lacelsitets]-'elloli=l=injelatelelenefels 10.75 ft EVERESSUPPO Rite (MAX) ai eleleletele lle tetelletelelel=!alel=0=1= 300 man-hr 
infaNelnhre SuonocossoococposecUooodDCodUdoomMoDdooD 16 ft TOMAEIP OWE RS (tens ote reletene leer elsifolieelerer= ie) ==\t~ isi t= ei 91 kWh 
DEA Fel priceeteeerererelnyereelotciel okaved=ler=l-1-laleite! sites) aifsi's{isi= Wels fern faze 9 ft SPEED) (IKNOMS)SICRUISES eiretereieretole tele relel elereiel=liel=!« 3/20 hr 
WEIGHT (DRY) © occ nc i nie ns ew emcee eine 50.5 tons MWS oooocopceosgoeeHeosoSGcs 4.5/10 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: ..........220ese eres eene 600 ft GCREWABP IE OMS iepedayater siatatol eletstelsteleletinsele|ie=leit=t ei =imt.=\-it=ilelt= fa) i= 2 
COPPAPRSEI DERI i eyerarcteretalekelolleiel=et=le! =e" = ssi) eie ls) «= NA OERSRWSIE sossssoo0ssognadguncoccundoD0KGd 4 
PAUNGCHIDAT Es oie eee cietetete oe nle iets leis) ojeiel tn] s/s) sin e)e) > 1956 PAV EOAD 3 (oie onc <fere tee cre ere a © nies seine sicieisise ei 4,500 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape, constructed of an inner and outer hull 9/16 in. thick, 10/30 carbon steel, welded, air-peened and stress 
relieved. Honeycomb reinforcement between hulls. Conning tower is 1.0-in.-thick rolled steel. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: To obtain + buoyancy there are four hull tanks (346 gal ea.) and two keel tanks (140 gal ea.). Tanks may be emptied by 
Pumps (high & low pressure systems) or compressed air. Fine buoyancy control is obtained by adding or subtracting water from smaller tanks, 945 
gal are required to submerge leaving 5-35 gal to obtain negative buoyancy. Ballast pumps are: a 10-hp, 80-gpm at 300 psi (high pressure) and a 5-hp, 
400-gpm at 25 psi (low pressure). 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion is provided by a stern-mounted, 38 in. x 34 in. propeller. Underway maneuvering is obtained through a 
rudder and dive planes. 

TRIM: No systems provided. 

POWER SOURCE: Surface. General Motors, 6-cylinder diesel engine developing 235 hp. Submerged: lead-acid batteries in each ‘‘leg’’ are in 
Pressure- resistant cases. There is a 115-V bank in each leg with a total of nineteen 12-V units of 400-amp-hr capacity. Batteries are recharged on the 
surface by the diesel engine. 


LIFE SUPPORT: Two tanks containing 200 ft? of OQ are carried within the pressure hull. Three circulating blowers with attached soda lime 
cannisters are used to remove CO2. Two bunks are available. 


VIEWING: Three, 2.5-in.-thick, Plex R (Rohm & Haas) wrap-around windows are on the forward hemihead; they are two 17 in. x 48 in. and one 17 
in. x 16 in. all on a 51-in. radius in the same horizontal plane. Conning tower has one window 20 in. x 14 in., 3 in. thick, on a 20-in. radius. Six 
additional glass (crown optical) viewports, 6 in. thick, 7-in. OD and 5.75-in. 1D, are located throughout the vehicle. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: Gyrocompass with three repeaters, depth sounder, radio telephone. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: The entire keel (‘legs’) section is manually releasable and totals 3,240 Ib. Dry chemical fire extinguisher, life vests. 
SURFACE SUPPORT: Independent operation. 

OWNER: Uncertain, as of August 1968 vehicle was owned by Submarine Services Inc., Coral Gables, Fla. 

BUILDER: Martine’s Diving Bells Inc., San Diego, Calif. 

REMARKS: Not operating. 


223 


ct] ) BALLAST TANK 
[eS 


CENTER VIEW PORT 
FIXED LEAD BALLAST 
MANIPULATOR 


BATTERY BOX 
LIFE SUPPORT 
COMMUN. UNIT 
GYRO POWER SUPPLY 

EAD BALLAST 
VARIABLE BALLAST TANK PORTABLE L 
HIGH PRESSURE AIR SUPPLY 


224 


SUBMARAY 


EIST Ine ooocondGsnoconnocdosonooooonoonMoDOnS 14 ft HAT CaS AME IER cmuecteloleretciaietelererstaricicietercieisih cietcre 18 in. 
HENNE coogcobaooboonppooonecoGonaouaodaoogDO a 3 ft (LIFES SURRORTUIMAV GS conoboos coo ooonondonS 32 man-hr 
AISUCRAIS soeodoopsotoepbersccc eases soesaonoDer 5 ft HOMALIPOWE Riciaevctetetetottslercyolioucicisacrsusuace ere aveneusys ss 4.5 kWh 
DIRVANFIT coooooosodonMoomoabooedocdoogen pag nOee 2.1 ft SREEDKCKNOmS) CRUISE ence cite iicisisieisere aia \ere) 2/6 hr 
WMeltenlir (DENG codonnopnocuooonoDadocod oOOS 1.45 tons MEAS ano docooDoounsaoesombae saa NA 
O)FSIRVATMINKSHIDISIPITRIS soopcocosnaotoonbognsccdscncd 300 ft CREWEFUIGSREY sodden sun condos oper pound oon one 1 
LAQWUANASIE IDE FMR oooocosnhoooon DOU DO DDODOOD 1,100 ft GESTSRWERS ascasosparcasnoocncospooonuDES 1 
LAUNCH VNUISS sococetoogobous cou eSDoOnuaKOIOOn 1962 LYN ALIOV ND) Ri oaio eno00 o'd-0-0°0-0 hO.0 COD ROO CeO Oa Oe 450 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape composed of mild steel (boiler plate) 36-in. 1D; 88 in. long and 3/8 in. thick. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main ballast is provided through 900-Ib-capacity tanks blown with high pressure air. An 8.5-gal-capacity tank serves as a 
variable buoyancy tank. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: A stern-mounted propeller provides forward and reverse maneuverability and is powered by a 24-VDC, 2-hp, 
1,800-rpm, 1-speed, forward/reverse motor. A rudder aft of the propeller and dive planes on the bow provide lateral and vertical maneuvering, 
respectively. 

TRIM: No systems provided. 

POWER SOURCE: Four, 6-V, 190-amp-hr, lead-acid batteries supply main power. Dry cell batteries power CB radio and UQC. 

LIFE SUPPORT: 09 is carried within the pressure hull in a 50-ft3 tank. CO, is removed by blowing cabin air through Baralyme. A barometer 
monitors cabin pressure and a hydrometer monitors humidity. 

VIEWING: Four viewports, 7-in. diam. in lower hull. Eight, 6-in.-diam. ports in conning tower. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, depth gage, forward-scanning and downward-looking recording echo sounders. CB radio, 
gyrocompass. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Manually droppable 40-lb weights, main ballast blows at maximum operating depth, pressure hull may be flooded to allow 
escape, marker buoy can be released from within vehicle. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: Soo. 

OWNER: Kinautics Inc., Winchester, Mass. 
BUILDER: C & D Tools, Calif. 
REMARKS: Not operating. 


225 


METAL 
FAIRING 


BATTERY 
PODS (5) 


MAIN BALLAST 
TANKS (WITHIN AND 
INTEGRAL TO FAIRING) 


FIBERGLASS 
FAIRING 


HYDRAULIC 
MOTOR 
CONTROLLER 


PRESSURE HULL 


SEACOCK 


STARBOARD 


THRUSTER COMPRESSED 
AIR 


JETTISONABLE 
BALLAST 


VARIABLE 
BALLAST 
TANK 


226 


SURV 


Ya Kenn GaoscncuopaoDoU oO bo E OOOOH ODO COC mGCI cc 10.9 ft LVL NI SUlslals 5° 6.04 6006 6.0.6 OnW Otome ond NA 
BEAM: LURS SU AROGIE WAR SIS cooodsencop00d0000U0 100 man-hr 
FAEG EA Ticetteyeaketattatalaletonal=(n'aleiwleval'sieye wisie|si=injaiuioleeiojateiain 9.5 ft VON LIHOWUEES acoso nouendocdooumcHoonnoaose 12 kWh 
DIAVNFUE ope sac coos odes dsonbonsochoodocuoeoosoD NA GrEED) UOUENE CRISS soscscsodecnsouaneuce 0.5/9 hr 
WUsiGiehy UBIENNS soca aceececneeccocsouuend05cs 6.1 tons INVARS goceodesnoncoecgococuseoonds 2.5 
OPASRVATING (SAB soosoosusassoncoscosnoouss 600 ft (ARIS PUIL(ORIES sosacseteouposecoonboosnosgSooogood 1 
SOUNDS lau ss5c4asoeeossegsoneocsotes 4,800 ft QESERWEERS sonsosscaneoadetsauansonscos00 1 
LY NUINCMEYMIHER os coo dgagoesb6ad soo SoommEOCooOSon 1967 PNAMOYNER. sacococcd scone basso oogNbONdDODDGoOGD 250 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape with “‘dish’’ endcaps composed of mild steel plate to BS 1501/1518. Cylinder is 1-!/8 in. thick; upper endcap 
is 1.5 in. thick; lower endcap is 1-5/g in. thick. Total length 6.5 ft, 1D of 5 ft. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Three free-flooding tanks within fiberglass fairing around pressure hull provide surface buoyancy of 850 Ib. They are 
blown by a 275-ft3-capacity, 2,500-psi air tank. Tanks may be blown at 600-ft depth. Two trim tanks of +40-Ib capacity located aft of the pressure 
hull provide submerged buoyancy control. An identical backup blowing system is carried. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Lateral propulsion is provided by two (port/starboard), variable-speed, 2.5-hp each motors. The motors are rotatable to 
Provide any angle beyond 5° in the vertical. 

TRIM: No systems. 

POWER SOURCE: Lead-acid batteries (146-V) carried in five pressure-resistant cases. 

LIFE SUPPORT: 03 is supplied by two, 40-ft3, 1,850-psi tanks within the pressure hull and is manually controlled. CO is absorbed in four soda 
lime cannisters of 3.5-lb capacity each. O7 and CO> partial pressures are constantly displayed. An alarm system is automatically activated if CO7 
exceeds 1% or O2 departs from 20% to 24%. 

VIEWING: Ten plastic viewports in pressure hull are 2.25 in. thick; 7-in. OD and 4-in. 1D. Three smaller viewports are located around the conning 
tower. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, hard-line telephone (shallow depth), gyrocompass, rate-of-turn indicator, pressure depth gage, 
up/down echo sounder, speedometers, temperature gage. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Portable emergency breathing sets (40 ft? of air ea.) are provided. Jettisonable weights (850 Ib). Main ballast tanks can be 
blown at operating depth. Pressure hull can be flooded for personnel egress. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 

OWNER: Lintott Engineering Ltd., Horsham, England. 

BUILDER: Same. 

REMARKS: Retired 1969. 


227 


228 


SURVEY SUB 1 


PEIN Gili tay roraretetca(ennieienetsaetetter totiais)aleliajiarisnaife fens taliels i =fals/s)i=ia\'= 26 ft VMS IVNNIEIASIRS sosocanctoooosdousodsgoc0er 24 in. 
[FIS/AME Socoaneodeo co ado cb moc 0.0 Clon G common ocd 7.1 ft EI RESUPRPOR Ta (MAD) ci erect ney-iarciate r= ier -...+ 216 man-hr 
InNEIKOVRIIIS aibusenie i Giold 0 Ors angio Oo Ser DeCR Se Che ee Coo enL is 8 ft TOAVANE IROWMETIE SongocHondodgo0b sco Gos poo Gon 49.9 kWh 
[RV NAIIS: Geto pod td Gd oiOW oe cOS SUICOnmIo gd OO CIO O Olona 5.3 ft SHEED MINOW) CRIBS soosa0sc0d0aK05000005 1.5/10 hr 
WHENGi ARON O)R” as clea 0 ces comic oo cromeicso-cBeacececan 11.25 tons WWE nooo asodeonopnb6ooeo ado o0s 4.5 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: 2. cc. ee cc ee we ee ee 1,350 ft CRIEWEH IPULOTS achacichoocasescdochooucbopegopsooe 1 
GCOEEAPSEIDEPRTES (ijcterate state sie) eee sein = eee wie ens m 2,500 ft ORASRWERS ageoscesendcnseos555agassaoes 5 2 
IPAUUINGHIDAMIEIS eieccccisrete on wie cee oes ae ies wins wee 1970 BA WIE OUAID re Sine retere stab eteten ates el sifercelal'e te ywitn ee s\cs\/e"el's)/s'sie tetas 500 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape of SA-537 grade A normalized steel 9/16 in. thick, 54-in. 1D, 218-in. length. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Main buoyancy (1,100 Ib) is from a soft reservoir tank connected to a smaller hard tank; both are blown by compressed 
air. Two internal, fore/aft tanks control fine buoyancy or trim (+400 Ib). 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion is through a variable-speed reversible 10-hp, DC electric motor mounted in a water-tight container in 
the stern which drives a stern propeller. One single-speed reversible bow thruster (0.75-hp) and two O.5-hp vertical thrusters provide low speed 
maneuvering. Hydraulically activated bow planes and rudder control attitude underway. An automatic pilot controls rudder angle. 

TRIM: Two, internally-mounted, fore and aft tanks can be differentially filled with seawater to attain up/down angles on the bow. 

POWER SOURCE: Twin battery pods, 18-in. diam. of SA53 grade B steel, contain 6-V, lead-acid heavy duty batteries providing 120 VDC main 
power (41.6 kWh at 20 hr) and 24-VDC auxiliary power (8.3 kWh at 20 hr). 

LIFE SUPPORT: Gaseous O> (four tanks) is carried external to the pressure hull. 240-ft3 total capacity. CO is removed by LiOH (6.4 Ib). 
VIEWING: Twenty-one viewports; nine in the forward pressure hull, nine in the conning tower and three aft. All are 6.25-in. ID, 1.5 in. thick, 8-in. 
OD. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, CB radio, Magnesyn compass, Doppler navigation sonar, scanning sonar, up/down recording echo 
sounder, Transponder and pinger, three TV's with three video recorders and five monitors. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Ballast (1,150 Ib) can be blown at maximum operating depth. Mechanically droppable 840-Ib weight. Emergency breathing 
devices for each passenger. Flashing light. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Presently supported by the M/V WILLIAM DAMPIER, an off-shore oil supply boat 170 ft long, 39-ft beam, 9-ft draft which 
cruises at 12 knots and has a range of 6,500 n.m. A constant-tension, 50,000-Ib-capability, stern A-Frame handling system is used for 
launch/retrieval. The support ship can berth 22 people, 2 of these accommodations are for customer personnel. 

OWNER: Taylor Diving Services, Belle Chasse, La. 

BUILDER: Perry Submarine Builders, Riviera Beach, Fla. 

REMARKS: Operating. Originally designated PC-9 by Perry, recently redesignated TS-1 by present owner. Original owner, Brown and Root, gave it 
its SURVEY SUB 1 designation. 


229 


CONNING TOWER 


BALLAST TANKS 
(WITH 5 PLEXIGLASS PORTHOLES) 


ENGINE AIR TANKS 


LIGHT 


PILOT SEAT 


OBSERVER SEAT 


ALS ye 


ASTI AN 
Oe eect 


CS 
AIR COMPRESSOR [EEN 


/ N 
SIDE PORTHOLES OBSERVER SEATS 


BATTERY COMPARTMENT 


230 


TOURS 64 AND 66 


BEN Gib haarercrcnsreyatersietaberetelinicetolntetteleeleln leiveuevelcin la elinisia 7.28m InVtela) OVATE Goosen dccansonocosn0bedoSeuoode 0.7m 
BENGE oocomos po ohocosdE00 65 CU OUU RODD conc 3.80 m PIEESSUEPO RTM ASG) = mrstelatatsielslarvetelsiatetsiei-iessier 96 man-hr 
ISI asoondocubochoooubodbo COs UOOUgdaUIOD 3.20 m MOmAL OWE Ri ctaretetnitetetstatelatoielsiareletoyeiere =i iater i 330 amp-hr 
IDIRVNFTS ocoocpoon ogoo dota commotbucoccue todca0 2.0m SHAS USNOUSE CHWISE ssocnooncsbesacosoasce 3/7 hr 
WHEUGRAr (DENME  sauéntabcd dcocncosdsuuaeDOooUo 10 tons MASS cen bo co0docdqboenasSas 5.5/3.5 hr 
GIHSRVATUNS (SPE ssoncccococnsooocooDdcages 300 m CO HEWAIMLOMES scnosgocdobanonoodes cooudnneodcenteeE 1 
(HOWL LON SS IDIEP Tas sstesoecsconseggoans6sscsos 600 m OPSISRMEERES ccoaéoscanoustccs0nescaso0s eos 1 
L/NUINTCIRIIVATIMES conoscocdsnosscengescgs 1971 (Tours 64) PAA LOVNDS pooaacsddoconscoadocseaganooaeeacs 400 kg 


1972 (Tours 66) 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape, composed of a steel cylinder and hemispherical endcaps. Hull diameter is 1.90 m and length is 4.84 m. A 
cylindrical conning tower, called a trunk, is welded to the cylinder. Two hoisting eyes and two keel skates are also welded to the hull. 
BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Two main ballast tanks (38.4-ft3 capacity), welded to the sides of the pressure hull, are flooded to descend to a decks 
awash depth, water is then admitted into a compensating tank until the conning tower is almost submerged, at this point the vehicle is trimmed to a 
down angle and the vehicle is powered to depth. Ascent is effected by powering to the surface where the main tanks are blown. 
PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two side mounted propellers each driven by a 6-hp motor provide propulsion in the lateral and vertical. The motors are 
reversible, two speed and 360° rotatable. 

TRIM: A weight (150 kg) may be hydraulically shifted along a horizontal rail to obtain a trim angle of +20°. 

POWER SOURCE: Two lead-acid battery packages of 48 cells each within the pressure hull, supply power at 165 amp-hr (5-hr discharge). A 
diesel-electric motor is used for surface power to charge batteries and drive a compressor to fill air tanks. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Three O, flasks (5 | each) are carried within the hull. CO2 scrubbers (soda lime) are also carried. On the surface it is possible to 
draw fresh air into the hull with a snorkel device and thereby avoid opening the hatch. 

VIEWING: Four viewports in the forward hemisphere 283-mm OD; 155-mm ID and 65 mm thick. Five viewports in conning tower 203-mm ID; 
105-mm OD and 50 mm thick. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, echo sounder, depth gage, gyrocompass, forward-scanning sonar, radio, radar reflector, surface 
lights. 

MANIPULATORS: One mechanical arm which may be used to 200-ft depth. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Main ballast tanks may be blown at any depth. Droppable lead weight between skegs (100 kg). If the vehicle descends below 
its Operating depth main ballast tanks are automatically blown. This system will activate automatically unless stopped once every 15 minutes. 
Pressure hull may be flooded for emergency escape using a closed circuit breathing system. Marker buoy and snorkel. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: soo. 


OWNER: TOURS 64: Kuofeng Ocean Development Corp., Taipei, Taiwan. 
TOURS 66: Sarda Estracione Lavorazione, Cagliari, Sardinia. 


BUILDER: Maschinenbau Gabler GmbH, Federal Republic of Germany. 
REMARKS: Operating, harvesting red and pink deep-sea coral. 


231 


WATER 
BALLAST 
TANK 


Ar 


PROPELLER 


IN MANIFOLD 


FUELING 


WIRE 


PRESSURE 
SPHERE 


Se ears 
oe 


PROPELLERS 
RELEASE 


=< MECHANICAL ARM 


VIEW PORT 


TRIESTE | 


16.9-in. 1D; 22.5-in. OD 


LENGTH: HATCH DIAMETER: 

BIEZN) Sococono otcioo oc Sia aie Sac Cio ara a LIFE SUPPORT (MAX): SSO 0 O00 6 5.0 CH OeS ene soe INVA 
HEIGHT: TOUWAL IROMMEIRNS socomeoccooeopoc0 cp oodbouNmOSGDE NA 
DRAFT: SPEED (KNOTS CRUISES soasococctangmoso0dc0G -. 0.5 
WEIGHT (DRY): VS boo COD OO 0.0 CODED ROOD On ae T 0.5 
OPERATING DEPT S%9 ee . No known ocean limit (CIES PUILOUS psacososnbcsocopsot copoorooueo atone 1 
COIEARS ED ERIS eter cis releks inten ltatntiatinlianel«iinite (exesle iam 60,000 ft ORS AWENS ssesceodoctoocesegcopsececs Go 2 
[LYNUIN CE RISYMIED Goinooooncap es Gor boob oc oeopooGeec 1953 PEW ILHOVNDR Scpbnndooonpdkoros bone Gopene oon Sart. NA 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape of three, Ni-Cr-Mo steel forgings 6.25-in. 1D and 5 to 7 in. thick. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Buoyancy provided by 29,000 gal of aviation gasoline. Eleven tons of steel shot ballast carried in two hoppers is released 
to offset compression of gasoline as vehicle goes deeper. Release controlled through an electromagnet valve. Additional shot release Over amount 
required to offset gasoline compression initiates ascent. A small fixed percentage of gasoline may be released to offset Over release of shot if 
necessary. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Two, 2-hp motors used for propulsion and steering. Motors in light casings filled with Trichlorethelene and 
pressure-compensated. 

TRIM: Some bow angles obtainable by dropping shot only from one hopper. 

POWER SOURCE: Initially lead-acid batteries in the sphere, these were replaced by silver-zinc batteries. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Compressed, gaseous O3 at constant flow rate equivalent to usage Of two men, passed through an eductor, draws cabin air through 
three Drager (LiOH) cannisters to remove CO). 

VIEWING: Two plastic conical viewports 2-in. 1D, 16-in. OD and 7 in. thick. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, echo sounder, depth gage. 

MANIPULATORS: None. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Electromagnetic shot valves fall open upon loss of power. Each of the two hoppers held in place electromagnetically may be 
jettisoned if valves fail and will release automatically in event of power loss. Gasoline compartments sized such that loss of all gasoline in one 
compartment will not reduce buoyancy below ability of reserve shot to compensate. 

SURFACE/SHORE SUPPORT: Sea-going tug for tow to and from dive site. 

OWNER: U.S. Navy. 

BUILDER: Auguste and Jacques Piccard. 

REMARKS: The above description is from the 1953-1959 period. TRIESTE | established and still holds the world’s deepest dive record: 35,800 ft 
in the Challenger Deep (200 miles southwest of Guam) on 23 Jan. 1960. Aboard during this dive was Jacques Piccard and LT Don Walsh, USN. The 
float is now on display in the Navy Yard, Wash., D.C. 


233 


AFT BALLAST TUB 
GUIDE ROPE 
RELEASE MAGNET RELEASE MAGNET 


geet eure WIREWAY PIPE 
ee ANEUVERING GASOLINE VALVE eee SHOT TUB CHAIN PIPE 
BATTERY COMPENSATION VALVE \UQC | | ACCESS TUBE SCIENTIFIC WELL 


SONAR 
HOUSING 
DOOR 
LIGHT (8) 
"FE MANEUVERING ™ << 
GASOLINE f /fargg—SviEweoRT | / MELE RRORNP 
\ UQCc TANK H CAMERAS WINDOW 
\ ANTECHAMBER 
\ UNDERWATER 
CORROSION \ TELEPHONE ANTI-CORROSION ANODES 
eee \ \ TELEVISION CAMERA PRESSURE 
GUIDE ROPE PELLET \ SPHERE 
| BALLAST \ FATHOMETER (12KC) 
AFT WATER MAGENT AFT SHOT TUB 
—< BALLAST GASOLINE BALLAST TANKS < 
TANK FWD WATER 
BALLAST 
TANK 


234 


TRIESTE I 


LEE NGTUEIS oreo rreite rate! sic) e!s'inymimi mint e]=fe)himiivi=\~ ilu w/e) +0) 0) vise 78.6 ft PATCHIDVUAMEME Ritaicrrer-feleinieketoiexclsieiclelelelleteven=te 19.8-in. ID 
[IS/NUB MS accnoapclonoon wou ooUr NOOO OOO Romolo 15.25 ft LUE SUTRAS Scoonosnoogscoopnodds 72 man-hr 
PISCinA SoconondupmooOndog SoU don eo BOOT O Uimou 26.9 ft MORALE OW ER irerevatetoyaqeted=tetatenaletayalodaValis|in/ejelals/ levee lslrels NA 
DIV NHe shomcoomonoobiDo COD DOO OOD ODO OOD GOGmOODC 21 ft SREEDIIKNOTS)GR US eaeroieietetelletstefeletote lolol ele)el ee 2/12 hr 
WENGE (OEY) Foie oie iole te toleletaietelieletalas etn '=!'e/s\i=le\=ieacfa 87.5 tons WARS posancecaopoopoocnouonponooG NA 
OPERATING) D ERE eats tetetetetetetatotelatarelleleKel=ieleel= 20,000 tons GANS ILGUS socpsssnesesosocamonpntoonpOoGDDONES 2 
COLLAPSE DEPTH: . 2.2.2.0. ee ee eee we wee > 40,000 ft @ESSTMERS concoersoocc ounsopoccwgcapaooS 1 
EAU NGCHID AMIE Fie roreic cle rerelerefeiein)ate) «mie nin letataiin l= taal <tmi=t = 1964 PAVE OAD saiaraiatetatatatetlatetedstehaea tote te fel sat viata vets7s\oia\iey offers 5 tons 


PRESSURE HULL: Spherical shape composed of two hemispheres of HY-120 steel clamped together on an equatorial flange. |D of 84 in., 3.9 in. 
thick to 6 in. at viewports and penetrations. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Aviation gasoline (65,830 gal) is carried in a thin-walled float to provide positive buoyancy. Electromagnetically held iron 
shot (22 tons) provides negative buoyancy and is incrementally released to ascend or decrease the vehicle’s buoyancy. Trailing ball (250 & 750 |b) on 
150-ft cable. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Three, stern-mounted, 1,750-rpm, 120-VDC, 6.5-hp (each) motors provide main propulsion. A horizontal thruster is 
mounted on the bow. 

TRIM: Shot hoppers mounted port/starboard amidships and one aft may be differentially filled to obtain 412° list, and +33° to —27° down bow 
angles at 20,000 ft. 

POWER SOURCE: Externally-mounted, pressure-compensated silver-zinc batteries. Sixteen cells provide 5,000 amp-hr apiece at 24 V and 80 cells 
Provide 952 amp-hr apiece at 120 V. 

LIFE SUPPORT: Gaseous O03, three bottles, each 72 ft? at 2,250 psi (two normal, one emergency). CO removed by LiOH. Monitors for 07, CO, 
cabin pressure, temperature and humidity. Air conditioning system, Hull heat exchange system. Emergency breathing off O> bottle. 

VIEWING: Four plastic viewports. One is 16-in. OD, the remaining three are 3-in. OD. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, CTFM sonar, Doppler navigator, X-Y plotter, gyrocompass, altitude/depth sonar, echo sounder, 
transponder interrogator system, sound velocimeter, three still cameras, One cine camera, three TV's. 

MANIPULATORS: One with six degrees of freedom. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Shot and several outboard equipments jettisonable. Emergency breathing of 36 man-hr. Fail-safe shot jettison. Fire 
extinguisher. Distress rockets. Surface lights. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Transported by floating Dry Dock towed by an ocean-going tugboat 

OWNER: U.S. Navy, Submarine Development Group One, San Francisco, Calif. 

BUILDER: U.S. Navy, Mare Island Shipyard, San Francisco, Calif. 

REMARKS: Operational. Studies underway to substitute aviation gasoline with lsopar F., a lower flash-point fluid. Since its first major 
modification in 1964, TRIESTE 1! has undergone numerous, significant design and Operational changes. The above description is how it now (Aug. 
1974) stands. 


MOTOR 
COMPARTMENT STERN VERTICAL 
STERN HORIZONTAL THRUSTER DEPTH GAUGE 
THRUSTER BATTERY POD 
RELEASE LEVERS 


CO, SCRUBBER 


DIVERS COMPARTMENT 
PRESSURE GAUGE 


CONNING TOWER 


PILOTS CONTROL 
CONSOLETTE 


TRIM SYSTEM 
CONTROL VALVES 


STABILISING 
PLANE 
(FIXED) 


MIXED GAS 


SPHERE SONAR DISPLAY 


& CONTROL 


DIVER LOCKOUT 
COMPARTMENT, BOW HORIZONTAL 
INNER LOCKOUT THRUSTER 
HATCH 


OUTER LOCKOUT 
HATCH 


PRESSURE TIGHT 
HATCH 
PRIMARY POWER 
DISTRIBUTION PANEL 


BATTERY POD RELEASE 
HAND PUMP 
BATTERY POD 
HYDROPLANE 


UNDERWATER 
COMMUNICATIONS SET 


DRY CELL 
WATER ALARM 


PILOTS CONTROL 
STATION 


HYDRAULIC LEG 


236 


VOL-L1 


LENSE aados cass od oacdoudnonoooHodoOgGO ne con 32 ft IRE A TOUANMISWIERIS oodaadoodoe acoteducoaooc ane 22 in. 
IHE/NMIS cooog oo oongoodemboDusooooddso DD oo Domed O 6 ft LEE SWART (MSIE sonccagonaconaqnoude 192 man-hr 
IMKSUGIAAIe cococaSenoscooubosuacuodgonDOGuOUduOUdO 7 ft TRIN GOMES alsioncopicboonucsloomoodcon mone 54 kWh 
IDIAVAIFITS Go adtoooenonusggescnogeadcocgnoooeresce 5.3 ft SHEED) (isi NOUg)s GRWIGE cocatooncoceccoueae 1/13-15 hr 
WHEIGE (DIRE ooscoract doscsoacoonne coon aT 13 tons IMWYACS ocoomdoccencontodoonanoe 5/0.5 hr 
OVSIRVAIPUINIG IISIPUNAIS suocagcés00g0do0ndcoeaKdG 1,200 ft CRIES PIMOS: ascactooror cou vos or nDOEmOoUSOnoUUES 1 
(COMLMYNPSS (HP URs cosovosooseogensanoaoecd do 1,800 ft QEBSERIMERS coopoccoadmonontooreouaenong seu 3 
L/NUWNKGRI EYNYIES sooaneosiooaoonuocdasooogddeados 1973 LY WHLCYNOY “oLhcaoeooonoad caved oD ooe Onl alwid 2000 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape with diver lock-out sphere aft. Hull composed of SA-537 grade A steel to specs. for low temperature 
Operations. Hull is 0.5 in. thick; 54-in. 1D and 28.5 ft long. Conning tower is 20 in. high. Hatch to diving compartment is 24-in. diam., diver egress 
hatch is oblong and 24-in. x 26-in. diam. Helium sphere is of HY-100 steel. 

BALLAST/BUOYANCY: Internal, fore & aft tanks are pumped dry or flooded to obtain +545 Ib (aft) and +170 Ib (fwd) buoyancy. Main (surface) 
buoyancy is attained by venting or blowing main ballast tanks of +650-Ib capacity. 

PROPULSION/CONTROL: Main propulsion is from a stern-mounted propeller driven by two 10-hp, DC electric motors which have infinitely 
variable speed control and are reversible. Two horizontal and one vertical thruster assist in maneuvering. Electrohydraulically controlled rudder and 
bow planes assist in underway maneuvering, An automatic pilot controls rudder angle to are} 

TRIM: Internal, fore and aft tanks can be differentially filled to obtain up/down bow angles. 

POWER SOURCE: Three separate banks of 12-V, heavy duty, lead-acid batteries contained in two pressure-resistant battery pods provide 120-VDC 
main power (44 kWh, 20 hr) and 24-V auxiliary power (10 kWh, 20 hr). 

LIFE SUPPORT: Gaseous O, is carried external to the hull in four tanks of 288-ft? total capacity. CO is removed by circulating air through a 
LiOH (8.2-Ib capacity) cannister. O2 is continuously monitored and CO, is monitored periodically with Drager tubes. 

VIEWING: Six viewports in the conning tower and one in the hatch. Aft compartment has a viewport in the egress hatch and two on each side of 
the sphere. The forward endcap is fitted with an acrylic plastic dome similar to PC-8. 

OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UQC, gyro compass, depth gage, automatic pilot, echo sounder, scanning sonar. 

MANIPULATORS: One with five degrees of freedom. 

SAFETY FEATURES: Can blow ballast tanks dry at maximum operating depth. Battery pods are droppable (2,000 Ib ea.). Medical lock in diver’s 
compartment. 

SURFACE SUPPORT: Support ship the same as for PISCES |, II, III. 

OWNER: Vickers Oceanics Ltd., Barrow-in-Furness, England. 

BUILDER: Perry Submarine Builders, Riviera Beach, Fla. 

REMARKS: Operational. Designated by Perry as PC-15. 


237 


= SS oe 


en 
YP ReE 


RWAT 
TE LEPHONE TRANSDUCER BORW ASD BOUWANCNAUANKS 


STERN PLANE 


ACCESS 
TRUNK 


a BATTERY TANK 
(ae ee 


eae 
VERE Sie] | MANIPULATOR 


BALLAST KEEL 
DROP KEEL 


AFT TRIM PROTECTOR 


TANK RANGE & DEPTH 
DETECTION TRANSDUCER 


PROJECTOR 


RUDDER DROP KEEL 


238 


YOMIURI 


(Yaoi ccoomepdoooDCODOU BP OUuOUDOUUOUm oro 14.5 m HATCHIDIAMEME Rc meeelelsteteteleteleteleletetelslofelsleleielehsiels 63.5 cm 
HSN SeacooppodooUnOoDoOMoo COUOOUDOURoU Good 2.45 m EVRESUPPO RT (MAX) fitereteteteretatetetere/=)elalelelel=iel 492 man-hr 
AEG ii ceatet Ve tetelatalelete ele) ehelele!elsierelisi<jcielais/ie\e/eieleilealeters 2.80 m MO MALIROWERM iay-ttareratatercteveleletetaleteterore lous) ote) siey ein 45 kwh 
VNR ooconb oopood ROOD OODUOU OOD OOUDUOUOOOUC 2.20m SPEED (KNOTS): CRUISE oo cc ce me ens 2/10 hr 
WEEGHi (DER) ei feyotniete lle nein letelsle «ne © loleleieeiniie!e nl 41 tons MAX 22. c ccc etc cece eee eercenne 3/6 hr 
OPERATING DEPTH: .... 2... ewww eect e were ees 300 m CREW PIEOMS i iaretetetetenetave tet er otelishetaleletel ole rallaty \ellsiele(elellelletap=ie 3 
COLPEAPS ENDER (ecetetalataieyels) vVell)ei=lleleleleleielo isles elle 519m OBSERVERS) wiieseretereteslelelnlalalela\n!e len) se e/«/eie eles 3 
LAUNCH DATE: .....-eecerer eee ccesenssccvaree 1964 BANIE OAD) iiiie wieielsteleloreleleeilotstse istrict aleiei\eleie/siiaie!siia\a 1,900 Ib 


PRESSURE HULL: Cylindrical shape with one hemi-spherical endcap (stern) and one spherical mirror plate(bow). Hull material is high tensile steel 
(46 Hg/mm2), cylinder is 2,05-m OD, 16 mm thick and 10.683-m length. Stern endcap is 1.02-m radius, bow endcap is 2.0-m radius. 


BALLAST/BUOYANCY: The superstructure above pressure hull serves as the surface buoyancy tank with a capacity of 8 tons and is blown by 
compressed air. A 2-ton-capacity ballast tank is located within the pressure hull which is flooded to descend and pumped dry to ascend. 


PROPULSION/CONTROL: A 12-kW, 100-rpm motor drives a 3-bladed, stern-mounted propeller for forward propulsion. A vertical rudder and 
horizontal stern plane aft of the propeller provides vertical and lateral maneuvering. 


TRIM: Two tanks of 0.4-ton capacity each are within the pressure hull (fore and aft) between which seawater is pumped to obtain desired trim 
angles, 


POWER SOURCE: Fifty lead-acid batteries within the pressure hull supply main power to the vehicle. An AC motor generator supplies AC power at 
60 Hz, 11 V and 1.5 KVA. Battery recharging is performed at the surface by the submersible’s motor generator. 


LIFE SUPPORT: 02 is carried in a 46.7-1 flask. CO2 is removed with LiOH scrubbers. During battery charging a fan circulates air in the pressure 
hull and the gases generated by charging are removed by absorbing them into the (recharging) diesel engine. 


VIEWING: Two viewports are in the bow of the pressure hull and one is in the bottom. They are 120-mm diam. and 62 mm thick and are made of 
optically homogeneous glass. Four viewports in the access trunk (conning tower) are 60-mm diam. and 40 mm thick. 


OPERATING/SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT: UOC, obstacle avoidance sonar, echo sounder, transponder. 
MANIPULATORS: One with six degrees of freedom. 


SAFETY FEATURES: Breathing masks are provided for each occupant in emergency. Two droppable blocks of 400-kg weight. Skirt under access 
trunk can be used to exit the vehicle by pressurizing interior. 


SURFACE SUPPORT: Vehicle is towed and supported at dive site by the 34.57-m (LOA), 235.7-ton ship YAMAMOTO. 
OWNER: Yomiuri Shimbu Newspaper, Tokyo. 

BUILDER: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kobe, Japan. 

REMARKS: Not operating. 


239 


PRESSURE HULLS AND 
EXOSTRUCTURES 


The first consideration in submersible de- 
sign is to provide the occupants with a dry, 
pressure-resistant habitat. Secondly, be- 
cause volume inside this habitat is generally 
limited, an external structure is required to 
carry power sources, motors, and other sup- 
porting systems. Thirdly, to prohibit this 
supporting structure from entanglement or 
snagging and minimize hydrodynamic drag, 
a smooth external covering or fairing is indi- 
cated. Within these major design considera- 
tions must be included pressure hull pene- 
trations to allow occupant entrance/egress 
and external viewing and penetrations for 
electrical, hydraulic or mechanical activation 
and monitoring of external systems. 


241 


PRESSURE HULLS 


SHAPE 


Pressure hull shapes, with few variations, 
are predominantly spheres or cylinders in 
various combinations (Table 5.1). A sphere is 
the most efficient structural form to obtain a 
minimum weight-to-displacement (W/D) ra- 
tio, an ellipse is second, and right circular, 
cylindrical shell reinforced with frames is 
last. Two types of end closures have been 
used on cylindrical pressure hulls: A hemi- 
sphere and an ellipsoid. The most efficient 
from a strength-weight ratio standpoint is 


TABLE 5.1 PRESSURE HULL SHAPES AND MATERIALS 


Depth 

Submersible (Ft) Hull Shape Hull Material 
HIKINO 20 Sphere Plastic 
GOLDFISH 100 Inverted wedge Steel 
NAUTILETTE (3 Vehicles) 100 Cylinder Steel 
ALL OCEAN INDUSTRIES 150 Cylinder Ashme steel (Jap.); Plastic conning tower dome 
PC3-X 150 Stacked cylinders A 285 steel 
PORPOISE 150 Shoe-like cylinder Molded fiberglass and resin; Plastic conning tower dome 
STAR | 200 Sphere A 212 Grade B steel 
SUBMANAUT (Helle) 200 Elliptical Plywood with GRP coating 
K-250 (12 Vehicles) 250 Cylinder Steel; Plastic conning tower dome 
MINI DIVER 250 Cylinder Welded steel 
SPORTSMAN 300 300 Cylinder Welded dimetcoted A-36 steel 
SUBMARAY 300 Cylinder Mild steel (boiler plate) 
KUMUKAHI 300 Sphere Plastic 
PC-3A1& 2 300 Stacked cylinders A 285 steel 
NEREID 330 330 Cylinder Steel 
SEA RANGER 600 Cylinder A 285 C steel 
SPORTSMAN 600 600 Cylinder Welded dimetcoted A-36 steel 
SUBMANAUT (Martine) 600 Cylinder Two 10/30 carbon steel shells with honeycombed reinforcement 
TECHDIVER (PC-3B) 600 Stacked cylinders A 212 steel 
ASHERAH 600 Sphere A 212 Grade B mild steel 
BENTHOS V 600 Sphere A 285 C steel 
MAKAKAI 600 Sphere Plastic 
NEMO 600 Sphere Plastic 
PAULO | 600 Cylinder A 212B steel 
SURV 600 Cylinder Mild steel plate conforming to BS 1501/1518 (British) 
KUROSHIO | 650 Sphere Steel 
KUROSHIO II 650 Cylinder Soft steel (SM41) (Japanese) 
NEREID 700 700 Cylinder Steel 
PC-8 800 Cylinder and Cone Low temperature carbon steel; Plastic bow dome 
SHELF DIVER 800 Cylinder SA 212 Grade B firebox quality steel 
YOMIURI 972 Cylinder High tensile (46 Hg/mm2) steel 
MERMAID 984 Cylinder High tensile steel (St 53.7) (West German) 
HAKUYO 984 Cylinder High tensile steel NS46 (Japan Defence Agency standard) 
TOURS 64 & 66 984 Cylinder Class G 36 high tensile steel (West German) 
GUPPY 1000 Sphere HY-100 steel 
NEKTONA 1000 Cylinder A 212 mild steel 
NEKTONB&C 1000 Cylinder A 515 mild steel 
SEA-RAY 1000 Cylinder Steel 
JOHNSON SEA LINK 1000 Sphere & Cylinder Plastic (sphere); Aluminum (cylinder) 
SNOOPER 1000 Cylinder A 212 mild steel 
PS-2 1025 Cylinder and Cone A 516 Grade 70 steel; Plastic bow dome 
PC-14 1200 Cylinder and Cone A 516 Grade 70 steel; Plastic bow dome 
STAR II 1200 Sphere HY-80 steel 
AQUARIUS 1200 Cylinder A 516 Grade 70 steel; Plastic bow dome 
PISCES | 1200 Sphere Algoma 44 steel 
VOL-LI 1200 Cylinder SA 537 Grade A steel; Plastic bow dome 
VASSENA LECCO 1335 Cylinder 
SURVEY SUB I 1350 Cylinder SA 537 Grade A normalized steel 


TABLE 5.1 PRESSURE HULL SHAPES AND MATERIALS (Cont.) 


Depth 

Submersible (Ft) Hull Shape 
DEEP DIVER 1350 Cylinder 
SP-350 1350 Ellipse 
SEA OTTER 1500 Cylinder 
DEEP VIEW 1500 Cylinder 
SP-500 (2 Vehicles) 1640 Cylinder 
SHINKAI 1968 Cylinder and Bi-Sphere 
ARGYRONETE 1970 Cylinder 
GRIFFON 1970 Cylinder 
BEN FRANKLIN 2000 Cylinder 
OPSUB 2000 Sphere 
SDL-I 2000 Cylinder and Bi-Sphere 
BEAVER 2000 Cylinder and Bi-Sphere 
DEEP JEEP 2000 Sphere 
DEEPSTAR 2000 2000 Cylinder 
STAR Ill 2000 Sphere 
AUGUSTE PICCARD 2500 Cylinder 
PISCES II & II! 3000 Sphere 
DSRV-I 3500 Tri-Sphere 
DEEPSTAR 4000 4000 Sphere 
DSRV-2 5000 Tri-Sphere 
TURTLE 6500 Sphere 
SEA CLIFF 6500 Sphere 
PISCES IV 6500 Sphere 
PISCES V 6500 Sphere 
PISCES VI 6500 Sphere 
DOWB 6500 Sphere 
DEEP QUEST 8000 Bi-Sphere 
SP-3000 10082 Sphere 
ALVIN 12000 Sphere 
FNRS-2 13500 Sphere 
FNRS-3 13500 Sphere 
ALUMINAUT 15000 Cylinder 
DEEPSTAR 20000 20000 Sphere 
TRIESTE II 20000 Sphere 
TRIESTE 36000 Sphere 
ARCHIMEDE 36000 Sphere 


the hemisphere. Figure 5.1 shows the types 
of combination and constructions reportedly 
used to date. To a depth of 2,500 feet the 
cylinder with hemi-heads dominates, and the 
sphere is secondary. The remaining vehicles 
in this depth range are a combination of 
cylinders and spheres and an inverted wedge 
and ellipse. Below 2,500 feet only one (ALU- 


243 


Hull Material 


Rolled and Welded T-I steel; SA 212 Grade B steel 
Forged mild steel 

A 212 B mild steel 

HY-100 steel; Borosilicate glass endcap. 
Steel 

High tensile steel 

High yield strength (SMR-type) steel 
Steel 

Aldur steel and Welmonil steel (West German) 
HY-80 steel 

HY-100 steel 

HY-100 steel 

A 225 B steel 

HY-80 steel 

HY-100 steel 

Aldur 55/68 cylinder; Aldur 55 end caps (West German) 
A 242 steel 

HY-140 steel 

HY-80 steel 

HY-140 steel 

HY-100 steel 

HY-100 steel 

HY-100 steel 

HY-100 steel 

HY-100 steel 

HY-100 steel 

18% Ni 200 KSI grade Maraging steel 
Vascojet 90 steel 

Titanium 621.08 

Ni-Cr-Mo cast steel 

Ni-Cr-Mo cast steel 

Aluminum alloy 7079-T6 

HY-140 steel 

HY-120 steel 

Ni-Cr-Mo forged steel (Krupp) 
Ni-Cr-Mo forged steel 


MINAUT) out of 22 vehicles uses a cylinder 
with hemi-heads; the rest employ spheres. 
The spherical pressure hull is the most 
weight efficient geometry but is least amena- 
ble to efficient interior arrangements. The 
cylinder provides an efficient utilization of 
internal volume but is geometrically ineffi- 
cient with respect to W/D as is a sphere. As 


SPHERE 


BI-SPHERE 
(STAR 1) (DEEP QUEST) 
TRI-SPHERE 
(DSRV) 
SPHERE CYLINDER 
(BEAVER) 
CYLINDER 
(ALUMINAUT) 
ELLIPSE 
(SP-350) 


=e 


CYLINDER/CONE 
INVERTED (PC-14) 
WEDGE 
(GOLDFISH) 


Fig. 5.1 Basic pressure hull shapes. 


depth increases the cylinder must be eter sphere is presented in Table 5.2. Table 
strengthened by frames and thereby weight 5.3 lists the relative major advantages and 
is added to the detriment of the W/D ratio. disadvantages of three basic configurations. 
An example of W/D ratio as related to shape It is important to note that introduction of 
and sphericity (in this case 81/s-inch devia- lightweight materials into pressure hulls 
tion from the nominal radius) in an §-ft-diam- permits greater operational depths while 


244 


TABLE 5.2 POTENTIAL PRESSURE HULL CONFIGURATIONS AND W/D RATIOS 
CONSIDERED FOR THE DSRV. [FROM REF. (1)] 


Material Shape 


HY-130(T) 


Weight/D isplacement 


Near Ag = 1.8 in. Ag = 1.8 in. 
Perfect Stress-Relieved As Fabricated 
0.39 0.46 0.51 
0.40 — —- 

0.41 0.48 0.53 
0.42+ 0.49+ 0.54+ 
0.43 ae 0.49 
0.42 — 0.47 


TABLE 5.3 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SUBMERSIBLE PRESSURE HULL SHAPES 


Advantages 

Sphere iJ: Most favorable weight to displacement ratio 

7d, Thru-hull penetrations easily made 

3. Stress analyses more accurate and less comp 
Ellipse I Favorable weight to displacement ratio 

7. More efficient interior arrangements 

3. Thru-hull penetrations easily incorporated 
Cylinder Ub Fabrication easiest 

2. Most efficient interior arrangements 


3. Low hydrodynamic drag 


maintaining a lower or equal W/D ratio. Such 
is the case with the aluminum ALUMINAUT 
and ALVIN. The latter increased its operat- 
ing depth from 6,000 to 12,000 feet, and also 
decreased its W/D ratio by replacing its HY- 
100 steel hull with titanium. 


lex 


245 


Disadvantages 


1. Difficult interior arrangements 


2: Large hydrodynamic drag 


le Fabrication expensive 
Qe Structural analysis difficult 
15 Least efficient weight to displacement ratio 


2. Stiffeners (internal) required at great depths 
(1,000-ft) 


3. Structural analyses techniques difficult for 
cylinder thru-hull penetrations 


Two major factors controlling both pres- 
sure hull shape and material are the vehi- 
cle’s projected maximum operating depth and 
payload. Both values are derived from the 
basic role the vehicle is expected to perform 
and within what range of ocean depths. Ar- 


0 ) 
1000 
2000 5000 
3000 
4000 
10,000 
z 5000 
a 
2 
= 6000 Fe 
ao Wi 
15,000 
=) Ww , 
7 7000 2 
Ww 
= 
& 8000 = 
2) Ww 
& 9000 ° 20,000 
= 
S 
© 10,000 
S 
+ 11,000 25,000 
12,000 
a 30,000 
14,000 
15,000 
35,000 
16,000 
) 10 20 30 


40 


50 60 70 80 90 100 


PERCENT OF OCEAN LESS THAN INDICATED DEPTH 


Fig. 5.2 Percent of ocean bottom at various depth levels. 


riving at an operating depth is not quite as 
easy as it may appear, especially if the vehi- 
cle is intended to be leased or used by a 
variety of customers. While this problem has 
somewhat diminished owing to a lack of in- 
terest (funds) on the part of potential deep- 
diving customers, it still persists owing to 
varying depths of interest among scientific 
and commercial users, the relatively un- 
known location and quantity of potential ma- 
rine resources and the increasing vehicle 
cost with increasing depth capability. 

The owner must weigh all of the above 
factors to arrive at a useful, economic depth 
of operation. Unfortunately, the ocean bot- 
tom does not provide much assistance. Fig- 
ure 5.2 presents the percent of the ocean 
bottom vs. depth, as well as the number of 


246 


submersibles within various depth ranges. 
Approximately 8 percent of the ocean bottom 
is located at continental shelf depths (0-600 
feet). From this depth downward the per- 
centage of bottom attainable increases 
slowly at the cost of greatly increased depth 
capability. For example, the 1,200-ft STAR II 
can reach 10 percent of the ocean bottom, 
while the far more complex and expensive 
8,000-ft DEEP QUEST does not quite double 
this percentage. Unquestionably, the least 
gain in percentage of accessible bottom is 
from 20,000 feet to 36,000 feet, where the 
percentage of increase is from 98 to 100, 
respectively. The depth decision was particu- 
larly difficult in the early sixties when the 
incipient field offered few clues to depth of 
interests; from the late sixties on a trend 


towards shallower, continental shelf-capable 
vehicles was brought about by the newly 
emerging offshore oil customer. As this cus- 
tomer goes ever-deeper in his quest for pe- 
troleum, the problem of defining a depth 
limit to an oil industry-oriented vehicle be- 
comes increasingly difficult. In essence, the 
selection of an optimum depth is difficult, 
and to err on the side of excess may spell the 
difference between profit or loss for the com- 
mercial lessor. 


MATERIALS 
Pressure hull materials are metallic and 
non-metallic; regardless, all physical proper- 
ties must be characterized and taken into 
account during the process of material selec- 
tion in order to provide a design which will 
perform successfully in the ocean environ- 
ment. Such materials and their welds or 
bonding materials must be characterized to 
account for the following during the material 
selection phase: 
Corrosion: The deterioration of a metal by 
chemical or electrochemical action within 
its evironment, 
Stress-Corrosion Cracking: Failure by flow 
propagation under combined action of a 
flaw and tensile stress, 
Low Cycle Fatigue: Fracture under fluc- 
tuating stresses having a maximum value 
less than the tensile strength of the mate- 
rial. (Low cycle is less than 100,000 fluctua- 
tions in pressure), 
Creep: Time dependent plastic deformation 
(permanent change in size or shape of a 
body) occurring under stress, 
Stress Relief Embrittlement: Reduction in 
the normal ductility of a metal when it is 
heated to a suitable temperature and then 
slowly cooled to reduce residual stresses, 
Brittle Fracture: Fracture with little or no 
plastic deformation which occurs in some 
metals at low temperatures, 
High Strength to Density Ratio: (defined 
previously), 
High Ductility: The ability to deform plas- 
tically without fracturing, 
Fracture Toughness: The ability to deform 
plastically in the presence of a thru-hull 
crack without catastrophic propagation 
and failure, 


247 


Weldability: Suitability of a metal for weld- 
ing under proper conditions, 

Formability: The relative ease with which 
a metal can be shaped through plastic 
deformation, and 

Reproducibility: The process of production 
being such that the material can be se- 
quentially produced to closely approximate 
its predecessor in all properties. 


Equally important are the developmental 
and fabrication cost and the availability of 
the candidate material. 


Submersible pressure hull materials con- 
sist of steel, aluminum, titanium, acrylic 
plastic, glass and wood (Table 5.1). Steel, at 
90 percent, constitutes the overwhelming 
majority of pressure hulls—primarily be- 
cause of the high degree of knowledge availa- 
ble to the designers and fabricators and the 
large amount of experience with respect to 
its performance in the ocean. 


The technical literature devoted to pres- 
sure hull material candidates and their char- 
acteristics is voluminous. Almost all deal 
with materials for deep (greater than 1,000 
ft) diving, with too little attention paid to 
shallow diving. This is unfortunate in view of 
the present trend toward shallow, rather 
than deep, submersibles. One might theorize 
that sufficient is known of materials for shal- 
low vehicles, but this is not always the 
case.For example, a portion of DEEP DI- 
VER’s pressure hull consists of a grade of T-1 
steel which, when a flaw is present in a 
tensile stress field, is subject to brittle frac- 
ture at low temperatures. While this steel 
might be acceptable in certain ocean areas, 
or by employing design and fabrication tech- 
niques which would preclude tensile stresses 
and minimize the flaw size, it was not accept- 
able to the U.S. Navy (2). They declined 
material certification because of the lack of 
material characterization (fracture mechan- 
ics properties) and the potential existence of 
flaws and residual tensile stresses in weld- 
ments. 

The reason for the trend toward high 
strength steels is their high yield stress, 
acceptable fatigue and fracture properties 
and fabricability. 

At the very least, submersible develop- 
ment and operations in the decade of the 


STEEL 


20,000 
ALUMINUM 
30,000 
COLLAPSE 
DEPTH IN 
FEET 40,000 TITANIUM 


50,000 


GLASS 


0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 
WEIGHT OF SPHERE 


WEIGHT OF DISPLACEMENT 
IN SEAWATER 
a) [After Bernstein, Ref. (4)] 


QUALITATIVE COMPARISON OF FACTORS INFLUENCING 
SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR HYDROSPACE VEHICLES 


S — STEEL 

AL — ALUMINUM 

TI-TITANIUM 
GP—GLASS-REINFORCED PLASTIC 
CG—CAST GLASS 


S AL TI GP CG S AL TI GP CG S AL Ti GP CG S AL TI GP CG S AL Ti GP CG 


STRENGTH/DENSITY DESIGNABILITY FABRICABILITY PRODUCIBILITY ECONOMY 


b) [After Gross, Ref. (12)] 


Fig. 5.3 a) W/D ratio vs. collapse depth of five material candidates for spherical pressure hulls. 
b) Qualitative comparison of pressure hull materials. 


248 


sixties put to rest a number of “‘can’ts’”’ and 
“undesirables” in regard to materials for 
pressure hulls. Let us look at two examples: 

1. Aluminum was considered by many to 
be unacceptable as a pressure hull ma- 
terial because it is unweldable and sub- 
ject to stress-corrosion cracking. How- 
ever, ALUMINAUT’s designers simply 
bolted its cylindrical sections and hemi- 
spherical endcaps together, and placed 
sacrifical anodes at various locations 
about the hull; ALUMINAUT performed 
successfully for several years before its 
retirement in 1970 (3). 

2. Bernstein (4) relates that tests at the 
Naval Applied Science Laboratory in 
early 1965 disclosed that the titanium 
alloy Ti-721 was also susceptible to 
stress-corrosion at high tensile stress 
levels, but in 1973 ALVIN was fitted 
with a titanium pressure hull using an 
alloy insensitive to this problem. 

A major innovation in pressure hull mate- 
rials grew out of the introduction of acrylic 
plastic viewports by Piccard, which has since 
led to complete pressure hulls of this mate- 
rial. Dr. Jerry Stachiw, the leader in the 
research and development efforts leading to 
the acceptance of acrylic plastic by the U. S. 
Navy, presents a quasi-technical account of 
the development and fabrication of acrylic 
pressure hulls from NEMO through to the 
JOHNSON SEA LINK (5). More technical and 
detailed accounts are presented in refer- 
ences (6-10). 


Equally innovative and promising is the 
introduction of glass as an endcap for DEEP 
VIEW. This application grew out of the early 
work with HIKINO under Mr. Will Forman 
at China Lake, California. Though DEEP 
VIEW is only certified to 100 feet, its design 
is experimental for the purpose of overcom- 
ing some of glass’s shortcomings, such as its 
brittleness, high sensitivity to surface abra- 
sion, and considerable strength degradation 
at joints (11). The advantages of both acrylic 
plastic and glass are a low weight/displace- 
ment ratio and panoramic visibility. Figure 
5.3a shows the variations of collapse depth 
for spherical hulls of various materials 
against W/D ratio; the advantages in this 
area are clearly in favor of glass and glass 
reinforced plastic (GRP) for deep diving. 

While some materials are clearly favored 
in some areas, others offer advantages of 
their own which must be weighed against 
the favorite. Figure 5.3b compares five candi- 
date materials and their advantages and dis- 
advantages. 

While titanium, glass and GRP will un- 
doubtedly see a future in manned submers- 
ibles, provided the material development 
cost is not prohibitive, steel continues to be 
the prime candidate; according to Ballinger 
and Garland (13) the best of these steels are 
HY-100, HY-140, HP9-4-20 and 18 percent 
nickel maraging steel, the chemical analyses 
and mechanical properties for which are 
given in Table 5.4; both are taken from the 
same report. 


TABLE 5.4 CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF STEELS 
FOR SUBMERSIBLE VEHICLE PRESSURE HULLS [FROM REF. (13)] 


c Mn P Ss Si 


Ni Cr Mo Vv Co Ti Al 


HY-100 0.20Max 0.10/0.40 0.25Max 0.25Max 0.15/0.35 2.25/3.50 1.00/1.80 0.20/0.60 0.03 Max — 0.02 Max — 


HY-140  0.12Max 0.60/0.90 0.01 Max 0.01Max 0.20/0.35 4.75/5.25 —0.40/0.70 0.30/0.65 0.05/0.10 = 0.02 Max == 


HP9-4-20 0.17/0.23 0.20/0.30 0.01Max 0.01Max 0.10Max 8.5/9.5 0.65/0.85 0.90/1.10 0.06/0.10 4.25/4.75 — == 


18% NI 0.03 Max 0.10Max 0.01Max 0.01Max 0.10Max 17.50/19.00 — 3.50/4.50 —_ 7,00/8.00 0.05/0.25 0.05/0.15 


Maraging 


TYPICAL MECHANICAL PROPERTIES FOR STEELS FOR DEEP 
SUBMERSIBLE PRESSURE HULLS [FROM REF. (13)] 


0.2% Offset 


Yield Strength Tensile Strength 


Charpy V-Notch Kic¢ Modulus 


Material KSI KSI Fr/Lb KSI Vin. EX 10° psi 
HY-100 100 120 >50 @ -120°F 30 
HY-140 140 155 60 to +120 @ OF > 150 30 
HP 9-4-20 180 215 50 @0°F > 150 29 


18% NI 175/200 190/215 
Maraging 


35 @ Room Temp. 100/120 20 


249 


Only one submersible is known with wood 
as a pressure hull material, the Helle SUB- 
MANAUT. Stachiw (14) reported tests at the 
U.S. Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory 
with mahogany plywood cylinders and, by 
virtue of its low density (0.016 lb/in.) and a 
strength to weight ratio better than that of 
hot or cold rolled low carbon steels, found it 
to be quite suitable for depths less than 2,000 
feet. Remarking on its low cost and easy 
workability, Stachiw recommends it as a can- 
didate material for individuals or institu- 
tions where limited construction budgets 
prevail. 

An equally promising, and unexpected, ma- 
terial is concrete (Fig. 5.4). Using an espe- 
cially formulated concrete mix, Stachiw (15) 
tested 16-inch-diameter, 1-inch-thick con- 
crete spheres, with no reinforcement, to de- 
struction and subjected them to long-term 
pressure. Two hemispheres were joined with 
8288-A Epocast furane epoxy after curing for 
1 month in a 100 percent humidity room. One 
puzzling aspect of the tests was that while 
permeability of the concrete to seawater was 
low (5 ml/hr at 1,500 psi), the salinity of the 
water inside the sphere was less than that 
outside. Although more testing is required to 
man-rate such materials, Stachiw recom- 
mends its use for fixed installations to 3,500 
feet where positive buoyancy is required. 


FABRICATION 


The joining together of the pressure hull 
components—hemisphere-to-hemisphere cyl- 
inder-to-endcap, ete.—has been accomplished 
in several ways: Welding, bolting, adhesive 
bonding, clamping, and retaining rings. 
Though relatively straight-forward in a 
metal-to-metal bond, the problem becomes 
quite complex with bonds such as glass-to- 
metal. 


Welding: 

The majority of submersible pressure hulls 
are joined together by welding; both the 
welding material’s physical properties and 
the welder himself are governed by well- 
defined military or civil (commercial) regula- 
tions. The welding material should be the 
equivalent of the parent (pressure hull) ma- 
terial and stored under exacting conditions 


to control moisture content which could gen- 
erate nascent hydrogen in the weld and 
thereby weaken it. The U.S. Navy has estab- 
lished MILSPECS which govern welding ma- 
terial and the storage thereof. The American 
Society of Mechanical Engineers has defined 
requirements for welding of various pressure 
vessels for use by the commercial sector. 

Similarly, both groups have requirements 
and tests which the welder must pass and 
efficiency levels he must maintain. Such 
tests include welding in different positions 
such as downhand and overhand, and sub- 
jecting the welds to various bending, pulling 
and impact tests, as well as to X-ray and 
ultrasonic inspection. In the case of BEN 
FRANKLIN, a dye penetrant system served 
as an additional test of the welders’ effi- 
ciency (16). 

Fabrication of the BEN FRANKLIN hull 
(Fig. 5.5) employed both welding and bolting 
techniques, and the checks and treatment 
during fabrication incorporated the majority 
of procedures followed in all steel-hulled ve- 
hicles. Two European steels, Aldur (77,800 


Fig. 5.4 Short cylindrical concrete hull shown prior to epoxy bonding of hemisphere 
caps onto cylinder section. (NCEL) 


psi yield) and Welmonil (71,500 psi yield) 
were used in the cylinder and hemispherical 
endcaps, respectively. These possess proper- 
ties quite similar to HY steels. The cylindri- 
cal portion of the hull was fashioned from six 
sections of rolled steel cold-formed to cylin- 
drical shape in a plane-rolling machine and 
the longitudinal joint hand-welded. Sixteen 
stiffener rings were fabricated of Aldur steel 
and, when finished, placed on a special jig 
where the cylinders were heated to 200°C 
and lowered over the ring stiffeners. The 
rings were welded to the cylinders at an 
ambient temperature of 150°C. The endeaps 
were formed of seven orange-peel sections 
cut out of plate steel and forged to the shape 
of a hemisphere at 900°C. The seven cylindri- 
cal sections and endeaps were tack welded 
together and then the main circumferential 
welds made automatically outside and by 


i 


Fig. 5.5 BEN FRANKLIN's pressure hull. (Grumman Aerospace) 


251 


hand inside. Brackets and clips were welded 
at various locations outside the hull for later 
attachment of ballast tanks, motors and the 
like. Extra attachment points were included 
to provide for future growth or modifications 
of the vehicle. Welding such brackets or clips 
to the hull after it has been completed should 
be avoided as it introduces high local resid- 
ual stresses which, in general, are impracti- 
cal to stress relieve by heat treatment after 
the hull has been finished and outfitted. 

When all welds were completed and 
checked, the two sections were stress re- 
lieved, or heated, to remove residual stresses 
in both the parent and weld materials. This 
procedure consisted of heating the hull to 
525°C and holding it there for 3.5 hours (2 
minutes for each mm of thickness) and then 
slowly cooling it in still air. 

As described, BEN FRANKLIN’s endcaps 


were formed by the welding of orange pee! 
sections to form a hemisphere; not all hemi- 
spheres are formed in this manner. ALVIN’s 
spherical pressure hull is composed of two 
hemispheres, both of which were originally 
flat, steel discs subsequently placed on a 
spinning table while a hydraulically-powered 
roller applied pressure over a form to shape 
the disc into the desired hemisphere (Fig. 
5.6). This same procedure, hot spinning, was 
used to form the hulls of DEEP QUEST, the 
DSRV’s, GUPPY, and several other U.S. sub- 
mersibles. 

Following another complete inspection of 


the welds of BEN FRANKLIN, over 2,000 
measurements were made to check hull 
straightness and circularity. Radius toler- 
ance is +5 mm of the theoretical radius at 
any point; straightness tolerance is +2.5 mm 
from a straight line between any two adja- 
cent stiffeners. Both sections were sand- 
blasted and painted with two coats of zinc- 
based epoxy and one coat of paint. 

The two sections, flanges welded in each 
and machined to 1.25-inch thickness, were 
bolted together with 60 bolts. A shoulder 
projects from the aft section into the forward 
section to transfer shear loads at the joint. 


Fig. 5.6 Hot spinning ALVIN's pressure hull Roller at left of picture applies pressure while the steel sphere is spun and maintained at a high temperature. (WHOI) 


An “O” ring groove was machined in the 
forward flange to hold a 9-mm-diameter neo- 
prene ring which provides a watertight seal 
at low pressure. Metal-to-metal contact of 
the flanges during deep submergence serves 
as a high pressure seal. BEN FRANKLIN 
was bolted together to accommodate future 
plans for a diver lock-out module which could 
replace the original aft section. The finished 
hull prior to bolting is shown in Figure 5.5. 


Bolting: 

Where the pressure hull material is essen- 
tially non-weldable it may be bolted to- 
gether. ALUMINAUT serves as an example. 
ALUMINAUT?’s pressure hull (Fig. 5.7) is com- 
posed of 11 cylinders and 2 hemispherical 
endcaps. Thirteen huge aluminum ingots 
(17,000 lb each) were cast as rectangles and 
then heated and forged under hydraulic 
presses into a cylindrical shape. The centers 
were then punched out and the partially 
shaped pieces transferred to a ring rolling 
machine and rolled to their final contour; 
these and the endcaps were later machined 


to critical tolerances of 32-microinch finish 
on all joint faces (17). The pieces, after sand- 
blasting, received four coats of different col- 
ored polyurethane paint 0.002-inch thick to 
show surface scratches. Flanges were then 
bolted to each cylinder and then bolted to- 
gether. The selection of bolts and the bolting 
procedures were practically laboratory con- 
trolled. After initial jig drilling, bolt holes 
were reamed to tolerances of 0.0005 inch or 
better in roundness and 0.001 inch for size. 
Some 400 bolts are used in the hull; each bolt 
and bolt hole was measured individually and 
matched to each other for the best fit. Each 
bolt was then shrink-fitted by cooling it in 
liquid nitrogen at —320°F prior to insertion 
and allowed to expand to a degree where no 
bolt diameter exceeded hole diameter by 
more than twelve ten-thousandths of an inch. 
In this case, there was no intention of later 
unbolting sections as with BEN FRANKLIN. 


Adhesive: 
On plastic-hulled vehicles neither bolting 
nor welding is feasible; hence, an adhesive or 


Fig. 5.7 ALUMINAUTs pressure hull. (Reynolds Submarine Services) 


glue is used. In the case of NEMO, 12 spheri- 
cal pentagons were made by first sawing 
dises from a flat sheet of Plexiglas G (Rohm 
& Haas), and then molding the flat dise to 
the desired spherical shape. Each sphere was 
then machined to a pentagonal shape. The 
pentagons were then placed in an assembly 
jig (six at a time) until two quasi-hemi- 
spheres were formed which were then 
bonded to each other (Fig. 5.8). In bonding 
operations the pentagons were spaced 0.125 
inch apart with plastic spacers and the joint 
on each side was covered with an adhesive 
backed aluminum foil (Scotch Brand No. 
425). Swedlow’s proprietary casting material 
SS-6217 was used to bond the pentagons 
together (18). Bubbles, visible in the bonding 
cement, were removed by machining or drill- 
ing and, after an annealing process, the 
areas to be repaired were filled with SS-6217. 

Two conical steel (cadmium plated 4130 
steel) end plates are at the top and bottom of 
the sphere; the former is the hatch and the 
latter is for thru-hull penetrations. These 
are held in place by retaining rings. 


Clamping: 

The present TRIESTE IT has two hemi- 
spheres, manufactured by Hahn and Clay, of 
a high yield steel (HY-120); the weldability of 
this material is unknown. Consequently, a 
circumferential flange was machined along 
the outer edge of each hemisphere; the two 
sections were aligned by means of an align- 
ment groove. Then a bolted “C” type clamp- 
ing ring was fitted over both flanges around 
the entire sphere to hold both halves to- 
gether (Fig. 5.9). An O-ring outboard of the 
alignment groove serves as a low pressure 
seal. The original Krupp sphere was of three 
sections (two disk-like endeaps and a central 
cylinder-like section). The three sections 
were originally bonded together by epoxy 
resin, but this glue failed, and the sphere 
was subsequently held together by six metal 
bands gripping two metal rings top and bot- 
tom. 


Glass-to-Metal: 

A special situation exists with joining 
glass to metal as in DEEP VIEW. The soft- 
ness of glass, its low Young’s Modulus and 
high Poisson’s ratio, makes it difficult to 
mate with metals which generally have the 


254 


Fig. 5.8 The plastic hull of NEMO after bonding together of twelve spherical 
pentagons. (NCEL) 


SIGHTING PORT 


ACCESS HATCH 


PLEXIGLASS WINDOW 


CLAMPING RING 


Fig. 5.9 Centerline section of TRIESTE //'s pressure hull. Note tapered reinforce- 
ment at viewport. 


opposite characteristics (19). Following many 
trials and testing by W. R. Forman and his 
associates at NUC, the edge of the hemi- 
sphere joining the steel cylindrical pressure 
hull was ground round to a radius equal to 
one-half the shell thickness and a neoprene- 
coated nylon gasket was fitted between the 
two (Fig. 5.10). This configuration and very 
careful fitting eliminated edge failures. A 
titanium retaining ring holds both glass end- 
cap and steel cylinder together. 


HULL PENETRATIONS 


Unlike large military submarines, a sub- 
mersible’s interior is quite limited, and items 
such as batteries and motors are frequently 
located outside the pressure hull. All sub- 
mersibles have one or more thru-hull pene- 
trations which serve as: Personnel access 
hatches, viewports, and hydraulic, electric, 
and mechanical penetrations. 

If such openings are small in comparison 
to the pressure hull dimensions, the stress 
level in the area adjacent to the opening is 
not significantly altered. If the opening is 
comparatively large, as are hatches and 
viewports, reinforcement of the area immedi- 
ately adjacent to the opening is required 
(Fig. 5.11). In general a tapered reinforce- 
ment is used, especially for viewport pene- 
trations. Such reinforcement can be of con- 
siderable thickness; for example, TRIESTE’s 
Terni sphere ran from a thickness of 3.5 
inches to 6 inches around the viewports. 
Stresses around viewports have been studied 
and results for the ALVIN viewports are 
presented in reference (20). In the case of 
hatches, it is possible to machine both hatch 
and hull mating surfaces to ensure that the 
hatch acts as an integral part of the hull and 
thereby minimizes the thickness of the rein- 
forcement (21); for this reason no reinforce- 
ments are seen around TRIESTE’s access 
hatch. 

The majority of penetrations in cylindrical 
pressure hulls are found in the endcap hemi- 
spheres, the reason being that most of the 
external equipment is located adjacent to 
the enclosures. When large penetrations are 
required and present major structural dis- 
continuities, such as the intersection of two 
spheres or two cylinders, the designer must 


255 


employ generalized structural analysis com- 
puter programs, i.e., finite element or finite 
difference, to determine the configuration 
and size of the reinforcement. A final verifi- 
cation of the stress magnitude and displace- 
ment is obtained by placing the entire hull in 
a chamber where the pressure is raised to 
various levels and measuring the values ex- 
perimentally. However, large submersibles 
of the BEN FRANKLIN variety are too large 
for this procedure; hence, experimental 
stress verification data is obtained during 
the submersible’s sea trials. A standard rule 
of the ASME Pressure Vessel Code for exter- 
nally pressurized structures is that the rein- 
forcement shall consist of 100 percent of the 
material taken from the hull. For example, if 
2-inch-diameter pipe is to pass through a 1- 
inch-thick hull, then the 3.14 cubic inches of 
material must be replaced as reinforcement 


———_ METAL 


Fig. 5.10 Cross section of glass to metal joint. [From Ref. (19)] 


Fig. 5.11 Reinforcements and retainers for the pressure hull of ALVIN showing window retainers (background), lift padeyes (center), penetrator shims (right and foreground) and 
release hooks (center foreground). (WHOI) 


with a taper of 4.1; viewport reinforcements 
in deep submersibles are slightly less than 
100 percent. 


Hatches: 


The majority of hatch or personnel access 
openings are circular and designed to fit asa 
cone in the pressure hull; the smallest of 
these is in the DEEP STAR-series vehicles 
where 15.75-inch diameter prevails. Two ex- 
ceptions to the above generalization exist: 1) 
certain shallow-diving vehicles, e.g., PC-3A 1 
& 2, NEKTON A,B,C, where the hatch is a 
circular dome disk and fits flush over a cylin- 
drical conning tower (Fig. 5.12) and 2) certain 


256 


lock-out vehicles where the hatch may be 
oval shaped. The reason for an oval shape in 
the lock-out vehicles, though not immedi- 
ately apparent, is really quite simple and 
compelling. Within the lock-out portion of a 
submersible the internal pressure may not 
only equal, but may exceed, ambient (exter- 
nal) pressure during decompression on the 
surface. For this reason a double-acting 
hatch is required. This takes the form of an 
internal hatch and an external hatch. In 
order to initially install or remove the inter- 
nal hatch from the pressure hull the access 
opening must be other than circular, other- 
wise it would be impossible to insert the 
larger diameter circular hatch through a 
smaller diameter penetration. 


Fig. 5.12 Hatch and cover of NEKTON GAMMA 


Electrical: 

There is a wide variety of electrical hull 
penetrations (Chap. 7) which serve an 
equally wide variety of functions. Basically 
the penetrator is sealed by an O-ring to 
prevent low pressure leakage and a hard 
metallic backup ring for a metal-to-metal 
seal at high pressure. Figure 5.13 presents 
the design of a penetrator for DEEP QUEST. 
By tightening the retaining nut the joint can 
be made to seal properly. 


Mechanical: 

Because of the tremendous pressures ex- 
erted on the hull of a deep-diving submers- 
ible, thru-hull rotating or reciprocating me- 
chanical shafts and linkages are generally 
avoided. If the propulsion motor, for exam- 
ple, was located within the hull and rotated a 
propeller-driven shaft which penetrated the 
hull, a dynamic seal capable of limiting the 
leakage of seawater into the hull at differen- 


257 


OUTBOARD 


'O” RING 
_= HEADER 


_= HULL FITTING BODY 


— HULL 


INBOARD 


—— POTTING 


SPACER 


WASHER 


— RETAINER NUT 


LOCKING NUT 


MOLDED BOOT 


ELECTRICAL 
CONDUCTORS 


Fig. 5.13 DEEP QUEST's electrical penetrator. 


tial pressures of perhaps 7 or 8 thousand psi 
would be required; dynamic seals for these 
pressures are not available. To further com- 
plicate the problem, the pressure hull itself 
is not structurally stable and can be ex- 
pected to shrink as the vehicle goes deeper. 
ALUMINAUT is calculated to lose 1 inch in 
length and 0.1 inch in diameter at 15,000 feet 
(17). Such characteristics further complicate 
the difficulties of mechanical penetrations on 
deep submersibles (greater than 1,000-ft 
depth), and is a prime reason for their gen- 
eral absence. 

Nonetheless, mechanical penetrations are 
included on the shallow vehicles and in some 
cases on deep vehicles where their advan- 
tages are seen to outweigh their disadvan- 
tages. The following presents the functions 
of mechanical penetrators found on vehicles 
today. 


a) Propellers and Thrusters: In vehicles 
such as SEA OTTER, DEEP DIVER and the 
NEKTON series, the main propulsion motor 
is housed in a watertight box penetrated by 
a shaft to drive the main propulsion unit ora 
thruster. The motor container is separate 
from the hull as a safety precaution, and the 
shaft, in DEEP DIVER’s case, is sealed by a 
shoulder bearing against two sleeves 
screwed into the penetration and an O-ring 
for low pressure protection. 


b) Dive Planes and Rudders: Some shallow- 
diving vehicles include hull penetrations for 
manual control of diving planes and rudders. 


c) Hatch Shafts: Several vehicles include a 
mechanical penetration through the hatch 
which serves as a leverage or rotating point 
around which the hatch seals are closed or 
opened (Fig. 5.12). 


d) Weight Drop Shafts: The greatest num- 
ber of mechanical penetrations are for the 
purpose of dropping weights, generally in an 
emergency, to gain positive buoyancy. This 
type of penetration only rotates in one plane 
and is preferred over electric weight drop- 
ping actuators owing to the possibility of 
electrical failure. ALVIN incorporates such 
an arrangement to separate the sphere from 
the entire exostructure. 


e) Manipulators: The NEKTON-class sub- 
mersibles provide a mechanical penetration 
for a 3-ft-long steel rod which is manually 


258 


pushed out or pulled into the vehicle. The rod 
incorporates a claw at its outer end and can 
grasp samples as desired. According to Dr. R. 
F. Dill (NOAA, personal communication), at 
1,000 feet the pressure shrinkage of the hull 
causes the arm to come down with “arthri- 
tis,’ and considerable effort is required to 
manipulate the device. 

f) Hull Vents: Several submersibles con- 
tain penetrations for replenishing the pres- 
sure hull air or to equalize hull air pressure. 
In the first case snorkels are employed for 
surface cruising. In the latter case (BEA- 
VER) a valve is activated in an emergency 
which brings main ballast air into the hull 
and builds pressure up to ambient so that 
the passengers may open the hatch and exit. 
The All Ocean Industries’ submersible has a 
curious arrangement whereby the main bal- 
last tanks vent into the pressure hull. To 
prevent a buildup of air pressure a second 
valve, connected to a snorkel, is opened and 
the air vents outboard. The operating in- 
structions for the submersible cautions the 
operator to secure the ballast tank vent 
valve as soon as a little water appears in- 
board. 


Viewports: 

In an extremely detailed and comprehen- 
sive paper, NCEL engineers Snoey and 
Stachiw (22) present the history, application, 
advantages and disadvantages of materials 
and shapes for submersible viewports. The 
basis for their report rests in a series of 
exhaustive tests and analyses of viewports 
and their materials at NCEL. The reader is 
referred to this report and its references for 
detailed aspects of viewport design and ma- 
terials capabilities. 

Three materials have been used for view- 
ports: fused quartz, acrylic plastic and glass. 
The first of these was used by Beebe in the 
BATHYSPHERE, but his difficulties with 
cracking and chipping persuaded the elder 
Piccard to look for an alternative, which 
proved to be acrylic plastic. Acrylic plastic is 
now the accepted viewport material for all 
but two submersibles; KUROSHIO II and 
YOMIURI both use glass. 

Table 5.5 presents the properties of glass 
and acrylic plastic. In essence, where one is 
strong, the other is weak. According to refer- 


TABLE 5.5 PROPERTIES OF MATERIALS [FROM REF. (22)] 


Acrylic Plastic Glass 
Property Rohm & Haas Corning PYREX Units 
PLEXIGLAS G Code 7740 
Tensile Strength (Maximum) 10,500 10,000 psi 
Modulus of Elasticity (Tensile) 450,000 9,100,000 psi 
Compressive Strength (Maximum) 18,000 300,000 psi 
Modulus of Elasticity (Compressive) 450,000 9,100,000 psi 
Flexural Strength (Maximum) 16,000 35,000 psi 
Shear Modulus 166,000 3,900,000 psi 
Impact (Charpy) 14.0 Very low and ft-lb/in.2 
Scattered 
Poisson's Ratio 0.35 0.2 - 
Hardness Rockwell M-93 Knoop 481 ~- 
Deformation Under Load 0.5 0 % 


(4,000 psi @ 122°F, 24 hr) 


Specific Gravity 1.19 2.23 = 

Specific Heat 0.35 0.233 Btu/Ib°F 
Coefficient of Thermal Conductivity 0.11 0.92 Btu/hr ft°F 
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 40 x 10°6 1.78 x 10°6 in./in./°F 
Water Absorption 0.2 0 % 
Corrosion Resistance Excellent Excellent - 
Refractive Index 1.49 1.47 - 

Light Transmission 92 90 % 

ence (22) there are three major disadvan- yielding. The tensile stresses usually 
tages with glass as viewport material: stem from glass/metal interfaces. 


3) Glasses fail catastrophically without 
any prior yielding or permanent defor- 
mation that might serve as warning. 

On the other hand, plastic offers the follow- 
ing advantages: 


1) Poor reproducibility in mechanical prop- 
erties from one manufactured specimen 
to another stemming from inadequate 
quality control. 


2) Occurrence of tensile stresses in designs 1) Reproducibility in physical properties 
for a material that has low tensile from one viewport to another is excel- 
strength and no tolerance for localized lent. 


259 


2) The low modulus of elasticity and plas- 
tic flow characteristic permit localized 
yielding and redistribution of stresses. 
The plastic flow in the form of extrusion 
and extensive fracturing provides warn- 
ing of impending failure sufficiently in 
advance to terminate a dive without the 
viewport imploding. 

Another report (23) states that before 
failing plastic becomes translucent, but 
this was not reported in the NCEL stud- 
ies. 

For such reasons acrylic plastic is the 
prime viewport material in submersibles. 
That plastics will remain in this exclusive 
position is difficult to predict. According to 
Edgerton (24), glass has the advantage of 
less optical distortion than plastic, and from 
Figure 5.3, it is clear that glass offers the 
best W/D ratio. The present difficulty in 
working with glass primarily reflects its 
newness as a candidate for pressure hulls. 
Acrylic plastic also offered initial difficulties, 
but years of research and testing have 
brought it to the point where it will advance 
from a Category III to a Category II mate- 
rial (see Chap. 13) after long-term loading 
tests, now in progress, are completed to de- 
termine its creep and fatigue characteristics. 
If the need for glass as a pressure hull, 
viewport or other component material be- 


3 


wm 


4 


wm 


PRESSURE 
HULL 


PACKING MATERIAL 


VIEWPORT 


comes pressing, it is likely that the technol- 
ogy will evolve to overcome its present defi- 
ciencies. 

Three configurations are used to join 
acrylic plastic viewports to the pressure hull: 
Flat circular discs, truncated cones and wrap- 
around windows such as in Martine’s SUB- 
MANAUT. Considerable testing and evalua- 
tion of the first two forms (Fig. 5.14 & 5.15) 
have been conducted on acrylic viewports at 
the U.S. Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory 
(25, 26). No studies are reported for the char- 
acteristics of the wrap-around variety. 

Flat Viewports: The results of the NCEL 
studies show that the windows should be 
sealed in a flange cavity by means of a 
radially compressed ‘“O” ring contained in a 
circumferential groove midway between the 
viewport’s parallel faces. The viewport may 
bear directly on the steel seat or on a 2/s2- 
inch-thick neoprene gasket. If no gasket is 
used, a liberal coating of silicone grease ap- 
plied to the flange may suffice. To hold the 
viewport a retaining ring resting on a !/a- 
inch rubber gasket of 60- to 100-durometer 
hardness is recommended. The viewport 
should have a maximum diameter to minor 
opening ratio of 1.5 and a radial clearance of 
0.005 inch or less between viewport edge and 
flange cavity (Fig. 5.14). Reference (25) rec- 
ommends that a safety factor of 4 be used at 


RETAINING 
RING 


INSERT 


Fig. 5.14 Flat acrylic plastic viewport. 


260 


these conditions. It is impractical to con- 
struct the viewport flange or its housing out 
of the hull itself. For this reason, an insert is 
separately machined, then forged to the de- 
sired tapered thickness and subsequently 
welded into the hull with the insert in place. 
The inserts are also required to be of mate- 
rial similar to that of the hull. 

Conical Viewports: From its first inception, 
the 90 degree conical acrylic plastic viewport 


RETAINING 
RING 


of Professor Piccard has been the mainstay 
of deep submersibles. The only reported inci- 
dent of failure was aboard ASHERAH when 
it struck an underwater object and cracked 
its viewport; however, no flooding resulted. 
Exhaustive testing (26) of plastic viewports 
of various thicknesses and angles produced 
sufficient knowledge to recommend dimen- 
sional constraints and viewport seal design. 
Figure 5.15 presents typical sealing on past 


GASKET 
VIEWPORT 
HULL 


(a) Lapped-Joint Seal. 


(b) Gasket Seal. 


"/wm 


(c) O-Ring Seal No. 1 


(d) O-ring Seal No. 2. 


Fig. 5.15 Current conical viewport seal designs. [From Ref. (26) ] 


261 


and present submersibles; Figure 5.16 pre- 
sents a design recommended for habitats as 
well as for submersibles where long-term 
creep loading introduces more stringent re- 
quirements. 

All the current and proposed designs call 
for a retaining ring and either an “O” ring or 
gasket for low pressure seals. The high pres- 
sure seal is effected by making a lapped-joint 
seal between the viewport and insert. An 80- 
to 90-percent contact is achieved by surface 
finishing in the 8- to 32-rms range. Snoey 
and Katona (26) provide a step-by-step deri- 
vation of the formulas and curves related to 
conical viewport design and include test pro- 
cedures which preceded these data. 

Piping: 

Submersible piping systems serve several 
functions: 

Ballasting: Carrying compressed air from 
storage to ballast tanks for blowing. 

Trim: Transporting trim fluids fore or aft 
to their respective reservoirs. 

Hydraulics: Transporting fluid to activate 
a device such as a manipulator or weight 
dropper. 

Breathing Gasses: Supplying air or mixed 
gas from external reservoirs into the pres- 
sure hull or within the pressure hull itself. 


O-RING SEAL NO. 3 


O-RING — PARKER 2 — 457, N-183-9 
NITRILE (BUNA N) 
90 DUROMETER 


Four types of materials have been used to 
perform these functions: Cupro-nickel, mo- 
nel, stainless steel and flexible wire-braided 
plastic hose. 


Cupro-nickel (7030) is a universally ac- 
cepted piping material for the transfer of 
salt water. It is very corrosion resistant but 
costly. 


Monel has the same advantages as cupro- 
nickel and has been used primarily for oxy- 
gen systems. Its disadvantages are not only 
cost, it is difficult to obtain by virtue of its 
wide use and demand in military subma- 
rines. Strangely, according to Purcell and 
Kriedt (27), it is not clear why monel is the 
preferred material for oxygen systems in 
U.S. military submarines; indeed, after a 
thorough investigation into the advantages 
and disadvantages of other materials, they 
conclude that other materials would serve as 
well. 


Stainless steel piping finds wide applica- 
tion in submersibles of the private sector. 
Though not as corrosion resistant as cupro- 
nickel and monel, it is far less expensive and 
easily obtained. Standard aircraft 3/s-inch 
stainless steel is the most commonly used 
variety. 


———- 


14.189 5) am. 


14,240 


NOTE — AFTER MACHINING, ANNEAL AT 
175°F FOR 22 HOURS; COOL AT 
5°F PER HOUR 


Fig. 5.16 Recommended viewport seal design. [From Ref. (26) ] 


262 


Under conditions where the piping will 
serve vibrating or rotating devices, such as 
manipulators, flexible hosing is sometimes 
used to transport the hydraulic fluid. Several 
varieties of wire-braided plastic hosing are 
available to serve this function. 


EXTERNAL STRUCTURES 


External to the pressure hull are two ma- 
jor structural components: 1) An exostruc- 
ture consisting of a supporting framework to 
carry the pressure hull and operational de- 
vices; and 2) a fairing enclosing the exostruc- 
ture and, in some cases, streamlining the hull to 
reduce both hydrodynamic drag and the po- 
tential for fouling with underwater objects. 


EXOSTRUCTURE 


Penzias and Goodman (28) aptly describe a 


submersible’s exostructure as ‘. . . the 
framework on which everything else hangs; 
the pressure hull being merely one of the 
‘cargo units’ suspended within or beneath 
it.” The exostructure of DEEPSTAR 4000 in 
Figure 5.17 demonstrates their analogy. 

In several of the large, cylindrical vehicles, 
e.g., ALUMINAUT, BEN FRANKLIN, AU- 
GUSTE PICCARD, much of the equipment 
that would be external to a smaller spherical 
pressure-hulled vehicle is carried inside be- 
cause of the availability of greater interior 
volume. Consequently the need for an exo- 
structure is limited to propulsion mountings, 
rudders, diving planes and control sensors 
such as sonar and echo sounders. The major- 
ity of spherically hulled submersibles, how- 
ever, require an exostructure. 

Having decided on the shape, penetrations 
and materials for the pressure hull, design of 
the exostructure should be completed prior 


Fig. 5.17 The exostructure of DEEPSTAR 4000. (Westinghouse Corp.) 


to final stress relief of the hull. As explained 
above, if the exostructure is to be bolted to 
the hull, which many are (Fig. 5.17), the 
attachment points should be welded on be- 
fore final stress relieving in order that no 
residual stresses remain in the welds or 
heat-affected zones. If the exostructure is to 
be strapped to the hull, e.g., SDL-1, then 
such precautions are unnecessary. 

Design of the exostructure is preceded by a 
great deal of research into the vehicle’s pro- 
jected components and subsystems; essen- 
tially, the submersible is virtually ‘‘sized” 
(see Chap. 6) by the time the exostructure is 


designed. Figure 5.18 provides an idea of the 
complexity involved in packaging the variety 
of necessary equipment. Some of the consid- 
erations that must be resolved before final 
design are as follows: 


1) Location of objects as they affect trim, 
buoyancy and their own ability to per- 
form. 

2) Volume of objects: Are they compatible 
with the dimensional constraints of the 
vehicle? 

3) Weight of objects both in air and in 
water. 


Fig. 5.18 Stern view of DEEPSTAR 4000 showing “packing” of the exostructure. (NAVOCEANO) 


4 


wm 


Displacement of objects as they affect 
buoyancy. 

Non-interference with hookup points if 
the vehicle is to be launched/retrieved. 
Strength of the exostructure. Clearly, 
the fully encumbered exostructure must 
be able to withstand the anticipated 
rigors of shock loading both at sea and 
during transport. 

Accessibility of components which may 
require routine removal and servicing 
without completely disassembling the 
framework. 

Shape of the exostructure—that it pro- 
vides a framework compatible with the 
final desired vehicle configuration. 
Method of attachment to the pressure 
hull must be such that no concentrated 
or restraining loads exist. 


5 


wm 


(or) 
SS 


7 


—_, 


8) 


9 


~ 


When such questions are resolved, the se- 
lection of a material remains. In this case it 
is critical to ascertain the likelihood of corro- 
sion because of contact of dissimilar metals 
at the point of exostructure-to-pressure hull 
attachment, and where bolts or nuts of dis- 
similar metals may be used to join the exo- 
structure together. Finally, the material se- 
lected must be lightweight in order to main- 
tain a favorable W/D ratio and must lend 
itself to easy fabrication and assembly. Alu- 
minum is a prime candidate because of its 
low density. However, some aluminum alloys 
are susceptible to crevice corrosion. The dan- 
ger of galvanic corrosion requires that alu- 
minum must be insulated from steel compo- 
nents. Both steel and aluminum are used in 
present submersibles because of their availa- 
bility, ease of fabrication, maintenance, long 
useful life and cost. 


While all submersible pressure hulls, as far 
as is known, are securely and quasi-perma- 
nently affixed to their exostructures, there 
are exceptions. In the case of ALVIN, SEA 
CLIFF and TURTLE, the pressure hulls are 
attached to their exostructures by one steel 
shaft which penetrates the bottom of the 
pressure hull and affixes to the framework. 
In the event of an emergency, such as foul- 
ing or loss of positive buoyancy systems, the 
thru-hull shaft may be manually rotated 
from within the hull to activate a cam and 
release the pressure sphere and sail from the 
main body. Being positively buoyant, the 


265 


sphere is capable of ascending to the surface. 
Electrical connections are the quick discon- 
nect variety which break away as the sphere 
ascends. 


FAIRINGS 

The fairings of submersibles serve three 
purposes: 1) Reduce hydrodynamic drag; 2) 
minimize the potential for fouling with sub- 
merged ropes, cables or other objects and 3) 
allow the vehicle’s hatch to be opened on the 
surface without swamping. On the other 
hand, three opposing arguments may be ad- 
vanced against fairings: 1) Submersibles op- 
erate at such low speeds that reduction of 
hydrodynamic drag is unnecessary; 2) if the 
submersible offers sufficient visibility, such 
as an acrylic plastic hull, the operator can 
see all potential hazards and avoid them; 
and 3) opening the hatch before the vehicle is 
safely aboard its support ship is inherently 
dangerous and should be avoided. The count- 
ering arguments are quite valid and would 
suffice but for one obstacle: There is nothing 
predictable about diving or the ocean. Chap- 
ter 14 deals with the fatal and near-fatal 
hazards experienced to date, and it would 
suffice here to present two incidents to show 
the danger of not having fairings: 1) On 17 
June 1973, the acrylic plastic-hulled JOHN- 
SON SEA LINK became entangled in the 
debris of a scuttled destroyer at 360 feet off 
Key West, Florida. The unfaired SEA LINK 
was held 31 hours until pulled free of its 
restraint. Two men in the aft aluminum 
pressure cylinder perished as a result. 2) 
Diving in the Gulf Stream, the submersible 
DEEPSTAR 4000 became separated from its 
support ship SEARCH TIDE while sub- 
merged. Upon surfacing, neither the ship’s 
radar nor radio direction finder could locate 
the submersible. As a final resort, a trunk 
surrounding the hatch was inflated and the 
hatch opened, thereupon allowing the opera- 
tor to fire off flares which were seen by the 
surface ship and allowed recovery. No per- 
sonnel perished. 

It is debatable that reduction of hydrody- 
namic drag is necessary. If the vehicle is 
towed, however, some protection against 
drag and wave slap must be provided for its 
cables and external instruments. There is no 
question of the need to reduce fouling poten- 


tial (Fig. 5.19), or to be able to open the hatch 
on the surface. 

The most used fairing material is fiber- 
glass molded and cut to the desired shape, 
and bolted or screwed to the exostructure. 
An aluminum alloy, Alcad 5088, constitutes 
ALUMINAUT?’s fairing, while plain sheet 
metal serves the purpose on small, privately 
owned submersibles of the SEA OTTER vari- 
ety. Though fiberglass offers a wider variety 
of advantages than metal, e.g., non-corro- 
sive, greater formability, the process of de- 
signing and fabricating a mold is costly, and, 
for one-of-a-kind vehicles, may be excessively 
expensive where sheet metal serves almost 
as well. In vehicles where an echo sounder 
transducer is located within the fairing, it is 
necessary to cut out the fiberglass portion 
the transducer will insonify and install a 
rubber-based section to serve as an “acoustic 
window.” 

The overall design of the fairing is an 
individual matter. Obviously it must be so 
configured as to permit the submersible to be 


4 ie ae 
st: te Dk 3 ches 


handled, especially during launch and re- 
trieval. It should also permit easy removal 
for access to external components. For exam- 
ple, DEEPSTAR 4000's fairing (Fig. 5.20a) is 
attached in sections sufficiently small to al- 
low hand-removal and access to any compo- 
nent. On the other hand, the fairing on the 
Navy’s DSRV (Fig. 5.20b) may be removed, 
but requires a lifting device which may be 
quite difficult to manage in high seas. 


PRESSURE TESTING 


When the pressure hull is completed, and 
thru-hull penetrators are in place or 
blanked, it is customary to subject the struc- 
ture to pressure tests. For submersibles of 
the BEN FRANKLIN variety, there are no 
options on the choice of test tanks; only the 
ocean is sufficiently large. Hence, pressure 
testing of the hull must be deferred until the 
vehicle is in actual service. For smaller vehi- 
cles, e.g., up to ALVIN-size, there are several 
test facilities throughout the country where 


Fig. 5.19 STAR Ill approaching an underwater structure off Nassau, Bahamas. (Gen. Dyn. Corp.) 


266 


267 


TABLE 5.6 U.S. PRESSURE TANK FACILITIES GREATER 
THAN FIVE FEET DIAMETER [FROM REF. (28)] 


Static Cyclic 
Internal Length Pressure Pressure Pressure Temp. 
Diam. (ft) (ft) (psi) (psi) Medium Control 
ee aa ee 
Boston Naval Shipyard 5.0 5.0 1,500 None Fw/sw! None 
Boston, Mass 8.0 5.0 500 None FW/SW None 
Elec. Boat Div., Gen. Dynamics 
Groton, Conn. 7.5 14.75 1,000 None FW None 
Mare Island Naval Shipyard 6.0 12.0 1,000 None FW/SW None 
Vallejo, Calif. 9.0 10.0 550 None FW/SW None 
Naval Civil Engineering Lab. 
Port Hueneme, Calif. 2.0 15.0 3,500 0-2,750 FW/SW None 
Naval Mine Engineering Facility 
Yorktown, Pa. 7.0 13.0 600 None FW None 
Naval Ordnance Lab. 0-1,250 
White Oak, Md. 8.33 36.5 1,250 0.2 CPH FW None 
Naval Research Lab. 0-1,000 
Orlando, Fla. 8.3 26.0 1,000 10 CPH FW 12-40°F 
Naval Ship Research & Devl. ctr.2 5.0 9.0 20,000 0-10,000 FW/Oil None 
Carderock, Md. 1 CPM 
10 (sphere) 10,000 0-10,000 Oil/FW/SW 37-70°F 
0.5 CPM 
6.0 21.0 6,000 0-5,600 Oil/FW/SW None 
1CPM 
11.5 30.0 1,000 0-1,000 Oil/FW/SW None 
1 CPM 
Naval Ship Research & Devl. Ctr. 
Annapolis, Md. 10.0 27.0 12,000 0-4,000 SW/FW 30-100°F 
Naval Undersea Res. & Devi. Ctr. 
San Diego, Calif. 5.0 10.0 10,000 None FW/SW 28-75°F 
Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co. 
Newport News, Va. 5.0 23.0 1,000 None FW/SW None 
Ordnance Research Lab. 0-16,000 
University Park, Pa. 5.0 13.75 16,000 1/8 CPH FW None 
Perry Submarine Builders 
Riviera Beach, Fla. 8.0 29.0 1,300 None FW None 
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard 30.0 75.0 600 0-600 SW None 
Portsmouth, N.H. 1CPM 
8.0 14.0 600 None FW/SW None 
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard 
Bremerton, Wash. 6.0 12.0 1,500 None FW None 
Southwest Research Institute 75 19.17 4,000 0-2,000 FW/SW/Oil None 
San Antonio, Texas 7.58 (sphere) 1,200 0-1,200 FW/SW 32-85°F 


Tew = § resh water; SW = Seawater 
aN tanks to be replaced by one 13.0-ft-diam., 40-ft-long, 3,000-psi tank. 


268 


the entire vehicle can be accommodated (see 
Table 5.6). 

Historically, pressure testing programs 
proceeded along lines which started from 
unmanned, tethered or untethered dives and 
grew progressively deeper to the vehicle’s 
maximum operating depth and to some point 
beyond (test depth). Beebe’s BATHY- 
SPHERE was lowered on a cable; Auguste 
Piccard’s FNRS-2 was equipped with a depth 
gage that dropped ballast at a pre-set depth, 
and a timer that performed the same task if 
the depth gage failed to function. In the 
event that FNRS-2 drifted into shallow 
water, an antenna-like object was affixed to 


strike the bottom first and dump ballast 
before the vehicle struck the bottom. In both 
BATHYSPHERE and FNRS-2, the ability of 
the pressure hull to withstand the deep pres- 
sures was observed merely by the presence 
or absence of seawater inside the sphere. 
When large vehicles of the ALUMINAUT 
variety appeared, pressure tests began with 
the finished vehicle making progressively 
deeper, manned dives and conducting strain 
gage readings on each dive. ALVIN, on the 
other hand, was sent down initially un- 
manned to 7,500 feet on a tether before 
manned dives to 6,000 feet were conducted. 
Vehicles of the PAULO I variety (Fig. 5.21) 


Fig. 5.21 PAULO | (now SEA OTTER) entering a test tank for pressure testing. (Anautics Inc.) 


are amenable, by virtue of their small size, to 
options other than the deep sea. Test tanks 
offer the advantage of being far less expen- 
sive and troublesome than open-ocean test- 
ing; pressures can be better controlled, and 
the test can be monitored more precisely. A 
great advantage lies in the fact that the 
pressure hull alone may be tested prior to 
completion of the entire vehicle. Invariably, 
when the vehicle must be tested as an oper- 
ating unit, failure of operational compo- 
nents, such as motors, depth gages, sonars, 
etc., or inclement weather, results in delayed 
test programs. In a test tank the vehicle may 
be tested component-by-component, then as- 
sembled and tested in its entirety. In the 
event of hull failure, an obvious advantage 
with such testing is that no personnel are 
required in the vehicle. Another advantage 
resides in the speed with which the pressure 
may be relieved or the tank emptied of 


water. If, for example, an electrical penetra- 
tor failed and water began entering the hull, 
the test tank could be emptied in a few 
minutes. 

While unmanned open-sea tests on a tether 
may be as conclusive as tank tests, they 
include the risk that the object being tested 
may be lost. As previously noted, both SP- 
350 and SP-3000 pressure hulls were lost 
when the tethers gave way. 


PRESSURE TEST FACILITIES 
According to reference (29), at least 23 test 
tanks in the U.S. are sufficiently large to 
accommodate submersible pressure hulls of 
5-ft diameter and greater (Table 5.6). With 
the advent of the Ocean Pressure Labora- 
tory at the Annapolis, Maryland-based Na- 
val Ship Research and Development Center, 
whole vehicles such as DEEPSTAR 2000 
(and larger) may be tested in their entirety. 


ene mn 


Fig. 5.22 (a) DEEPSTAR 2000 prepares to enter the U.S. Naval Ship Research and Development Center's 12,000 psi pressure tank. (U.S. Navy) 


270 


Such installations provide thru-chamber con- 
nections from the test specimen to data mon- 
itoring equipment on the outside. Tempera- 
tures may be lowered to those values antici- 
pated within the vehicle’s diving range and 
scope of operations, and some, though not all, 
can use seawater as the pressurizing me- 
dium. 

Other pressure testing facilities are availa- 
ble at private industry and academic institu- 
tions, but the only two reportedly used to 
date for submersible hulls are those of the 
Southwest Research Institute and Perry 
Submarine Builders (Fig. 5.22). Constructed 
primarily for government test programs, 
Navy test facilities may be used by private 
industry at a cost dependent on time and 
effort required, and on a not-to-interfere ba- 
sis. 


PRESSURE HULL 
MEASUREMENTS AND TESTS 

The variety and quantity of pressure hull 
tests are quite numerous. Accompanying 
such tests is the need for documentation and 
recording the results. Although it is not a 
legal requirement, most private American 
submersible owners strive to attain classifi- 
cation by the American Bureau of Shipping. 
Naval submersibles have quite stringent cer- 
tification requirements of their own. Hence, 
the certifying or classifying authorities must 
have written documentation of the tests and 
their results. Prior to 1968, the submersible 
builder had few if any guidelines to follow 
regarding tests and documentation. In 1968 
the Marine Technology Society published 
Safety and Operational Guidelines for Un- 
dersea Vehicles (3) which outlines in detail 


Fig. 5.22 (b) A Perry-built pressure hull entering their test tank. (Perry Submarine Builders) 


the many tests and documenting procedures 
their Undersea Vehicle Safety Standards 
Committee feels are necessary to assure a 
safe submersible. 

An indication of the myriad tests followed 
in submersible construction can be attained 
from the fabrication steps and tests for AL- 
VIN’s pressure hull in Table 5.7. At the con- 
clusion of the tests shown in this table, the 
pressure hull was considered a part of the 
vehicle system and tested as such. 

In the course of the pressure test (step 12 
of Table 5.7) on ALVIN’s hull, strain gages 
were employed, but another technique is 
used by Perry Submarine Builders which 
follows a volumetric change in the hull. Both 
techniques will be briefly discussed. 


Strain Gage Measurements 

As outlined previously, many known dis- 
continuities are built into the submersible 
hull, e.g., hatches, viewports, electrical pene- 


trations, welds, etc. Such discontinuities are 
calculable. To a great degree, verifying the 
analytical stresses calculated at these dis- 
continuities is measured by strain gages. 
Strain gages consist basically of finely- 
wound wire (the most modern and sensitive 
employ printed circuit techniques) attached 
to the hull where changes in their electrical 
resistance are measured as pressure strains 
the hull. The resistance change in the gage is 
subsequently translated to a change in wire 
length measured in microinches. The final 
results are then compared with the calcu- 
lated results to assure that the latter were 
not exceeded. Placement of the gages is ex- 
tremely critical to assure that the tests are 
valid, and all likely stress areas are meas- 
ured. 

In general, the pressure hull is pressurized 
externally by some medium (seawater, fresh 
water) to a proof test pressure (a value calcu- 
lated in the early stages of design and is 


TABLE 5.7 FABRICATION AND TEST STEPS FOR ALVIN'S PRESSURE HULL [FROM REF. (30)] 


Step 


1. Ingot melt 

2. Roll into slab and flame cut 

3. Spin into hemisphere 

4. Machine internally and mating surface 
5. Weld to form sphere 

6. Machine externally 

7. Cut insert openings 

8. Weld inserts into hull 


9. Clean welds, add hatch, viewports, etc. 


10. ‘Paint to prevent corrosion 
11. Prepare for pressure test 
12. Pressure test 

13. Rework and repaint 

14. Mount into exostructure 


Inspection and Test 
Visual, chemical 
Visual, ultrasonic 
Visual, ultrasonic, temperature 
Dimensional 
X-Ray, ultrasonic 
Visual, dimensional 
Dimensional 
Visual, X-Ray, ultrasonic Cogg 
Dimensional 
Visual 
Visual, dimensional 
Visual monitoring of instrumentation 
Visual 


Visual, dimensional fit 


TEETER 


272 


from 1.1 to 1.125 of the vehicle’s maximum 
operating depth). Because the submersible 
will be subjected to cyclic pressures, a model 
of it may be subject to cyclic testing where 
the external pressure in the test chamber 
usually is held constant, and the pressure is 
varied within the vehicle’s hull. This avoids 
cycling the test chamber. In submersibles 


STRAIN GAGE LOCATIONS 


too large for test chambers strain gages are 
utilized and read by the occupants during 
dives. In some cases a few gages may be left 
on at critical positions and monitored period- 
ically during the vehicle’s operations. An 
example of a strain gage reading and its 
location is provided in Figure 5.238 from 
DSRV-2 tests (37). 


co © 

se) o 

N N 

237 235 
137 

eo) 

o 


SYMBOLS ON PLOTS: 


@ POINTS OF INCREASING 
PRESSURE 


Oo POINTS OF RETURN TO 
ZERO PRESSURE 


HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE — PSI 


EQUIV. 


5,000-FT. 
DEPTH IN 
SEAWATER 


200 


400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 
STRAIN wIN./IN.(+) 


Fig. 5.23 Strain gage readings and location on viewport of DSRV-2. 


273 


Volumetric Measurements 

An approach has been taken by Perry Sub- 
marine Builders adopted from the Com- 
pressed Gas Association which tests gas stor- 
age vessels throughout the United States, as 
well as other internally pressurized systems 
such as pipelines. In this procedure (31) the 
pressure hull is filled with water, each com- 


VOLUME CHANGE 


“S— INITIAL TAKE-UP 


PRESSURE 
HULL 


PROPORTIONAL 
LIMIT 


OPERATIONAL PRESSURE 


PRESSURE INCREASING 


partment is sealed pressure tight, and the 
hull is placed in a pressure tank (Fig. 5.24) 
which is then flooded and pressurized. Each 
vehicle compartment contains an efflux line 
leading through the test tank to a bank of 
graduated cylinders called volumeters. Small 
preliminary pressure is applied to force out 
pockets of air and shake down the system. 


VOLUMETER 


TEST TANK 


INELASTIC REGION 


ELASTIC REGION 


Fig. 5.24 Chart showing pressure-volume change during hydrostatic tank test. (From Perry Submarine Builders) 


274 


The pressure is then built up incrementally 
while the change in volume in the volume- 
ters is recorded. At a pressure point where 
critical behavior is predicted, the pressure 
increments are decreased and the test pro- 
ceeds very slowly while watching for the first 
sign of a non-linear volume change. When 
this occurs it is taken to be the onset of a 
transition from elastic to plastic yield in the 
hull structure. In the initial development of 
this technique, strain gages are attached to 
compare the test results, and to assist in 
locating the local effects which caused test 
termination. Without the assistance of strain 
gages, it would be virtually impossible to tell 
precisely where the critical stress occurred. 

For larger vehicles some measure of the 
pressure hull behavior is attained through 
model testing. In this procedure a scale 
model is constructed in the same fashion and 
of the same materials as the hull; the model 
is then subjected to pressure testing in a 
tank as if it were the full scale hull. Such 
scale models are occasionally tested to fail- 
ure as a means of verifying calculations. 

Pressure tanks themselves can be ex- 
tremely complex, sensitive and potentially 
dangerous. Mavor (32) reported a tank fail- 
ure at 4,300 psi, with one of ALVIN’s hulls 
inside, which blew off a hatch but left the 
windows undamaged and tight. 

Endo and Yamaguchi (33) present an excel- 
lent description of pressure and materials 
testing facilities at Mitsubishi Heavy Indus- 
tries. The paper is not only a good summari- 
zation of the devices available, but includes 
requirements for deep submergence mate- 
rials as well. 


CORROSION AND ITS 
CONTROL 


As will become evident in later sections, a 
great quantity of dissimilar metals are 
joined and juxtaposed within the exostruc- 
ture and the pressure hull. Corrosion protec- 
tion and control is another concern of past 
and present submersible builders. 

Corrosion control on submersibles which 
are routinely launched/retrieved for each 
dive is somewhat less complicated than those 
continuously in the water—mainly because 
vehicles removed from the sea may be 


275 


washed with fresh water and will dry. On the 
other hand, availability of components and 
cost result in a situation where less than 
optimum corrosion resistance and galvani- 
cally incompatible materials must be used. 
Likewise, cathodic protection as a general 
method often is impractical and difficult ow- 
ing to the geometrical complexity of compo- 
nents. Though procedures for corrosion con- 
trol vary from vehicle-to-vehicle, certain 
problems are common to all. Consequently, 
the procedures followed in the DEEPSTAR 
submersibles fairly well represent a number 
of common problems and solutions. Symonds 
and Woodland (34) present the steps taken to 
prevent corrosion on DEEPSTAR 20000 
based on 4 years of operational experience 
with DEEPSTAR 4000. These are summa- 
rized below. 

Four areas of potential corrosion were rec- 
ognized on the DS-20000: General corrosion, 
galvanic corrosion, crevice corrosion and 
stress corrosion. 


General Corrosion 

Two protective measures were foreseen to 
prevent general corrosion: Painting and 
cathodic protection. 


Painting: 

According to DS-20000’s specifications al- 
most all metallic vehicle components would 
be painted by a polyurethane paint system 
known as Magna Laminar X-500. On the 
pressure sphere, four layers are applied: 
Wash primer, primer, primer surface and a 
finish coat. On other components the primer- 
surface layer is omitted. Where viewports, 
hatch and electrical penetrators join the 
hull, two priming layers of the Magna Lami- 
nar X-500 are applied and, subsequently, sili- 
cone grease is applied during assembly. 


Cathodic Protection: 

A comprehensive cathodic protection sys- 
tem would be impractical owing to the com- 
plex geometry which requires placement of a 
large number of anodes at the sacrifice of 
weight and space. Because of coating defects, 
zine anodes in the form of flexible steel-cored 
line known as Diamond Line was proposed 
because its flexibility permits adaptation to 
a number of complex geometrical situations. 
Lengths of Diamond Line would be attached 


to the four exostructure mounting lugs and 
at the hatch hinge mounting. 


Galvanic Corrosion 

To prevent corrosion caused by the electro- 
chemical reaction between two dissimilar 
metals in electrical contact with one another, 
a great deal of effort was made to minimize 
the area of exposed surfaces by painting 
them. To prevent galvanic attack on the 
pressure hull, electrical insulation between 
it and adjacent titanium alloy structural 
members was provided in the design. Small 
lead weights (dropped individually to attain 
positive buoyancy) are held by steel hooks 
cast in the top of each weight. To prevent 
galvanic attack between hook and weight, a 
plastic sleeve covers each hook. 


Crevice Corrosion 

To minimize crevice corrosion, non-drain- 
ing crevices are kept to a minimum and a 
thorough fresh water wash down after each 
dive is specified. Protection of areas impossi- 
ble to wash is called for as follows: a) Be- 
cause contact between fairing and metallic 
exostructure members would be too snug to 
permit washing, such members would be fab- 
ricated from a titanium alloy (Ti-6%, Al-4% 
V) which is immune from corrosion under 
such conditions. b) The O-ring groove in an 
aluminum propulsion controller housing 
forms a perfect crevice in a corrosion-suscep- 
tible material. Hard coat anodizing and scal- 
ing of the aluminum and a coating of silicone 
grease is specified, based on experience with 
DEEPSTAR 4000. 


Stress Corrosion 

Components of DEEPSTAR 20000 which 
could be stressed under tension were de- 
signed so that failure would not occur from 
stress corrosion crack propagation or corro- 
sion fatigue. Fracture mechanics methods 
were applied to safeguard against such envi- 
ronmental effects. Fracture mechanics anal- 
ysis determines if stress corrosion will occur 
at flaws, e.g., welds, and if such flaws will 
grow under cyclic loading to a point where 
stress corrosion will occur. The method 
works in the following manner: A defect of a 
particular maximum size is assumed in the 
component (the limitation of this maximum 
size is attained from non-destructive testing 


276 


of the component) and if, through cyclic load- 
ing, this defect will grow to a size where 
stress corrosion can occur, then the compo- 
nent is unacceptable. DEEPSTAR 20000’s 
variable ballast tanks are composed of tita- 
nium (in which crack propagation can pro- 
ceed at rates of inches/hour), and fracture 
mechanics showed that 4,000 cycles of load- 
ing were required before cracks would grow 
to a critical depth at which stress corrosion 
would occur. Similar calculations were made 
on the pressure hull weldments; they, too, 
show acceptable limits. 

The corrosion control program on DEEP- 
STAR 20000 was based primarily on the fact 
that the vehicle would be taken out of the 
water following each dive, thus permitting 
easy field maintenance and repair to chipped 
paint (the first line of defense against corro- 
sion), etc. Components considered most sus- 
ceptible to corrosion, and least protectable 
were designed for easy removal, and spares 
would be carried for replacement. Such was 
the case with the cast aluminum alloy pro- 
peller blades. 

Protective painting, a thorough fresh 
water washdown, inspection and an onboard 
inventory of replacement parts constitute 
the major corrosion control program in sub- 
mersibles today. 

In large, complex vehicles where all compo- 
nents are not situated for easy routine main- 
tenance and repair, considerable effort must 
be expended to combat corrosion. Rynewicz 
(35) outlines the corrosion control methods in 
the DSRV and the results of test programs 
leading to these methods. A number of these 
methods were gained from operating experi- 
ence (45 dives) with DEEP QUEST. 

For a thorough and rigorous treatment of 
the entire scope of materials for ocean engi- 
neering, the reader is referred to the work of 
Koichi Masubuchi (36) who has left no stone 
unturned in treating materials, fabrication, 
selection, testing and protection of pressure 
hulls and associated structures. 


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Engineering. M.1.T. Press, Cambridge, 
Mass., 496 pp., 1 Appendix. 


Senos, J. J. 1971 1/2 Scale Model Test of 
DSRV Pressure Hull. Naval Ship Re- 
search & Development Center Rept. No. 
352B, Jan. 


BALLASTING AND TRIM SYSTEMS 


In addition to descending to the bottom, 
ascending to the surface and running hither 
and yon, submersibles must make small ad- 
justments in buoyancy and trim when sub- 
merged. Such changes serve the following 
purposes: To follow a sloping bottom, to han- 
dle additional weight in the form of water or 
biological/geological samples, and to surface 
with sufficient freeboard for safe transfer of 
personnel and equipment. All of these func- 
tions are performed by changes in the vehi- 
cle’s buoyancy or trim. The approaches to 
buoyancy and trim control are many, and 
most are successful. In some cases trim 
changes are accomplished dynamically with 
the vehicle’s thrusters and dive planes. But 
use of thrusters calls for electrical power 


279 


which is limited, and attitude changes using 
dive planes require that the submersible be 
underway, a condition not always compatible 
with the mission. 

The nature and capacity of a ballasting 
system depend upon several factors, but the 
total submerged displacement of the vehicle 
and the desired payload assume primary im- 
portance. Other considerations might include 
desired reaction time of buoyancy changes 
and the anticipated number of cycles such 
changes may require on one dive. 


WEIGHT AND VOLUME 
ESTIMATES 


As a first approximation, the designer may 


prepare a form which groups together: 
Structures: Pressure hull, exostructure, fair- 
ings; 

Propulsion and Electrical Plants: Propellers, 
thrusters, batteries; 

Communication and Control: Underwater 
telephone, steering controls, radio; 

Auxiliary Systems: High pressure air, ballast- 
ing, life support; 

Outfit and Furnishings: Hull fitting, chairs, 
paint; 

Crew and Instrumentation: Crew, scientific 
and operational instruments, tools. 

An estimate is made of the weight, dis- 
placement volume and centers of gravity and 
buoyancy of each item within the preceding 
group. When such calculations are made, the 
elements of the vehicle must be adjusted in 


size and placement until two conditions are Structures 65% 
TABLE 6.1 PRELIMINARY WEIGHT AND BUOYANCY ESTIMATES 
Vert Ref = B.L. Long Ref = F.P. Buoyancy Vert Ref = B.L. Long Ref = F.P. 
Weight VCG Moment LCG Moment (Pounds) VCB Moment LCB Moment 

Description Pounds (In.) (In. - Lb) (In.) (In. - Lb) Seawater (In.) (In. - Lb) (In.) (In. - Lb) 
Main Sphere (Steel) 2,590 55 142,450 58 150,220 9,210 55 506,550 58 534,180 
Main Sphere (Acrylic) 2,280 55 125,400 58 132,240 9,210 55 506,550 58 534,180 
L-O Sphere 1,960 61 119,560 178.5 349,860 5,870 61 358,070 178.5 1,047,795 
Variable Ballast Sphere ani) GS} 17,490 =-118 38,940 640 53 33,920 118 75,520 
Ballast Air Bottles 680 62 42,160 140 95,200 535 62 33,200 140 75,000 
Breathing Air Bottles 680 =61 41,480 153 104,040 535 61 32,620 153 81,900 
Battery Box Top 2,590 86 222,740 119 308,210 1,000 86 86,000 119 119,000 
Battery Box Bottom 2,550 25 63,750 121 308,550 1,000 25 25,000 121 121,000 
Prop Pods 900 60 54,000 116 104,400 130-60 7,800 116 15,080 
Drop Weight 550 «113 7,150 58 31,900 50 13 650 58 2,900 
Fairing 1,200 54 64,800 112 134,400 480 54 25,900 112 53,800 
Framing 1,250 54 67,500 112 140,000 20 54 1,080 112 2,240 
Int. Equipment (Mn Sph) 1,200 55 66,000 58 69,600 = — = - = 
Int. Equipment (L-OSph.) 300 61 18,300 178.5 53,550 - - - i = 
Hatches & Inserts (L - 0) 800 8632 25,600 178.5 142,800 40 32 1,280 178.5 71,400 
Payload 

Steel Sphere 2 OCs Sie: 108,000 89.5 2,219,670 170 51.5 8,750 89.5 15,200 

Acrylic Sphere 1,450 45 65,300 100 2,220,180 120 45 5,400 100 12,000 
Totals 

Steel Sphere 19,680 54 1,060,980 112.5 2,219,670 19,680 57 1,120,820 112.5 2,215,015 

Acrylic Sphere 19,630 54 1,060,110 112.5 2,220,180 19,630 57 1,117,470 = $112.5 2,211,815 


B.L. — Base Line 
F.P. — Forward Perpendicular 


nearly met: 1) The sum of all weights must 
be equal to the weight of the water displaced 
by all buoyant volumes; and 2) the resultant 
center of gravity of all weights must be 
below and in a vertical line with the result- 
ant center of buoyancy. 

Rechnitzer and Gorman (1) treat in detail 
the procedures for calculating submerged 
displacement of various components and 
housings used in submersibles. Final adjust- 
ment to attain neutral submerged buoyancy 
is made with fixed, positive (e.g., syntactic 
foam) ballast or fixed negative (e.g., lead 
weights) ballast either inside or outside the 
pressure hull. 

Vincent and Stavovy (2) present figures for 
the average weight of components within the 
preceding list; these are as follows: 


VCG — Vertical Center of Gravity 
LCG — Longitudinal Center of Gravity 


2380 


VCB — Vertical Center of Buoyancy 
LCB — Longitudinal Center of Buoyancy 


L.0. — Lock-out 


Propulsion and Electrical 


Plants 


Communication and Control 


Auxiliary Systems 
Outfit and Furnishings 
Crew and Instrumentation 
Obviously, these percentages are generali- 
ties and cannot be applied to a specific vehi- 
cle. The most perplexing values to attain are 
those for instruments which vary widely 


Southwest Research 
Institute 
San Antonio, Texas 


Electric Boat Division, 
General Dynamics 
Groton, Conn. 


Reynolds Metals Co. 
Sheet and Plate Works 
McCook, Illinois 


Ladish Company 
Cudahy, Wisc. 


Nordberg Manufac- 
turing Co. 
Milwaukee, Wisc. 


13% 
3% 
14% 
1% 
4% 


from one manufacturer to the next. Chapter 
11 presents weight and size data for selected 
scientific instrumentation and essentially re- 
flects current state-of-the-art. Table 6.1 pre- 
sents calculations prepared for a vehicle pro- 
posed by International Hydrodynamics and 
“serves as an example of the data needed for 
weight, volume and buoyancy calculations. 
A further example of the complexity in- 
volved in building and “sizing” a submers- 


TABLE 6.2 ALUMINAUT CONTRACTORS 


Initial feasibility study 


in 1958-1959, with 
Reynolds. 
Prime contractor for 


design and building ves- 
sel. 


Cast aluminum ingots 
for hull sections. 


Forging and shaping of 
hull sections. 


Precision machining 
and assembly of hull 
sections. 


Equipment and Service Suppliers 


Acme Electric Corp. 
Cuba, New York 


Aero Industries, Inc. 
Greenwich, Conn. 


Alloy Flange & 
Fitting Corp. 
Brooklyn, New York 


Amchien Products, Inc. 
Bristol, Conn. 


Bonney, Forge & 
Too! Works 
Allentown, Pa. 


Clearfloat, Inc. 
Attleboro, Mass. 


Cohu Electronics, Inc. 
Kintel Division 
San Diego, Calif. 


Cosmos Industries, Inc. 
Long Island City, 
New York 


Electrical transformers. 


Pilot's chair. 


Flanges and fittings. 


Special finish for alu- 
minum. 


Fittings. 


Viewing port windows. 


Miniaturized TV cam- 
era and monitors. 


Navigation equipment. 


Curtis Manufac- 

turing Co. 

Bunnell Division 
Cleveland, Ohio 


Danko-Arlington, Inc. 
Baltimore, Md. 


DeLackner Helicop- 
tors, Inc. 
Mt. Vernon, N.Y. 


Edgerton, Germes- 
hausen & Grier, Inc. 
Boston, Mass. 


Exide Industrial Div. 

Electric Storage 

Battery 
Philadelphia, Pa. 


Feedback Controls, Inc. 


Natuck, Mass. 


General Electric Co. 
Erie, Pa. 


International 
Resistance Co. 
Philadelphia, Pa. 


Kaar Engineering Corp. 
Palo Alto, Calif. 


G. W. Lisk Company 


Clifton-Springs, N.Y. 


Lord Manufacturing Co. 


Erie, Pa. 


Magna Coating & 
Chemicals Corp. 
Los Angeles, Calif. 


Marsh & Marine 
Manufacturing Co. 
Houston, Texas 


Michigan Wheel Co. 


Grand Rapids, Mich. 


Steering and diving 
mechanisms and special 
tools. 


Castings. 


Precision hull studs, 
propulsion gear boxes 
and emergency drop. 


Underwater lights and 
TV equipment. 


Silver-zinc batteries. 


Dead 
alyzer. 


reckoning an- 


Propulsion and steering 
motors and manipu- 
lator. 


Remote 
systems. 


indicating 


Radio-telephone 
munications. 


com- 


Ballast control  sole- 


noids. 


Vibration and shock 
isolation equipment. 


Special finish for alu- 
minum. 


Hull penetrating con- 
nectors and underwater 
cable. 


Propellers. 


281 


Modern Metals 
Manufacturing Co. 
New York, N.Y. 


Marotta Valve Corp. 
Boonton, New Jersey 


Northrop Nortronics 
Precision Products 
Norwood, Mass. 


Oceanographic 
Engineering Corp. 
La Jolla, Calif. 


Ocean Research 
Equipment, Inc. 
Falmouth, Mass. 


Bliss-Portland 
Division of E. W. 
Bliss Co. 
South Portland, Me. 


Sangamo Electric Co. 
Springfield, Ill. 


Sperry Piedmont Co. 
Charlottesville, Va. 


Stevens Institute 
of Technology 
Hoboken, New Jersey 


Straza Industries 
El Cajon, Calif. 


Trident Engineering 
Associates 
Annapolis, Md. 


Triton Marine Products 
Port Washington, 
New York 


Westinghouse Electric 
Undersea Division 
Baltimore, Md. 


Fabrication and manu- 
facturing of electrical 
panels and boxes. 


Water ballast valves. 


Speed and _ distance 
Navigation equipment. 


Pan and tilt control 


system. 


High pressure testing. 


Fabrication of keel, 
ballast tanks, stern and 
superstructure. 


Amp-hour meters. 


Gyrocompass. 


Hydrodynamic studies. 


CTFM scanning sonar, 
and underwater phone. 


Engineering study of 
sea support systems. 


Depth sounder-receiver, 
transmitter, recorder. 


Bottom scanning sonar. 


ible is seen in Table 6.2, taken from reference 
(8), which shows the numerous subcontrac- 
tors the prime contractor dealt with at var- 
ious stages in development and fabrication of 
ALUMINAUT. 


COMPRESSED AIR AND 
DEBALLASTING 


The most universally applied power source 
on submersibles to empty the main or varia- 
ble ballast tanks of water is compressed air. 
However, compressed air is useful only to 
certain depths where the volume and pres- 
sure required to store it is practical, and 
where its density under pressure provides 
effective buoyancy. In many vehicles varia- 
ble ballast tanks are pumped dry; in this 
case, the tanks must be able to withstand 
ambient pressures. The following discusses 
the application of compressed air for water 
deballasting. 

A discussion of compressed air is virtually 
impossible without defining certain terms. 
The following are taken from the U.S. Navy 
Diving Manual. 

Gage Pressure (psig): The difference between 
the pressure being measured and the sur- 
rounding atmospheric pressure. The zero on 
ordinary gages indicates atmospheric pres- 
sure and, except where otherwise specified, 
almost all pressure readings are gage pres- 
sure. When the pressure in a tank is given as 
1,000 psi, this means it is 1,000 psi above 
atmospheric pressure. When it is desirable to 
indicate that a pressure is gage, it is custom- 
ary to express it as pounds per square inch, 
gage (psig). Gage pressure is a commonly 
used expression in the submersible field, al- 
though many manufacturers do not state 
psig. 

Absolute Pressure (psia): The true or total 
pressure being exerted, consisting of the 
gage pressure plus 1 atmosphere of pressure 
(14.7). Absolute pressure is commonly 
expressed as pounds per square inch, abso- 
lute (psia) and this value is always used in 
equations describing gas behavor. 


Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP): 
The volume a gas occupies at 14.7 psia and 
32°F (760 mm Hg absolute; °C). Under these 
conditions is derived a Standard Cubic Foot 
(SCF). 


282 


Normal Temperature and Pressure (NTP): 
The volume occupied by a gas at 14.7 psia 
and 68°F. “Normal” is a relative term and 
can also be taken at 70° or 72°F. 

In addition to the above terms are two gas 
laws which describe the behavior of air un- 
der varying conditions: 

Boyle’s Law states that if the temperature 
is kept constant, the volume of gas will vary 
inversely as the absolute pressure while the 
density will vary directly as the pressure. 

Charles’s Law states that if the pressure is 
kept constant, the volume of a gas will vary 
directly as the absolute temperature. 

These two laws are combined to relate 
pressure, volume and temperature in a gen- 
eral gas law expressed as: 


P, V; —_ P, V, 
where: Ge oe Be 
P, = initial pressure (absolute) 


V, = initial volume 

T, = initial temperature (absolute) 
and 

P, = final pressure (absolute) 

V, = final volume 

T, = final temperature (absolute) 


The air supply for blowing water ballast is 
earried aboard submersibles in cylindrical 
containers referred to as either tanks, flasks 
or bottles. These tanks may be made of an- 
aluminum alloy, steel or other special mate- 
rials. The capacity (generally expressed in 
cubic feet) of such tanks is the amount of air 
or gas the tank holds when charged to its 
rated pressure. The rated pressure (also 
called “service pressure” or “working pres- 
sure’’) is the internal pressure to which the 
tank can be repeatedly filled without causing 
abnormal metal fatigue. In the U.S., the 
Department of Transportation maintains 
regulations for design and manufacture of 
high pressure cylinders, and, if made of steel, 
their pressure rating is stamped on the cylin- 
der. Cylinders with pressure ratings of 1,800 
to 5,000 psig are available, but 2,400 psig and 
3,000 psig are most common. A 70-ft®? tank, 
for example, filled to its rated 2,250 psig 
would contain sufficient air to fill an enclo- 
sure of 70-ft? volume at a pressure of 14.7 psi; 
the actual physical volume of the tank would 
be about 2 ft?. 


High pressure gas (air) cylinders are gen- 
erally hydrostatically tested at 1.5 or 1.66 
times their rated pressure and may have a 
burst pressure of 2 to 4 times the rated. A 
safety release device is usually required in 
these tanks. 

Another safety precaution in the handling 
of compressed air, or any gas, is color coding 
the tank. Although submersible owners are 
not required to abide by any particular cod- 
ing system, and few do, both the American 
Bureau of Shipping and the U.S. Naval Ma- 
terial Command recommend that a color code 
be followed as presented in Table 6.3. 

The amount and service pressure of air 
carried aboard submersibles varies consider- 
ably and depends upon the depth from which 
the water ballast is to be operated and the 
volume of the ballast tanks. 

Virtually all vehicles diving to 2,000 feet or 
less use compressed air to blow main and 
variable ballast. Quite frequently both a 
high and low pressure system are employed: 
The low pressure to blow main ballast at the 
surface, and the high pressure to blow main 
ballast in an emergency or the variable bal- 
last tanks when submerged. For example, 
BEN FRANKLIN uses a 1,422-psi low. pres- 
sure system to blow main ballast on the 
surface and a 2,874-psi system to blow main 
ballast at 2,000 feet in an emergency. 


As mentioned, the service pressure of bal- 
last blow tanks varies widely from vehicle-to- 
vehicle. The 150-ft depth vehicle of All Ocean 
Industries carries 40 ft? of compressed air in 
two diver-type scuba tanks at 2,250 psi; the 
15,000-ft ALUMINAUT carries a 4,500-psi 
supply of air which is used to blow water 
ballast to 4,000 feet in the event of an emer- 
gency. 

When air is used to force water ballast out 
of a tank in open communication with am- 
bient seawater, its effectiveness as both a 
deballasting and buoyant force is a function 
of depth (pressure) and temperature. It is in 
this context that air shall be considered in 
the following. From Chapter 2 it was seen 
that pressure increases at a rate of 14.7 psi 
with every 33 feet of depth. Temperature, on 
the other hand, decreased with depth at a 
rate dependent upon geographic location and 
time of year. To force water out of a ballast 
tank into the sea with compressed air, the 
air must exert a pressure exceeding that of 
the surrounding water. Having removed this 
water, the weight of the vehicle is now much 
less and the vehicle attains a buoyant up- 
ward force, but air under seawater pressure 
is of greater density than air at atmospheric 
pressure and this density must be taken into 


account when employing an air deballasting 
scheme. = 


TABLE 6.3 RECOMMENDED COLOR CODING IN PIPING AND COMPRESSED GAS CYLINDERS 


Designation 
Gas ABS 
Air (low or high pressure) ALP, AHP 
Helium He 
Oxygen 0 
Helium-Oxygen Mix He-O0 
Nitrogen N 
Exhaust E 
Hydrogen H 


283 


Color Paint 
USN ABS USN 
ALP, AHP Black Black 
He Buff Buff 
0 Green Green 
He-0 Orange Buff and Green 
N Light Gray Light Gray 
E Silver Silver 
H Yellow Brown 


Examining Table 6.4, it is seen that air 
under a pressure of 4,498 psia (10,000 ft) and 
70°F has a density of 20.59 pef (pounds per 
cubic foot), and at 2,246 psia (5,000 ft) and 
70°F its density is almost half this or 11.43 
pef. Seawater has an average density of 64.4 
pef; air at 4,498 psia is approximately 1/3 as 
dense as seawater, whereas air at 2,246 psia 
is about '/6 its density; hence, air’s ability to 
provide a buoyant force decreases with in- 
creased depth or pressure. At much greater 
depths the density of air can reach that of 
seawater where it supplies no lift whatever. 

Boyle’s law states, in part, that the volume 
of a gas will vary inversely as the absolute 
pressure; in other words, the greater the 
pressure the less the volume. This is another 
major factor influencing the use of com- 
pressed air for water deballasting. For exam- 
ple, Fig. 6.1 shows the interior of the AU- 
GUSTE PICCARD with the tanks holding 
compressed air for blowing main ballast af- 
fixed port and starboard to the top of the 


hull. There are 42 air tanks of 1.67-ft? volume 
each which are charged to a working pres- 
sure of 3,570 psia. The main ballast tanks on 
this vehicle, of which there are 12, have a 
total capacity of 842.5 ft®. If the entire air 
supply was used to blow ballast at 2,500 feet 
(1,127.5 psia), 221.6 ft®? of water would be 
displaced; in order to completely empty the 
main ballast tanks, almost four times the 
number of air tanks now carried would be 
required. In short, the mere physical re- 
quirements of the air tanks to blow water 
ballast at great depths would be unaccepta- 
ble on a weight and volume basis alone in 
present submersibles. Additionally, the air 
itself in these tanks would weigh in the 
neighborhood of 1,206 pounds (70°F; 3,570 
psia), which is in excess of the payload in 
most currently operating vehicles. In spite of 
the disadvantages noted, compressed air re- 
mains the chief source of water deballasting 
and buoyancy in the majority of shallow- 
diving vehicles. 


TABLE 6.4 AIR DENSITY (PCF) AS A FUNCTION OF PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE* 


Temperature (“F) 


Depth Pressure 
(Ft) PSIA ATM 30 40 50 
0 14.70 1.00 00.08 | 00.08 00.08 
100 59.14 4.02 00.33 00.32 00.31 
200 103.58 7.05 00.57 00.56 00.55 
300 148.03 10.07 00.82 00.80 00.79 
400 192.47 13.10 1.07 1.05 1.03 
500 236.92 16.12 1.32 1.29 1.26 
600 281.36 19.15 1.57 1.54 1.50 
700 325.80 22.17 1.82 1.78 1.74 
800 370.25 25.19 2.07 2.03 1.98 
900 414.69 28.22 2.32 74-744] 12.72 
1000 459.14 31.24 2.58 DAY) 2.46 
1500 681.36 46.36 3.85 3.76 3.67 
2000 905 61.58 5.14 5.01 4.90 
3000 1351 91.86 7.10 7.50 7.32 
4000 1798 122.47 10.24 9.97 9.72 
5000 2244 152.83 12.71 12.34 12.02 
6000 2695 180.32 14.99 14.58 14.20 
7000 3144 213.93 17.14 16.67 16.25 
8000 3594 244.62 19.11 18.62 18.16 
9000 4046 275.30 20.94 20.41 19.92 
10,000 4498 306.08 22.62 22.07 21.53 


60 70 80 90 100 
00.08 00.08 00.07 00.07 00.07 
00.31 00.30 00.30 00.29 00.29 
00.54 00.53 00.52 00.51 00.50 
00.77 00.76 00.74 00.73 00.72 

1.01 00.99 00.97 00.95 00.93 

1.24 1.21 1219 1.17 1.15 

1.47 1.44 1.42 1.39 1.36 

1.70 1.67 1.64 1.61 1.58 

1.94 1.90 1.86 1.83 1.79 

2.17 2a13 2.09 2.04 2.01 

2.41 2.36 2.32 2.27 2.23 

3.59 3.52 3.44 3.37 3.31 

4.719 4.68 4.58 4.49 4.39 

7.15 6.98 6.82 6.68 6.53 

9.48 9.25 9.03 8.83 8.64 
11.72 11.43 11.16 10.91 10.67 
13.85 13.51 13.19 12.89 12.61 
15.89 15.46 15.10 14.76 14.43 
17.71 17.30 16.90 16.53 16.17 
19.44 19.00 18.57 18.17 17.92 
21.06 20.59 20.14 19.71 19.31 


*Taken, in part and extrapolated, from the U.S. Navy Diving-Gas Manual, U.S.N. Supervisor of Diving, Research Rept. No. 3-69, 1 Oct., 1969, 
by Bateele Mem. Inst. 


284 


BALLASTING SYSTEMS 


At least 13 systems can be identified which 
are used to provide positive, negative and 
neutral buoyancy in submersibles. These 
range from venting and blowing steel tanks 
to merely hanging a cable on the vehicle and 
letting it drag along the bottom. Three meth- 
ods of buoyancy control common to almost 
half of the past and present submersibles 
consist of a positively buoyant pressure hull; 
a main ballast (MBT) system to attain sur- 
face buoyancy and possibly negative descent 
buoyancy; and a variable ballast (VBT) sys- 
tem to attain small changes in buoyancy 
when submerged. In addition to these three 
methods there are a number of others de- 
signed to accomplish the same results but in 
different ways (Table 6.5). 


One method used to gain negative buoy- 
ancy is the addition of lead or steel ballast to 
the vehicle based on post-construction calcu- 
lations and/or sea trials. Although normally 
used for minor weight adjustments, such 
weight may be made jettisonable and thus 
serves an emergency role. 

Ballasting systems are classified herein as 
Reversible and Irreversible—the distinction 
being that reversible systems are capable of 
providing at least one positive and negative 
cycle during a dive and Irreversible systems 
provide only a one-time, one-way function. 
For example, ascent and descent ballasting 
systems assist the vehicle to dive and then 
ascend and, therefore, provide both negative 
and positive buoyancy. Syntactic foam pro- 
vides the vehicle with positive buoyancy 
only. The problem with this classification can 


Fig. 6.1 Interior of AUGUSTE PICCARD. Overhead rows of cylindrical tanks port and starboard hold a total of 842.5 cubic feet of compressed air for blowing main and variable 
ballast. 


285 


TABLE 6.5 SUBMERSIBLE BALLAST AND BUOYANCY METHODS 


Pres- 


Inflat- 


Ascent/ 


Depth 
Submersible (ft) 
HIKINO 20 
GOLDFISH 100 
NAUTILETTE 100 
ALL OCEAN INDUSTRIES 150 
PC3-X 150 
PORPOISE 150 
STAR I 200 
SUBMANAUT (Helle) 200 
K-250 250 
MINI DIVER 250 
SPORTSMAN 300 300 
SUBMARAY 300 
KUMUKAHI 300 
PC-3A1 300 
PC-3A2 300 
NEREID 330 330 
SEA RANGER 600 
SPORTSMAN 600 600 
SUBMANAUT (Martine) 600 
TECHDIVER 600 
ASHERAH 600 
BENTHOS V 600 
MAKAKAI 600 
NEMO 600 
PAULO | 600 
SURV 600 
KUROSHIO II 650 
NEREID 700 700 
PC-8 800 
SHELF DIVER 800 
YOMIURI 972 
MERMAID I/II 984 
MERMAID III/IV 984 
HAKUYO 984 
TOURS 64 984 
TOURS 66 984 
GUPPY 1000 
NEKTON ALPHA 1000 
NEKTON BETA 1000 
NEKTON GAMMA 1000 
SEA-RAY 1000 
SEA LINK 1000 
SNOOPER 1000 
PS-2 1025 
PISCES | 
STAR II 1200 
AQUARIUS 1200 
VOL-L1 1200 


Descent 


MBT VBT! VBT? Weights Anchor 


Cable 


286 


sure 
Hull 


Syn- 
tactic Hard 
Foam Tanks 


able 
Bag 


Small 


Weight Steel 


Drop 


Shot 


Gaso- 
line 


TABLE 6.5 SUBMERSIBLE BALLAST AND BUOYANCY METHODS (Cont.) 


Ascent/ Pres- Syn- Inflat- Small 
Depth Descent sure tactic Hard able Weight Steel Gaso- 
Submersible (ft) MBT VBT! VBT? Weights Anchor Cable Hull Foam Tanks Bag Drop Shot line 
PCS5C 1335 ° e 
SURVEY SUB | 1350 e e 
DEEP DIVER 1350 ° e 
SP-350 1350 e ° 
SEA OTTER 1500 e e 
DEEP VIEW 1500 e e e 
SP-500 1640 e e 
SP-500 1640 ° e 
PISCES | 1200 e e e 
SHINKAI 1968 e . 
ARGYRONETE 1970 e 
GRIFFON 1970 e 
BEN FRANKLIN 2000 e e e e ° 
SDL-I 2000 
BEAVER 2000 ° ° e 
DEEP JEEP 2000 ° e(-) e 
DEEP STAR 2000 2000 e e e(-) ° e o(+) 
STAR III 2000 ° e e 
AUGUSTE PICCARD 2500 ° ° e 
PISCES II 3000 e e ° 
PISCES III 3000 e e e 
DSRV-I 3500 e e e e 
DEEPSTAR 4000 4000 e ° e e ° e(-) e 
DSRV-2 5000 e e e e 
TURTLE 6500 e e e 
SEA CLIFF 6500 e e ° 
PISCES IV 6500 ° e e 
PISCES V 6500 e e ° 
PISCES VI 6500 e e e 
DOWB 6500 e e e e 
DEEP QUEST 8000 e ° ° e 
SP-3000 10082 ° e o(-) e 
ALVIN 12000 e e e ° e 
FNRS-2 13500 e 
FNRS-3 13500 e 
ALUMINAUT 15000 e e e 
DEEPSTAR 20000 20000 e ° e 0 
TRIESTE II 20000 e Cc 0 
TRIESTE III 20000 = = 
TRIESTE 36000 e e 
ARCHIMEDE 36000 ° e e 


VBT!=Hard Tanks and Seawater 
VBT=Hard/Soft Tanks (Oil) 


(-)}=Negative Buoyancy 
(+)=Positive Buoyancy 


287 


be seen with the dropping of small weights 
which serve, primarily, to make the submers- 
ible lighter, but also served, initially, to pro- 
vide sufficient negative buoyancy to allow it 
to descend; the same may be said of iron 
shot. A further distinction, then, between 
the two systems is that they are grouped 
according to their primary ballasting func- 
tion. 

Chapter 14 deals with other ballasting de- 
vices in the form of an emergency weight 
which is dropped to provide positive buoy- 
ancy. Because these methods are not rou- 
tinely employed, it will suffice to note that 
they constitute another means of gaining 
positive buoyancy. 

The following descriptions of various bal- 
lasting/deballasting devices are brief by ne- 
cessity, for only a handful of vehicles, e.g., 
the PISCES series, use similar procedures 
and components. Individual descriptions of 
each vehicle’s ballasting system is provided 
in Chapter 4. Most of the systems perform 
essentially the same function from vehicle to 
vehicle. Consequently, a general description 
of the system’s function, location, configura- 
tion, etc., where it is amenable to this for- 
mat, is presented. The examples cited are 
selected to include one system which is fairly 
representative of all, or one that represents 
an advancement over or significant depar- 
ture from the general field. 

The capacity of main ballast tanks varies 
from vehicle-to-vehicle and is not controlled 
by any standards. The Marine Technology 
Society recommends that main ballast tank 
capacity should not be less than 10 percent of 
the vehicle’s displacement at normal diving 
trim. The American Bureau of Shipping, on 
the other hand, does not require a minimum 
capacity, but must be satisfied that the vehi- 
cle can stay on the surface without endan- 
gering the safety of the vessel under normal 
sea conditions (Sea State 3 or as defined by 
the designer) and with adequate freeboard. 
In most vehicles the 10-percent displacement 
margin is generally attained or exceeded. 


Reversible Systems 


Main Ballast Tanks: 
Function: To provide large changes in posi- 
tive and negative buoyancy and provide ade- 


288 


quate freeboard for maneuvering and for the 
ingress/egress of personnel to the pressure 
hull. 

Operation: On the surface the MBT’s are 
empty. Vent valves are located at the top of 
the tanks and flood valves at the bottom; the 
latter may or may not be free flooding. To 
dive the vent valves are opened by the opera- 
tor and seawater flows in through the flood 
openings forcing air out through the top. In 
the majority of vehicles an indicator light or 
dial warns when the MBT’s are fully flooded, 
at which time the vent valves are closed. 
When the MBT’s are full, the submersible 
may be at neutral buoyancy or slightly nega- 
tive and begins to descend. If the former is 
the case, smaller capacity variable ballast 
tanks are flooded or releasable weights are 
added to provide negative descent buoyancy. 
In a few submersibles, the MBT’s can be 
fully blown at operating depth; in the major- 
ity, the MBT’s are not blown until the vehi- 
cle reaches the surface where additional 
freeboard is required. In all vehicles, com- 
pressed air is used to blow the MBT’s when 
surfaced. 

Location: MBT’s generally straddle the pres- 
sure hull and are located as high on the 
vehicle as practical to provide stability when 
surfaced by raising the center of buoyancy in 
respect to the center of gravity. 

Configuration: Virtually any configuration is 
acceptable which is compatible with the pres- 
sure hull shape and offers least hydrody- 
namic drag. 

Material: Steel of various compositions, fi- 
berglass, aluminum. Material whose 
strength is sufficient to withstand wave slap 
and the rigors of shock during transport and 
at-sea handling. 


Example: 

a) The submersible BEN FRANKLIN 
has four MBT’s which straddle the pressure 
hull fore and aft (Fig. 6.2) and provide ap- 
proximately 18 inches of freeboard when dry. 
The tanks are constructed of laminated- 
polyester and fiberglass, !/4 to 3/s inch thick, 
and contain 11 fiberglass ribs (filled with 
syntactic foam) spaced within each tank to 
provide additional strength. Each tank has a 
capacity of 162 ft? and all four provide ap- 
proximately 41,500 pounds of positive buoy- 


ancy when dry. The tanks are designed to 
withstand 1,000-psf wave slap with a safety 
factor of 2. At 2,000-ft depth 50 percent of the 
flooded tank can be blown for emergency 
ascent only. Six free-flooding openings are in 
the bottom of each tank and a solenoid- 
operated vent valve is located on the top and 
at the rear of each tank. To dive, the sole- 
noids are activated and open the vent valves; 
this allows water to enter the bottom and an 
indicator light informs the operator when 
the tanks are full. The valves shut at any 
time the operator releases the vent switch. 
With the MBT’s fully flooded, the vehicle is 
at approximate neutral buoyancy and addi- 


emt ae 3 ora 
oe 


tional ballast causes it to descend. To blow 
the tanks dry, high pressure air (2,844 psi) is 
used and stored in six flasks mounted port 
and starboard between the deck and MBT’s. 
Each side has a flask of 21-, 7- and 5-ft? 
capacity each holding 262, 125 and 88 pounds 
of air, respectively. Each flask is piped 
through its own hull valve, pressure gage 
and control valve and then grouped near the 
operator’s console where they are mani- 
folded together and fed through a single 
pressure reducer (1,422 psi) for normal blow- 
ing operations. In the event of an emer- 
gency, the relief valve can be bypassed and 
high pressure air (2,844 psi) fed directly to 


3 fol , 


t 


| | i 


Fig. 6.2 Main ballast tanks of BEN FRANKLIN straddle its pressure hull. Cylinder between sail and MBT holds compressed air to blow water ballast. (Grumman Aerospace Corp.) 


the MBT. Passing through a hull valve each 
line runs through a check valve, a pressure- 
restricting diaphragm and into a blow valve 
aft and just below the vent valves. 

b) The All Ocean Industries submers- 
ible employs compressed air to blow the 
MBT’s, but in a manner distinctly different 
from BEN FRANKLIN’s and apparently from 
all other vehicles. It operates in the follow- 
ing manner: Two MBT’s vent directly into 
the pressure hull; to dive, the operator opens 
a vent valve which allows water into the 
tanks and forces entrapped air from the 
tanks into the pressure hull. Because pres- 
sure will build up in the hull, a second valve, 
called a snorkel valve, is opened to allow the 
escape of air outside the hull. When a little 
water appears at the vent valve, it is se- 
cured, as are three flood valves leading to 
the MBT’s. The snorkel valve is also closed 
after the MBT and flood valves are secured. 
With the MBT’s full, the vehicle is still 
slightly positive and VBT’s must be flooded 
to attain negative buoyancy. To blow the 
MBT’s on the surface, the two MBT flood 
valves are opened and air from one of two 
scuba tanks outside the hull is introduced 
into the MBT. When bubbles can be observed 
coming out of the MBT’s, the tanks are as- 
sumed empty, and the hatch (dome) may be 
opened. 


Variable Ballast Tanks: 

Function: To provide small scale buoyancy 
adjustments. 

Operation: Two approaches are used to at- 
tain variable ballasting systems. In the most 
generally used approach there is a hard tank 
into which seawater is introduced by means 
of the ambient pressure differential to attain 
negative buoyancy and then expelled by 
either compressed air or a pump to attain 
positive buoyancy. In the second case, gener- 
ally on the deep vehicles, a system is used 
which employs a pressure-resistant tank con- 
nected to collapsible (flexible) oil-filled bags. 
When surfaced, the spheres are partially 
filled with oil and air at atmospheric pres- 
sure; the bags are fully collapsed. To gain 
positive buoyancy when submerged, the oil is 
pumped into the bags which expand and 
displace seawater, thus, providing positive 
buoyancy. To gain negative buoyancy, the oil 


290 


is permitted to flow back into the rigid tank. 
More accurately, this hard/soft tank system 
is termed a variable displacement system 
since the vehicle weight remains constant. 
Evident from Table 6.6 is the absence of air- 
blown VBT’s below 2,500 feet for reasons 
given earlier. When hard tanks and water 
are employed as the variable ballast system 
on present submersibles, high pressure 
pumps are used to expel water from the 
tanks below 5,000 feet. 


Location on Vehicle: AS 1s evident from Table 
6.6, there is no standard location for variable 
ballast systems. In some vehicles the sys- 
tems are in the pressure hull (this arrange- 
ment saves the expense accompanying a sys- 
tem exposed to seawater and ambient pres- 
sure), and in others the system is external to 
the pressure hull, thereby saving limited in- 
ternal space in the pressure hull. Those vehi- 
cles using variable displacement (hard and 
soft tanks) systems must locate at least the 
soft part of the system external to the hull. 
As a general rule, most VBT’s are situated 
below the vehicle’s center of gravity to keep 
the center of gravity low. This is the case 
with AUGUSTE PICCARD and BEN FRANK- 
LIN, where the VBT’s are in the vessels’ 
keels. When two or more tanks are used, they 
are balanced port and starboard or fore and 
aft; in the latter situation the system may 
also serve as a trim system by differentially 
filling the tanks. 


Configuration: Systems external to the pres- 
sure hull employing only air and hard tanks 
have no particular geometrical configuration 
on the shallow submersibles, but are gener- 
ally spheres or cylinders on the deep vehi- 
cles. Where the tank is external to the pres- 
sure hull it must withstand the same forces 
as the pressure hull. Because the tank may 
be pressurized above ambient during ascent, 
tensile stress is a factor. Where the VBT is 
within the hull at atmospheric pressure, ten- 
sile stresses are the overriding considera- 
tion. 

Soft/hard tank systems are required to 
withstand ambient pressures and for this 
reason the hard tank component is always 
spherical. Being either pressure-compen- 
sated or collapsed, the soft tank component 
can be any shape. 


TABLE 6.6 VARIABLE BALLAST SYSTEMS CHARACTERISTICS 


Fill/Empty System 


Procedure _ ee ~ Gar) Hard Hard mat Quantity 

Pump Air (Ibs) Hard Tanks unmeriblel Hard Soft 
Submersible Out In Blow Tanks Only Tanks = Tanks 
PC3-X e 320 e F/A (ex.) 2 
STAR | e NA e (in) 1 
SUBMANAUT (Helle) e e 110 e (in) 1 
K-250 e NA e NA 1 
SPORTSMAN2 e NA e (in) 1 
SUBMARAY e 68 e (in) 1 
PC-3A 1&2 e 320 e F/A (ex.) 2 
KUMUKAHI e e 93 e (in) 1 
SUBMANAUT (Martine) e e 4280 e (in) and Keel 6 
TECHDIVER e 400 e F/A (ex.) 2 
ASHERAH e 340 e (ex.) 1 
BENTHOS V e NA e (in) 2 
MAKAKAI e e 400 e each corner 4 
KUROSHIO II e 888 e F/A (in) 2 
SURV e 80 e Aft (ex.) 2 
SHELF DIVER e ® 780 e F/A (ex) 2 
MERMAID2 e NA e (in) 2 
HAKUYO NA e (in) 2 
NEKTON2 e 30 e (in) 1 
SEA-RAY e NA e F/A (ex.) 2 
SEA LINK e 170 e P/S (ex.) 2 
STAR II e@ 130 e (ex.) 1 
VOL-L1 e 715 e F/A (in) 2 
PC5C e 120 e P/S (ex.) 2 
SURVEY SUB | e 440 e F/A (in) 2 
DEEP DIVER e @(aft) 731 e F/A (in) 6 2 
SP-350 e 96 e (in) 1 
SEA OTTER e 125 e (ex.) Fore 2 
SP-500 e 44 e (in) 1 
SHINKAI e 660 e (ex.) amidship 1 
ARGYRONETE 2620 e F/A 2/2 
BEN FRANKLIN e 6800 e P/S (ex.) 1/1 
BEAVER e 1474 e P/S/Aft (ex.) 1/1/1 
PISCES2 e 300 e Aft (ex.) 1 2 
DS-2000 e 300 e P/S (ex.) 2/2 
STAR III e 270 e (ex.) 1 
AUGUSTE PICCARD e 4315 e (in) (ex.) 2/1 
DSRV-1&2 e 1060 e F/A 1/1 
DS-4000 e e NA e P/S 2 1 
TURTLE e e 600 e P/S 6 2 
SEA CLIFF e e 600 e P/S 6 2 
DOWB e e 512 e F/A (ex.) 2 2 
DEEP QUEST e e 1828 e P/S (ex.) 2 
ALVIN e 600 e (ex.) 6 2 
DS-20000 e @(He) NA e NA NA NA 


TE/A = Fore/Aft; (in) = inside pressure hull; (ex.) = external to pressure hull; P/S = port/starboard 
2a classes of the submersible. 


291 


Materials: Hard tank systems employ the pump water in or out of the tanks to provide 


same material for the VBT as they do for the buoyancy changes. The non-water volume of 
hull, though in some eases a stainless steel is the ballast tanks is pressure-compensated to 
used. Soft/hard tank systems vary in the 10 to 20 psi above ambient by air stored in 
nature of the material used for the hard four high pressure cylinders (thereby negat- 
component. ALVIN, SEA CLIFF and TUR- ing the need for pressure-resistant VBT’s). 
TLE use titanium spheres, while PISCES IV The high pressure air is reduced to ambient 
and V use HY-100 steel, the same material as pressure by a differential pressure-regulat- 
found in the pressure hull. The flexible bags ing system, and the ballast tanks are pro- 
in the hard/soft tank system of TURTLE and vided with relief valves to vent air on ascent. 
SEA CLIFF are composed of reinforced rub- To attain fore or aft trim, water may be 
ber. pumped fore or aft between tanks, and taken 
Example: onboard on one side of the vehicle and over- 
(a) The variable ballast system of boarded on the other side to attain roll an- 
MAKAKAIT provides not only positive and gles. 
negative buoyancy changes, but changes in (b) Although now converted to a hard 
trim and roll (or heel) as well. From refer- tank system, ALVIN’s original variable dis- 
ence (4), ballast tanks are mounted on each placement system was typical of other vehi- 
corner of the vehicle (Fig. 6.3), and each tank cles and worked in the following manner (5). 
has a capacity of 199 pounds of seawater. Two large, flexible oil-tight bags were de- 
Two ballast pumps (one supplying each side) signed to fit into floodable fiberglass com- 


TRIM TANK 


FORWARD nN STARBOARD BALLAST 


PUMP-AND-VALVE UNIT 


PRESSURE- 
“. REDUCING REGULATORS 
~ 


PORT BALLAST 
PUMP-AND- 
VALVE UNIT 


“ 
SS 


BALLAST AIR 
STORAGE 


BALLAST WATER LINES 


— — — ~—_ COMPENSATING AIR LINES 
Fig. 6.3 MAKAKAI's ballast control schematic. (From Ref. (4)] 


292 


partments and six pressure-resistant alumi- 
num spheres were located in the center por- 
tion of the vehicle. A high-pressure gear 
pump pumped automatic transmission fluid 
from the spheres to the flexible containers 
(Fig. 6.4). Air at atmospheric pressure filled 
the spheres when emptied of working fluid. 
Since the flexible containers were exposed to 
sea pressure, the pump had to move the 


working fluid against sea pressure. A revers- 
ible DC motor provided power for the pump. 
To control the system, a positive-seating 
(leak-free) ball valve was incorporated into 
the circuit. The bali valve was opened and 
closed by a suitable gear train and electric 
motor. The two motors were under the direct 
control of the pilot who could control the 
buoyancy of the vehicle from a heavy condi- 


VARIABLE BALLAST SPHERES 


FLOAT VALVE 
ASSEMBLY 


BACK 
PRESSURE 
VALVE 
ASSEMBLY 


PRESSURE 


FILTER 


FIEE— 
BLEED 


MOTORIZED 
BALL VALVE 


Fig. 6.4 ALVIN’s variable-ballast system diagram. [From Ref. (5)] 


293 


tion of 600 pounds to a light condition of 600 
pounds. A float switch was included to open 
the electric motor circuit when the working 
fluid was exhausted from the spheres. A 
pressure transducer sensed absolute pres- 
sure in the spheres. The readout from this 
pressure was calibrated to show the quantity 
of oil in the spheres. Relief valves were in- 
cluded to protect the pump motor in case of 
valve failure and a filter was provided to 
capture any stray particles in the fluid. Fluid 
was filtered whenever it was allowed to flow 
back into the sphere. A check valve system 
was employed to bypass the filter in the 
reverse direction. 

DEEPSTAR 4000 used its variable dis- 
placement system in a somewhat different 
fashion than the designers intended when 
the need for more rapid buoyancy changes 
arose. In conjunction with its small weight 
drop system (described below) the system 
worked as follows: At neutral buoyancy, the 
flexible bag was full; if positive buoyancy 
was needed, a 3.4-pound weight was dropped; 
if negative buoyancy was necessary, fluid 
was pumped from the flexible bag. Hence, a 
round trip from negative-to-positive-to-nega- 
tive was reduced by half that required if the 
total variable displacement system was em- 
ployed. 


Ascent/Descent Weights: 

Function: To assist the submersible in de- 
scending and ascending to and from the bot- 
tom while conserving electrical power. 

Operation: Generally one weight is hung fore 
and another aft; both are attached prior to 
launching. When the MBT’s and VBT’s are 
full, the vehicle descends to some depth short 
of the bottom, and the descent weight is 
dropped to give the vehicle approximate neu- 
tral buoyancy. At dive termination, the as- 
cent weight is dropped allowing the vehicle 
to surface. On some vehicles, e.g., ALVIN, a 
descent weight only is used to hasten the 
initial descent and, at the same time, con- 
serve electrical power which might otherwise 
be required to run the vertical thrusters 
during descent. 

Location on Vehicle: On the French vehicles 
SP-350 and SP-3000 and on DS-4000, the 
descent weight is on the stern centerline and 
the ascent is forward on the brow. 


294 


Configuration: Any compatible to the vehicle. 
Material: Lead or cast iron. 
Example: 

(a) DEEPSTAR 4000 dives with 220- 
pound cast iron descent weight aft which 
causes the vehicle to descend bow high. At 
some predetermined depth, the descent 
weight is hydraulically jettisoned, and the 
vehicle comes to the near-horizontal posi- 
tion. At dive termination, a 187-pound ascent 
weight mounted forward is dropped, and 
DEEPSTAR 4000 ascends (Fig. 6.5). A nega- 
tive feature of this system lies in the fact 
that once the ascent weight is dropped, the 
vehicle cannot descend again without addi- 
tional negative buoyancy. In the event of the 
submersible ascending into an overhanging 
cliff or obstruction, it would be unable to 
descend again without external assistance. 

(b) DEEPSTAR 4000’s sister submers- 
ible DS-2000 combines both a descent weight 
and a hard tank. The descent weight per- 
forms the same function as in DS-4000, but 
instead of an ascent weight, a 120-pound- 
capacity tank (which is flooded at the start of 
the dive) has been substituted. When the 
dive is terminated, the seawater is blown 
from the hard tank and the vehicle rises. 
This allows an increase of 120 pounds in 
payload owing to the absence of the ascent 
weight. 


Anchor: 

Function: To provide static stability while 
working on the bottom or hovering. It also 
may serve as a kedge to assist in pulling 
large devices on the bottom. 

Operation: A hydraulically driven winch, ca- 
ble, and anchor can be employed by the 
operator as desired. 

Example: 

Two submersibles routinely carrying 
anchoring devices are BEAVER and NEMO. 
While both vehicles are quite different, their 
anchoring systems are essentially similar. 
Hence, NEMO will serve as an example of 
both and its description is taken from refer- 
ence (6). 

NEMO’s primary vertical mobility and 
station-keeping modes are provided by the 
winch/motor system housed in the main bal- 
last tank. The winch drive motor is a Vickers 
fixed-displacement, reversible hydraulic mo- 


tor and is located in a housing directly be- 
neath the bottom plate of the pressure hull, 
with pressure compensation being provided 
by reference to the hydraulic distribution 
housing. The winch motor drives a drum 
which holds 1,200 feet of !/4-inch non-rotating 
wire rope. The winch features a barrel gear 
level wind assembly and cable guide to as- 
sure proper cable laying. The guide also 
houses a hydraulic cable cutter, pyrotechnic 
cable cutter and an interlock sensing assem- 
bly to override the winch control. This inter- 
lock arrangement automatically slows and 
stops the winch as the anchor approaches 
NEMO. 

Winch operations are controlled by 
four switches on a control console. The winch 
motor switch and the winch jog switch sup- 
ply power to the winch speed and direction 
switches, which in turn actuate hydraulic 


solenoid valves. The winch motor switch is 
used for continuous operation, and the jog 
switch is used for momentary operation. If 
the hydraulic generator is on and either the 
jog or the run switch is actuated, the winch 
will start operating in the direction selected 
by the direction switch (“reel in” or “reel 
out’) and at the speed selected on the speed 
switch (“fast’”’ or ‘‘slow’’). The winch lock 
switch actuates a solenoid valve which pro- 
vides a hydraulic lock on the winch motor. 
This lock is automatically overridden when 
either the run or jog switch is used. In 
addition, the winch has four ways in which it 
may be free-wheeled. To reset the interlock 
system (which automatically slows and then 
stops the incoming anchor before it reaches 
the winch), the jog switch is operated twice. 
A 25-in.? accumulator is incorporated in the 
winch motor hydraulic loop to cushion sud- 


SHIP 


ws DESCENT WEIGHT (220-Ib) 
2B PRODUCES NEGATIVE 
7 BUOYANCY FOR 
Ve POWER-FREE DESCENT 
[ 
\ HELICAL DESCENT PATH DUE TO 
~ FREE DESCENT DYNAMICS / 
as ey cee \ ~ Ha 
SH EAT! Ae es N 
ASCENT WEIGHT (187-Ib) RELEASED AT \ 
CONCLUSION OF MISSION \ 
DEEPSTAR IS NOW POSITIVELY \ 


BUOYANT AND RISES 
PITCH CONTROLLED BY 


\ SHIFTING OF MERCURY 
N FORWARD AND AFT 
~ Ls 


_—_ — 


ASCENT WEIGHT 


AT DESIRED OPERATING DEPTH \ 
DESCENT WEIGHT IS RELEASED 
TO MAKE DEEPSTAR NEUTRALLY \ 
BUOYANT \ 


_— —_- _— —_ _ 


SS | 


MOVEMENT FORWARD AND 


AFT USING PROPELLERS 
DESCENT WEIGHT 


Fig. 6.5 DEEPSTAR 4000's descent/ascent weight system. 


295 


den anchor stops. Although a variety of an- 
chors may be used, a 380-pound clump was 
employed. A manually operated hydraulic 
system located inside the pressure hull 
serves as a means of cutting the anchor 
cable and controlling the mechanical winch 
brake. 


Cables: 

Function: To provide a means of maintaining 
constant altitude within range of bottom 
viewing. 

Operation: Consists merely of a cable (wire 
rope or chain) of desired length and weight 
which is attached to the vehicle on or near 
the keel. During descent, the submersible 
slowly nears the bottom with the cable arriv- 
ing first and accumulating there until its 
weight loss puts the vehicle at neutral buoy- 
ancy. At this point, the vehicle is essentially 
anchored in the vertical, but is free to move 
in the horizontal. 

Example: 

All of the bathyscaphs employed a ca- 
ble for altitude control at one time or an- 
other. The only submersible to extensively 
use such a device was BEN FRANKLIN on its 
30-day drift in the Gulf Stream. This system 
is described below. 

A 40-foot-long 100-pound chain, housed 
in a flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) hose, 
was attached to BEN FRANKLIN’s stern. A 
weak link stood between the chain and vessel 
which would break before the vehicle 
reached its capacity to attain full positive 
buoyancy in the event of the chain fouling. 

In operation, the submersible bottomed 
and then blew its VBT’s enough to ascend 
slightly to a point some 20 feet off of the 
bottom where the chain restrained it. The 
current then caused the vehicle to move and 
drag the chain behind. With the chain at the 
stern providing drag, the submersible was 
oriented with its bow pointed downstream 
and it proceeded along as if under power. 
When a mound or other minor relief feature 
was encountered, the excess chain accumu- 
lating on the feature decreased the vehicle’s 
weight and it ascended accordingly; in the 
event of a depression, the excess chain hang- 
ing suspended caused the vehicle to descend. 
While there are drawbacks to this method of 
buoyancy control, for near-bottom cruising 


296 


at a specific altitude and over relatively 
smooth terrain, the system is virtually un- 
beatable. According to the elder Piccard in 
In Balloon and Bathyscaphe, this technique 
was first used by the balloonist for cruising 
at low altitudes over land. 


Irreversible Systems 


Pressure Hulls: 

In most submersibles (excluding the bathy- 
scaphs) the pressure hull exerts a positively 
buoyant force, the extent of which depends 
on the W/D ratio. This force is not constant 
at all depths owing to the compressibility of 
the hull which reduces its displacement. The 
SP-3000, for example, carries two jettisona- 
ble 33-pound weights which are released to 
compensate for loss of positive buoyancy 
through hull shrinkage. The bathyscaphs are 
a different situation wherein the pressure 
hull is negatively buoyant and the problem is 
one of getting it to ascend rather than de- 
scend. 


Syntactic Foam: 

For great depths syntactic foam is one of 
the most promising positive buoyancy mate- 
rials. The foam consists of a mixture of hol- 
low microspheres embedded in a resin ma- 
trix. Some foams use plastic or glass micro- 
spheres, and matrix materials of polyesters, 
phenolics, polyethylenes or vinyls (7). Sev- 
eral factors make syntactic foam an attrac- 
tive buoyancy material: 

Low density 

High hydrostatic strength 

Low water absorption 

Immunity to catastrophic failure 

Bulk modulus equal to or slightly higher 

than seawater 

Fabricability to irregular shapes by cast- 

ing or machining 

One of its greatest features is the relative 
ease with which it can be machined or cast to 
fill small, large, and irregularly shaped voids 
within the exostructure. In some eases, it is 
merely attached as blocks to the vehicle or 
strapped into an existing cavity to provide 
greater payload for a specific dive. At times, 
syntactic foam performs more than one func- 
tion. Figure 6.6 demonstrates its uniqueness 
by serving both as positive buoyancy mate- 
rial and a stabilizing rudder on TURTLE. 


Considerable effort is being expended by 
both government and industry to decrease 
the foam’s density and, correspondingly, its 
cost. Present efforts at NSRDC are aimed at 
developing a 34-pcf syntactic foam for depths 
of 20,000 feet (8). Both the DSRV’s and DEEP 
QUEST employ syntactic foam of 36-pef us- 
ing glass microspheres. Standard 42- to 44- 
pound foams cost in the neighborhood of $10 
to $15/pound; 34-pound foam is projected to 
be some $40/pound in orders of 40,000 
pounds. An indication of the expense in- 
volved is gained by considering that DS- 
20000 would carry some 13,060 pounds of 42- 
pound syntactic foam. 

According to Rosenberg (7) a 30-pound 
foam for 20,000 feet should be possible, but 
considerable development in the glass mi- 


crosphere system is required before this goal 
can be realized. Owing to its wide application 
by the marine community—not only in sub- 
mersibles but in salvage and other areas as 
well—syntactic foam appears as promising 
today as did acrylic plastic in its infancy. 


Hard Tanks: 


Six submersibles can be identified that use 
pressure-resistant tanks as a means of at- 
taining positive or negative buoyancy. Three 
of these (SP-3000, DEEP JEEP, DS-2000) 
use pressure-resistant tanks as a component 
of a variable ballast system whereby the 
tank is either blown or flooded and played 
against an opposing system, such as a small 
weight drop. 


Fig. 6.6 Syntactic Foam blocks cut to serve for stabilization and positive buoyancy on TURTLE. 


In the DSRV’s two 5,564-pound-capacity 
tanks are used to store water that is pumped 
out of the mating skirt after it has attached 
to a stricken submarine; in effect, these 
tanks work as both positive and negative 
buoyancy systems although their function- 
ing is strictly a by-product of the rescue 
mission. 

ALVIN, in its early design, incorporated 
nine aluminum (7178-T6) spheres within a 
syntactic foam (42 pef) package to provide 
approximately 4,000 pounds of positive buoy- 
ancy (Fig. 6.7). To prevent corrosion and 
stress corrosion, oil surrounded each sphere. 
The spheres were later discarded and now 
the entire package consists solely of syntac- 
tic foam. 

Collapsible Bags: 
Carried within each sphere of the DSRV 


are four collapsible bags. Prior to a rescue 
dive, the bags are filled with water to pro- 
vide 4,080 pounds of negative buoyancy. 
When the rescuees are aboard the DSRV, the 
bags are drained into the stricken submarine 
to compensate for the weight of the rescuees. 


Small Weight Drop: 

A system common to all French and West- 
inghouse vehicles involves the dropping of 
small lead weights to incrementally attain 
positive buoyancy; DEEPSTAR 4000 may 
serve as an example. Located immediately 
aft of the pressure sphere 3.4-pound lead 
weights hang on a notched track trending 
port-starboard. When the pilot activates the 
command lever, hydraulic pressure shifts a 
double-ended piston to one side and rachet 
fingers attached to a sliding carriage engage 


Fig. 6.7 ALVIN's original buoyancy package consisted of syntactic foam and aluminum spheres The total package provided 4,000-Ib positive buoyancy. (WHO!) 


one of the rachets, moving it inboard °/16 of 
an inch. This movement removes the support 
for a weight and the weight falls free of the 
housing. The next time hydraulic pressure is 
applied, the piston and carriage move in the 
opposite direction. A rachet finger engages 
the other rachet bar and a weight is dropped 
as the bar moves inboard. 

DEEP JEEP incorporated the same princi- 
ple with thirty 4-pound steel plates sur- 
rounding its battery pod; in this case, each 
plate was held in place by an electromagnet 
which, when power ceased, dropped the 
weight. In the event of a total power failure 
all weights were automatically jettisoned. 


Iron Shot: 

Adopted from the FNRS-2, the dropping of 
iron shot to attain positive buoyancy has 
been incorporated into several contemporary 
submersibles and was used on all the bathy- 
seaphs (Table 6.5). The type of shot used 
resembles ‘‘BB’s” and the only hard require- 
ment is that the shot have magnetic proper- 
ties. The younger Piccard, in Seven Miles 
Down, related the difficulty in attaining shot 
with sufficient residual magnetism in the 
U.S., thus necessitating ordering shot from 
Italy to accomplish TRIESTE’s early mission 
leading to the deep dive. 

In concert with the host of dissimilar pro- 
cedures to accomplish similar functions from 
submersible-to-submersible, no two shot sys- 
tems are identical in location of shot tanks or 
method of shot control, though all use ‘‘fail- 
safe’”’ electromagnets to hold in the shot. 
BEN FRANKLIN is one example of this 
method of attaining positive buoyancy. 

The shot ballast system of BEN FRANK- 
LIN has two functions—to adjust the buoy- 
ancy of the boat by metering out shot 
through a specially designed electromagnetic 
valve, and to provide 6 tons of buoyancy 
(6,372 pounds per tank) in an emergency by 
rapidly dropping all of the shot (release of 
hydraulic pressure on a piston opens a large 
door at the bottom of the shot ballast tank). 

Separating the two main ballast tanks port 
and starboard, the shot ballast tanks are 
filled with iron shot (Globe Steel S-780C) up 
to a point about 4 inches below the waterline. 
The tanks are free-flooding and are always 
open to the sea in order to pressure compen- 


299 


sate the tanks and to prevent rusting of the 
shot into an unmanageable agglomeration. 
When completely immersed in seawater, the 
corrosive action on the shot is minimized and 
the granules remain free. 

Each shot ballast tank is fixed to the sides 
of the hull by attachments similar to those 
on the main ballast tanks but with elongated 
bolt holes designed to allow for any play 
which occurs during expansion or compres- 
sion of the pressure hull. The tanks are 
constructed of sheet steel supported inter- 
nally by steel truss frames. 

The shot dropping systems consist of two 
electromagnetic valves—one for each shot 
tank. Each valve has two sets of coils—110 
VDC and 28 VDC. The 110-volt holding coils 
are made up of soft iron cores which can be 
permanently magnetized by coils when sup- 
plied by 110 volts. These “magnetic valves” 
are used to hold the soft iron shot in the 
ballast tanks when permanently magnetized 
and the power is removed. This is accom- 
plished when the shot ballast becomes mag- 
netized in the “throat” of the valve. The 
valve can be demagnetized to release its hold 
on the shot by cycling the 110-VDC voltage 
through progressing voltage dropping resis- 
tors. Dropping the voltage and cycling both 
the plus and minus values through the coils, 
the cores become totally demagnetized since 
any residual magnetic effects are erased in 
this manner. 

The 28-volt metering coils are essentially 
electromagnets which are used to control the 
flow of the soft iron shot through the valves. 
This is accomplished when the 110-volt coils 
are demagnetized and the 28-volt coils are 
de-energized. Flow of shot is stopped when 
the full 28 volts are used to energize the 
electromagnet and the soft iron shot in the 
valve’s throat is magnetized. This condition 
can be maintained when the voltage is re- 
duced to 14 volts. 

The electric metering system, used to 
measure the amount of shot in each of the 
two tanks, consists of a transformer verti- 
cally oriented in each tank. The primary coils 
are excited by 20 VAC which has been 
stepped down via a transformer from the 
110-VAC bus. The secondaries of the meter- 
ing transformer are returned into the boat 
and terminated into voltmeters. The voltage 


recorded on the meter is directly propor- 
tional to the amount of shot in the tank, 
since the level of shot represents the amount 
of mutual coupling between the two coils 
and, hence, the induced voltage on the sec- 
ondary. 

A specially constructed timer is installed 
in the pilot’s console and consists of two stop 
watches each connected to one of the shot 
ballast circuits. The timer automatically 
starts and stops as shot ballast is metered 
out of each hopper. The quantity of shot 
jettisoned by the operator is simply calcu- 
lated by time units as 4.4 pounds of shot fall 
through the valve per second. 

An emergency shot ballast system was in- 
stalled to provide a quick release of ballast in 
case of flooding or some other emergency 
requiring rapid surfacing or extra buoyancy. 
Hydraulic pressure (140 kg/em?) is built up in 
an accumulator which in turn holds a port 
and starboard hydraulic piston in a position 
that prevents a trap door at the bottom of 
each tank from opening. By opening a valve 
that allows the hydraulic fluid to return to 
the reservoir, hydraulic pressure is released 
on the piston which in turn allows the trap 
door to open. (The weight of the shot causes 
the piston to move to the opposite end of the 
cylinder when hydraulic pressure is re- 
leased.) The trap door, hinged on the oppo- 
site side, allows the shot to drop rapidly. If a 
piston fails to move due to corrosion or some 
other reason, hydraulic fluid can be forced to 
the opposite side of the piston to provide an 
additional force. By operating valves in rapid 
succession, the entire operation, including 
power to the opposite side of the piston, is 
accomplished very quickly. 

Seals at each end of the piston prevent 
seawater from entering the cylinder. Around 
the rod is fitted a stainless steel cylinder or 
sleeve capped with a rubber boot. The cylin- 
der is packed solid with grease and the boot 
can move in and out slightly with sea pres- 
sure. This end of the piston is untouched by 
seawater and cannot corrode. 

If the boat has been towed or in port for 
several days just prior to diving, the trap 
door/piston mechanism is tested by having a 
diver install a special screw fitting in each 
tank that holds the trap door in place. The 
piston is then moved by applying power in 


300 


the opposite side of the cylinder and a diver 
can observe whether or not the piston re- 
tracts. 

The logistics involved with steel shot bal- 
last can be somewhat restrictive on open-sea 
operations. Because the majority of sub- 
mersibles using this method are too large to 
be launched and retrieved for each dive, they 
must be replenished while in the water. Gen- 
erally, this is accomplished in a harbor or 
protected area (Fig. 6.8) where the sea state 
is not a problem; however, on occasion it is 
necessary to transfer shot at sea. When this 
is the case, it can be quite difficult transfer- 
ring several thousand pounds of shot in 25- 
pound bags from the support ship to the 
vehicle. 


Gasoline: 

The positive buoyant force on all bathy- 
scaphs is derived from gasoline contained in 
a metallic float. Several factors enter into 
the selection of petroleum hydrocarbons for 
deep-water buoyancy applications: 

—Gasoline is readily available and at rela- 
tively low cost. 

—Although not as effective as air at shal- 
low depths, gasoline retains most of 
its buoyancy at any depth. 

—Petroleum hydrocarbons can reach a 
density of 0.66 gm/cm*, which is good 
relative to seawater (1.025 gm/cm’). 

On the other hand, there are several disad- 
vantages, the main one being flammability. 
Unfortunately, the hydrocarbons with the 
lowest density are the most flammable; for 
this reason, kerosene, in spite of its high 
density, is often used. 

The logistic and safety problems involved 
with gasoline flotation are quite complex. 
The U.S. Navy’s TRIESTE II carries 75,000 
gallons of aviation gasoline (0.76 gm/cm?) in 
its float. The bathyscaph is first launched 
from its support ship and then filled with 
gasoline when clear, the entire process ac- 
counting for some 15 to 20 hours. To return 
to its support ship, the float is pumped dry of 
almost all gasoline and the pressure in the 
float is maintained by introducing gaseous 
nitrogen, which also serves to purge the float 
of fumes. When TRIESTE IT is within its 
support ship (ARD) the additional 1,000 to 
2,000 gallons of gasoline remaining in the 


float is drained through valves at the float 
bottom. The recovery procedure takes about 
the same time as launching. Some 300,000 
gallons of gasoline are carried aboard the 
ARD, and at 19¢/gallon , the cost is not 
insignificant. Some savings are realized, 
however, because the unused gasoline can be 
turned back in and used for its original pur- 
pose. 

Controlling buoyancy when using gasoline 
is a fulltime job. As the bathyscaph de- 
scends, the gasoline loses some buoyancy 
because it is more compressible than seawa- 
ter and the ambient temperature causes it to 
cool. Consequently, the operator is required 
to drop shot ballast to compensate for the 
loss of positive buoyancy. On ascent, the 
reverse occurs and the operator is required 
to vent off gasoline to maintain a steady, 


controllable rate of ascent. Piccard (9) de- 
scribed in detail the complications involved 
with gasoline as a buoyant source. The con- 
clusion is easily reached that syntactic foam, 
in spite of its present high cost, is an ideal 
replacement for gasoline. 


TRIM SYSTEMS 


The ability to change a submersible’s up or 
down bow angle solves two general opera- 
tional problems: 1) Instruments or equip- 
ment may be installed that cause the vehicle 
to be heavy in the bow or stern; this can be 
corrected by adding or subtracting weight or 
displacement at the opposite end, and 2) if a 
submersible is required to follow an upward 
or downward sloping bottom, its bow angle 
may be changed statically so that the vehicle 
“flies” parallel to the bottom. More special- 


Fig. 6.8 ALUMINAUT's crew loading shot ballast at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. (NAVOCEANO) 


301 


ized use of a trim (and roll) capability is 
found with the DSRV’s where a stricken sub- 
marine may lay on the bottom at an angle 
requiring the DSRV to attain both a down 
angle on the bow and a starboard or port list 
angle in order to mate with the submarine’s 
escape hatch. A similar case may be made for 
lock-out submersibles mating with underwa- 
ter habitats at other than a level attitude. 

The methods used to gain trim in submers- 
ibles range from very simple to complex but 
they all involve one of two procedures: 1) The 
transferring of weight from one part of the 
vehicle to the other; or 2) the taking aboard 
or releasing weight at one location on the 
submersible or another. The transfer of 
weight, in the case of cylindrical, pressure- 
hulled vehicles, need be nothing more com- 
plicated than a passenger walking fore or aft 
to produce an angle on the bow. In ALUMI- 
NAUT, if one of the crew desired to walk fore 
or aft, while the vehicle was underway, his 
movement had to be countered with a con- 
current movement of another member from 
the opposite end to take his place. If this 
procedure was not followed, the vehicle’s 
trim was substantially affected. The spheri- 
cal-hulled DS-4000 (BG—3 in.) experienced 
the same effect if the aft crew member 
leaned forward to join the operator and sci- 
entist at the viewports. The “tenderness” of 
submersibles toward such trim changes re- 
sides in the small longitudinal metacentric 
height (Table 6.7) which makes the vehicle 
vulnerable to quite small weight shifts. BEN 
FRANKLIN is an exception to such vulnera- 
bility. During the Gulf Stream Drift, the six 
crew members ran fore and aft together in 
an attempt to produce instability and could 
do no more than produce a dive angle of 10 
degrees from which the submersible immedi- 
ately recovered although the crew remained 
in the bow. 

While many submersibles do not have a 
trim system per se, the manual placing of 
lead or iron weights fore and aft during the 
dive can, to a degree, produce the desired 
results. On a mission off Vieques Island, 
Puerto Rico, in 1968, ALUMINAUT was able 
to parallel a 30-degree sloping bottom by the 
crew transferring ballast weights from for- 
ward to aft. Such procedures are generally 


302 


impractical in the single, spherical pressure 
hulled submersibles as sufficient moment 
cannot be gained in the small sphere, and 
payload, which the lead takes up, is at a 
premium. 

Trim systems may be located external to 
the pressure hull or within it (Table 6.7). 
Several factors affect the locating decision, 
the most significant being limited internal 
volume and effective moment. Submersibles 
incorporating internal trim systems are 
those with cylindrical pressure hulls where a 
large moment arm can be attained and inter- 
nal volume is available. Systems external to 
the pressure hull are generally found in 
spherical-hulled vehicles. The following is a 
description of each type of trim system from 
a selected vehicle in the groups shown in 
Table 6.7. 


Internal Trim Systems 


Water Transfer Systems: 

The submersible BEN FRANKLIN has one 
trim tank forward and one tank aft inside 
the bottom of the end closures at each end of 
the pressure hull (Fig. 6.9). Each tank has a 
capacity of 50 ft® (3,100 lb of fresh water), and 
the base of each is formed by the inside 
contour of the hull. Steel plate sections are 
welded to form the upper surface of the trim 
tanks. A vertical wall at the aft end of the 
forward tank and forward of the aft tank is 
made of one 3-mm steel plate welded flush to 
the interior edge of the hull stiffeners; in 
this wall is an inspection manhole. 

Enough water to fill one tank completely is 
carried during a mission and is sufficient to 
produce approximately a 10-degree up/down 
bow angle. 

The forward trim tank has a filling hole in 
the top, closed by a threaded plug. Both 
tanks are linked by a polyethylene pipe 
joined to metal tubes located on the top of 
each trim tank. Each metal tube has a valve 
for air release. 

When water is pumped from either tank it 
vents through the overhead pipe into the 
opposite tank, and moves through two poly- 
ethylene pipes, running fore and aft down 
the port side of the boat, which are con- 
nected to trim pumps. 


The trim pumps—JABSCO Model 10490, 
ball-bearing, self-priming pumps—are 
mounted on brackets bolted to blocks welded 
to the hull. The pumps are turned by electric 
motors and controlled at the pilot’s station. 
Each pump operates in one direction only. 


They are connected to the 110-VDC bus and 
run at 1,750 rpm (2 hp) with a capacity of 84 
gal/min. 

The forward trim tank has a manometer 
connection for reading the percentage of 
water. The gage is located at the pilot’s 


TABLE 6.7 SUBMERSIBLE TRIM SYSTEMS 


Internal External 
Metacentric Weight Bow Mechanical VBT MBT Shot 
Height Shift Angle H90 Weight Mercury Diff. Diff. Diff. Battery H90 Oil 
Submersible (in.) (Ib) (+ degrees) Transfer Shift Transfer Fill Fill Fill Shift Transfer Transfer 

ALUMINAUT 9.7 300 30 e 
AUGUSTE PICCARD 8.4 4020 NA e 
BEN FRANKLIN 10.3 3100 10 e 
SHINKAI 7.2 e 
PC-3B e 
YOMIURI ® 
HAKUYO 6.0 10 e 
PC5C e 
TOURS 64/66 e 
ALVIN 540 25 ° 
DEEP QUEST 3.0 1400 30 e 
DS-2000 1250 30 e 
DS-4000 3.0 225 30 e 
DS-20000 630 30 e 
DSRV-1&2 1428 45 e 
SEA CLIFF/TURTLE 3.6 620 30 e 
SP-350 e 
SP-500 e 
SP-3000 e 
STAR III 2.7 270 15 e 
AQUARIUS | ® 
DEEP DIVER 730 e 
DEEP VIEW 2.4 e 
KUROSHIO II e 
PAULO! e 
PC-3A 1&2 e 
MAKAKAI 12.0 400 e 
SHELF DIVER e 
SURVEY-SUB 1 e 
VOL-L1 e 
BENTHOS V e 
SEA OTTER e 
GUPPY e 
MERMAID 20 e 
NEREID 330 4800 30 © 
PISCES | 3.0 15 e 
SDL-1 30 e 
BEAVER 3.6 1474 27 ° 
DOWB 5.0 2.5 e 
PISCES II, III, 1V, V 3.0 e 


303 


TRIM PUMP 


VENT LINE 


TRIM PUMP TRIM TANK 


Fig. 6.9 BEN FRANKLIN’s trim system. 


console and connected by tubing to the tank. 
A small plunger next to the gage is pulled 
out to let air into a cylinder. The plunger is 
then pushed in, forcing air into the manome- 
ter and bottom of the trim tank. The amount 
of back pressure forced into the manometer 
depends on how deep the water level is in the 
tank. 


Mechanical Weight Shift: 

The simplest of all trim systems is dis- 
played by submersibles which merely shift a 
cast iron or lead weight fore and aft inside 
the pressure hull. The Japanese HAKUYO 
has adopted a lead weight moving system 
which is described as the simplest, safest and 
most accurate method of trim control (10). 
The system (Fig. 6.10) consists of a lead 
weight moved along a rail by means of a 
hydraulic motor controlled by solenoid 
valves. The trim may be changed +10 de- 
grees. 


External Trim Systems 


Mercury Transfer: 

To achieve relatively large trim angles, 
several vehicles employ a fore and aft weight 
shift in the form of mercury; ALVIN is one. 
According to Mavor et al. (5), available space 
on ALVIN precluded the shifting of items 
such as batteries for trim purposes, and fluid 
was required for flexibility in geometric 
shape. Several fluids were analyzed for their 
suitability. Some of the less dense fluids 


304 


would have added less to the gross weight of 
the vehicle, but the space problem was so 
critical that a fluid with a density approach- 
ing mercury was required. 

Mercury, however, is a difficult fluid to use 
and has a corrosive effect on many metals. 
This problem was solved by using a hydro- 
carbon fluid in the pumping system. The 
fluid in the system thus became half mer- 
cury and half oil. The two fluids were found 
to separate adequately if a settling stand- 
pipe was provided for this purpose—oil on 
top, mercury on the bottom. 

The fluid is contained in three small fiber- 
glass spheres, two forward and one aft. An 
electrically driven pump is utilized to trans- 
fer the mercury by displacing the oil in the 
closed system. Two blocking valves and a 
reversing valve are incorporated in the cir- 
cuit to control fluid displacement. The valves 
are electrically operated by solenoids. The 
valves and pump motor are wired to a single 
control for convenient operation. Filters and 
relief valves are used for system protection 
in the conventional manner. 

Angles of approximately +25 degrees are 
achieved by transferring 540 pounds of mer- 
cury with the system as shown in Figure 
6.11. 


VBT Differential Fill: 

The DEEP DIVER trim system can change 
trim or overall buoyancy by using a seawater 
medium which functions all the way from the 


—=—_~ TRIM 


Ty) WEIGHT 


Fig. 6.10 HAKUYO's mechancial weight trim system 


surface to DEEP DIVER’s maximum operat- 
ing depth. The system consists of an electric 
motor, pump, selector valves and fore and aft 
tanks. It is designed to pump water to or 


4-WAY 
SOLENOID 
VALVE 


AFT TANK 


SOLENOID 
VALVE 


EXPLOSIVE 
DUMP VALVE 


EXPLOSIVE 
DUMP VALVE 


OR FILL 


SOLENOID 
VALVE 


EXPLOSIVE 
DUMP VALVE 


O 
MERCURY DRAIN 


from the sea as well as transfer water fore 
and aft. 

The trim tank in the pilot’s compartment is 
split into six sections. The diver’s compart- 
ment trim tank is split into two sections. 
Under normal submarine operations both 
fore and aft tanks are used to maintain trim. 
During lock-out dives the aft trim tank pro- 
vides negative buoyancy to partially compen- 
sate for the weight of the departing divers. 

The trim tanks located in the diver’s com- 
partment can be flooded through the com- 
partment vent valve or blown dry in 1 min- 
ute through the same valve by increasing 
compartment pressure 5 psi over ambient. 

The trim pump is a positive displacement 
piston type capable of delivering 4 gallons 


OIL FILL & 
BLEED 


OIL 
RESERVOIR 


FILTER 


RELIEF 
VALVE, 200 psi 


Oo MERCURY FILL 
FORWARD 


EXPLOSIVE 
DUMP VALVE 


Fig. 6.11 Mercury trim system of ALVIN. [From Ref. (5)] 


per minute against a head of 700 psi. A 3-hp, 
shunt-wound, 120-VDC motor drives the 
pump. 

The trim tanks, constructed to fit the hull’s 
inside contour, have a total capacity of 356 
pounds in the forward tanks and 375 pounds 
in the aft tanks. 

The system is designed for working pres- 
sure of 700 psi and is protected by the use of 
a relief valve. A strainer is located at the 
pump inlet to remove suspended matter from 
the seawater or the system to protect the 
pump from damage. 


MBT Differential Fill: 

Two vehicles, SEA OTTER and BENTHOS 
V, attain trim by differentially filling their 
MBT’s. The system is operationally similar 
to differential filling of the VBT’s as de- 
scribed above. When partially full the MBT’s, 
which are not pressure-resistant tanks, must 
be pressure compensated; in the case of SEA 
OTTER, internal pressurization is accom- 
plished by high pressure air. 


Shot Hopper Differential Fill: 

Vehicles that include fore and aft iron shot 
containers for jettisonable ballast have the 
option of differentially dropping shot to at- 
tain a variety of up or down bow angles. 
However, the general operational procedure 
is to drop shot equally from both hoppers to 
retain horizontal trim. Only one submersible, 
the tethered GUPPY, operationally employs 
its droppable shot to attain trim (11). 

Shot ballast in GUPPY is provided in a 
single cannister on the fore-and-aft axis of 
the sphere and forward of the sphere center. 
Shot can be released from inside the sphere 
by manipulating the shot valve. The location 
of the shot ballast is such that by dropping 
shot, the vessel’s trim can be corrected after 
picking up bottom samples or other material 
while submerged and carrying them at the 
forward part of the vehicle. The total capac- 
ity of shot ballast is 175 pounds. 

Since the single-shot hopper provides the 
only ballast affecting trim that can be re- 
leased under water, the vehicle will go down 
by the stern when shot is released. Trimming 
or heeling in other directions while sub- 
merged can only be done by moving weights 
inside the pressure hull. 


306 


Battery Shift: 

Similar in operation and effect to the inter- 
nal weight-shift trim system described 
above, several vehicles employ a trim system 
composed of movable batteries. The MER- 
MAID-class vehicle is typical. 

To compensate for changes in weight dis- 
tribution in the longitudinal direction— 
which could occur either when equipment is 
moved or when the operator moves forward 
from his seat to a lying position—MERMAID 
is equipped with a battery shifting system. 

When the central hydraulic power supply 
is working, trimming is affected via the hy- 
draulic network and is hand controlled. The 
system permits the longitudinal inclination 
to be adjusted approximately +20 degrees. 

The U.S. Navy’s MAKAKAIT also employs a 
battery-shift trim system, but it is used only 
on the surface to attain gross trim before the 
dive and cannot be adjusted again until the 
vehicle surfaces. 


Ballast Weight Drop: 

The submersible DEEP VIEW, in addition 
to internal movable ballast, has twenty 5- 
pound steel plates attached to its keel for- 
ward and aft. By individually dropping a fore 
or aft weight the vehicle can attain up/down 
bow angles. Because the application of this 
system results in an overall loss of negative 
buoyancy, 16 buoyancy blocks weighing 3 
pounds each are located atop the hull. They 
are individually jettisonable and may be re- 
leased to counteract any undesired gain in 
positive buoyancy attained through use of 
the trim system. 


Water Transfer: 

Similar in effect to fore/aft water transfer 
within the pressure hull, BEAVER’s external 
system consists of three spherical titanium 
tanks, one mounted aft (1,238-lb capacity) 
and two mounted port/starboard amidships 
of 943-pound capacity each (Fig. 6.12). A hy- 
draulically driven pump transfers water be- 
tween these tanks at 200 pounds/minute to 
gain +27-degree up/down bow angles. This 
same system can also transfer seawater be- 
tween the port/starboard tanks to attain list 
or roll angles of +12 degrees. 


VARIABLE 
BALLAST 
PUMP 


TRIM (AND V BT) MAIN 
TANKS BALLAST 


Fig. 6.12 Trim system components of BEAVER (top view). 


Oil Transfer: 

The trim system of DOWB is not so much a 
transfer of weight function as it is a displace- 
ment function. It consists of a central trim 
tank within the pressure hull, a fore and aft 
trim bladder and a hydraulic trim pump with 
associated valves, piping and fittings (Fig. 
6.13). By transferring oil between the blad- 


AFT 
TRIM 
BLADDER 


ders, to decrease or increase fore and aft 
displacement, an up/down bow angle of 2.5 
degrees can be obtained. 

With such ballast and trim systems at his 
disposal, the operator of a submersible at- 
tempts to carry out his mission. Some mis- 
sions, however, provide options to frequent 
adjustments in ballast or trim. When a vehi- 


PRESSURE HULL 


FWD 
TRIM 
BLADDER 


HYDRAULIC 
TRIM PUMP 


Fig. 6.13 Trim system components of DOWB (starboard side view). 


cle is required to traverse or search the 
bottom over a large area, the pilot may elect 
to use some of these options; ALUMINAUT is 
an example. In its early operations, ALUMI- 
NAUT was fitted with three water-filled air- 
craft wheels enabling the vehicle literally to 
“taxi” along the bottom by first attaining 
very slight negative buoyancy and then pro- 
pelling itself along with the wheels in con- 
tact with the sea floor. The procedure freed 
the pilot of making frequent trim or ballast 
changes as the bottom topography varied or 
as the crew moved about. The wheels were 
later replaced by iron skids which served the 
same purpose and were less troublesome. 
Obviously, this procedure can be applied only 
where the bottom is sufficiently smooth. One 
disadvantage to this procedure is that a sedi- 
ment cloud, caused by disturbing the bottom, 
follows the submersible, and, if the current is 
following also, valuable bottom time is ex- 
pended while waiting for the visibility-ob- 
securing cloud to drift off or settle out of the 
water. 


REFERENCES 

1. Rechnitzer, A. B. and Gorman, F. T. 1969 
Submersibles. in Handbook of Ocean 
and Underwater Engineering, McGraw- 
Hill Book Co., New York, p. 9-63 thru 9- 
80. 

2. Vincent, M. and Stavovy, A. B. 1963 The 
promising aspects of deep-sea vehicles. 
Paper No. 3 presented at the Annual 
Meeting of the Society of Naval Archi- 
tects and Marine Engineers, 14-15 Nov. 
1963, 16 pp. 

3. Covey, C. W. 1964 ALUMINAUT. Under- 
sea Tech., v. 5, n. 9, p. 16-23. 


308 


10. 


IU, 


. Talkington, H. R. and Murphy, D. W. 


1972 Transparent Hull Submersibles 
and the MAKAKAT. Naval Undersea Re- 
search and Development Center, Report 
TP=283: 


. Mavor, J. W., Frochlich, H. E., Marquet, 


W. M. and Rainnie, W. O. 1966 ALVIN, 
6000-ft. submergence research vehicle. 
Paper presented at the Annual Meeting, 
New York, N.Y., Nov. 10-11, 1966 of the 
Society of Naval Architects and Marine 
Engineers, n. 3, 32 pp. 


. Rockwell, P. K., Elliott, R. E. and Snoey, 


M. R. 1971 NEMO, A New Concept in 
Submersibles. NCEL TR-749, 68 pp. 


. Rosenberg, M. A. 1970 Buoyancy mate- 


rials for deep submergence applica- 
tions. Oceanology International, Mar. 
1970, p. 30-32. 


. Dudt, P., Tinley, T. and Weishanr, F. 19738 


Lower-cost 34-LB Syntactic Foam for 
20,000 ft. Depth Applications. NSRDC 
Interim Report No. 1, SD Tech. Note SD- 
172-163, Bethesda, Md., 19 pp. 


. Piccard, A. 1956 Earth, Sky and Sea. 


Oxford University Press, New York, 192 


pp. 

Araki, A. 1972 The operation by the 
HAKUYO. Reprints from the Second In- 
ternational Ocean Development Confer- 
ence, Tokyo, Japan, 1972, v. 1, p. 821-828. 
Watson, W. 1971 The design, construc- 
tion, testing and operation of a deep- 
diving submersible for ocean floor ex- 
ploration. Paper presented in the Trans- 
actions of the Annual Meeting of the 
Society of Naval Architects and Marine 
Engineers, Nov. 11-12, New York, p. 405- 
433. 


POWER AND ITS DISTRIBUTION 


Four types of power are used to perform 
work in manned submersibles: Electric, 
pneumatic, muscular and hydrostatic. Other 
forces also assist the vehicle through its 
mission, e.g., gravity and buoyancy, but the 
discussion of these is beyond the scope of this 
chapter. 

Electric power is the workhorse of the sub- 
mersible fleet and batteries constitute the 
most commonly used on-board electrical 
source. Consequently, the major topic of this 
chapter is batteries and the transfer of their 
power to components and systems of a sub- 
mersible. Pneumatic power, in the form of 
compressed air, is used primarily to empty 
ballast tanks of seawater; other uses are in 
pressure compensation systems and lock-out 


309 


chambers. Human muscle power is a signifi- 
cant source in shallow diving submersibles 
but less so in deeper vehicles. Hydrostatic 
power is used in the operation of pressure 
depth gages (Chapter 10) and in the pressure 
compensation of batteries and other compo- 
nents; its application is discussed under 
Pressure Compensation of batteries. 


MANUAL POWER 


According to Cohn and Wetch (1), an aver- 
age man can generate 50 to 100 watts of 
power for several hours before he is ex- 
hausted; this averages to 1 watt-hour/pound, 
and defines man as a low energy source. In 
spite of his shortcomings, with the help of 


mechanical advantages he supplies the 
power required for many critical vehicle 
functions. In small, shallow vehicles man- 
power supplies many needs which can be 
grouped under such functions as push, pull, 
twist, turn and crank. In some vehicles, the 
application of manpower is direct and in- 
volves the following: 

—Orientation of propulsion motors (All 

Ocean Industries), 
—Control of dive planes and rudders (PC- 


3A), 

—Dropping of emergency weights (PISCES 
IT), 

—Water deballasting with hand pump 
(NAUTILETTE), 

—Control of manipulator (VEKTON, SEA 
OTTER), and 

—Water sampling with hand pump (BEN 
FRANKLIN). 


In the majority of deep vehicles, these func- 
tions are accomplished by pushing a button 
which activates a pump or motor to perform 
the same task, but electricity is always in 
short supply and wherever the opportunity 
exists to use a mechanical rather than elec- 
trical component the designer will do so. 
There are limits, however, to the practical 
and physical aspects of transferring manual 
power through a pressure hull by means of a 
shaft and stuffing box. At 1,000 feet, vir- 
tually all manually-operated external compo- 
nents or systems are replaced by electric or 
electro-hydraulic mechanisms, the only nota- 
ble exception being the mechanical dropping 
of emergency weights. In a few vehicles, SEA 
OTTER and the PISCES series, movement of 
a simple manipulator and jettisoning of var- 
ious components is accomplished by man- 
ually pumping fluid through the hull to at- 
tain the desired reaction hydraulically. 


PNEUMATIC POWER 


The section ‘‘Deballasting and Compressed 
Air’ in Chapter 6 discusses the characteris- 
tics of compressed air as a power source in 
submersibles. It will suffice at this point to 
reiterate that in a great number of the shal- 
low diving vehicles compressed air is used 
exclusively as the primary power source to 
force seawater out of main ballast tanks on 


310 


the surface and from both main and variable 
ballast tanks when submerged. 


ELECTRIC POWER 


Electric power in submersibles is much like 
the weather; everybody talks about it, but 
nobody does much about it. Table 7.1 shows 
the kinds of electric power sources in 100 
submersibles; 86 of these use lead-acid bat- 
teries, 1 uses a nuclear reactor, 2 derive their 
power from the surface, and the remaining 
vehicles use nickel-cadmium or silver-zine 
batteries. On the other hand, the published 
literature on energy sources for undersea 
work abounds with accounts of the potential 
fuel cell applications. Yet, all submersibles 
constructed in the seventies and now under 
construction specify lead-acid batteries. 

This literature imbalance is found in many 
other areas, e.g., pressure hull materials and 
ballasting devices. The authors concentrate 
on the future, rather than the present. For 
example, as pointed out above, batteries con- 
stitute the major power source for all but 3 
out of 100 submersibles, and lead-acid batter- 
ies dominate. Yet few can be found which 
deal with means of improving the output or 
construction of lead-acid batteries for this 
type application. There is also a complete 
absence of reports detailing the means used 
to distribute this power and their successes 
or failures. Bits and pieces of advice can be 
found in a few papers, but a major work on 
this aspect (lead-acid batteries and power 
distribution) of submersibles is lacking. As a 
result, the private builder is left to his own 
devices in designing electrical circuitry and 
selecting reliable components. It is not sur- 
prising, therefore, that historically and cur- 
rently, electrical malfunctions turn out to be 
the most common cause of aborted submers- 
ible dives. 

In a 1970 presentation at the Offshore 
Technology Conference in Houston, Texas, J. 
F. Rynewicz (2) made the following state- 
ment regarding Lockheed’s DEEP QUEST 
and the submersible field at large: 

“Electrical problems, especially 
leakage in electrical cables, connec- 
tors, and circuit breakers, constitute 
the major area of need for improve- 


TABLE 7.1 SUBMERSIBLE POWER SOURCE CHARACTERISTICS 


Total 
Main Pressure Inside DC Power 
Power Type Pressure Resistant Pressure Voltage Capacity 
Submersible Source Battery Compensated Capsule Hull Output (kWh) Other 
All Ocean Industries B L-A No Yes Yes 12 NA 
ALUMINAUT B S-Z No Yes Yes 28, 115, 230 300 
ALVIN B L-A Yes - - 30, 60 40.5 
AQUARIUS | B L-A No Yes No 
ARCHIMEDE B N-C Yes a = 24,110 100 
diesel sur- 
ARGY RONETE B L-A Yes ~ - NA 1,200 face power 
ASHERAH B L-A Yes - - 21.6 
6,12 
AUGUSTE PICCARD B L-A No No Yes 110, 220 625 
BEAVER B L-A Yes ~ ~ 28, 64, 120 55 
inverters for 
BEN FRANKLIN B L-A Yes - - 28,112, 168 756 AC power 
BENTHOS V B N-C No No Yes NA NA 
24,36 
DEEP DIVER B L-A No Yes No 120, 240 23 
DEEP JEEP B L-A Yes - - NA 7 
inverter for 
DEEP QUEST B L-A Yes - - 28,120 230 AC power 
DEEPSTAR 2000 B L-A Yes - - 28, 120 26.5 
inverter for 
DEEPSTAR 4000 B L-A Yes - - 49.6 AC power 
DEEPSTAR 20000 B S-Z Yes - - 28, 112 NA 
DEEP VIEW B L-A Yes ~ - 12,24, 48 16 
DOSTAL & HAIR B L-A Yes - - NA 16.2 
120 inverted inverters for 
DOWB B L-A Yes — - dive Ex to AC 40 AC power 
inverter for 
DSRV-1&2 B $-Z Yes - - 112 58 AC power 
FNRS-2 B L-A Yes - - NA 
L-A Yes - = 
FNRS-3 B S-Z No No Yes NA 30 
gasoline engine 
GOLDFISH B L-A No No Yes NA NA for surface 
GUPPY Surface 440 
Generator - - - - 110 - tethered 
HAKUYO B L-A No Yes No 24,120 14.4 
HIKINO B L-A No No Yes 18, 24 2.3 
JOHNSON SEA LINK B L-A No Yes No NA 32 
KUMUKAHI B L-A Yes - - 12 5.1 data incomplete 
KUROSHIO II Surface 
Generator - - - - 104 - tethered 
MAKAKAI B L-A Yes - - 6, 30, 120 36 
MERMAID | B L-A No Yes No 36 
B = Battery L-A = Lead-Acid N-C = Nickel-Cadmium _— S-Z = Silver-Zinc NA = Data Not Available 


311 


TABLE 7.1 SUBMERSIBLE POWER SOURCE CHARACTERISTICS (Cont.) 


Main 

Power 

Submersible Source 
MINI DIVER B 
NAUTILETTE B 
NEKTON A, B, C B 
NEMO B 
NEREID 330 & 700 B 

NR-1 Nuclear 

Reactor 
PAULO | B 
PC3-X B 
PC-3A (1 & 2) B 
PC5C B 
PC-3B B 
PS-2 B 
PISCES | B 
PISCES II, Ill, 1V,V B 
SDL-1 B 
SEA CLIFF & TURTLE B 
SEA OTTER B 
SEA RANGER B 
SEA-RAY B 
SHELF DIVER B 
SHINKAI B 
SNOOPER B 
SP-350 B 
SP-500 B 
SP-3000 B 
SPORTSMAN 300 B 
SPORTSMAN 600 B 
STAR | B 
STAR Il B 
STAR III B 
SUBMANAUT (Helle) B 
SUBMANAUT (Martine) B 
SUBMARAY B 
SURV B 
SURVEY SUB 1 B 

B = Battery L-A = Lead-Acid 


Type 
Battery 


L-A 
L-A 
L-A 
L-A 
L-A 


L-A 
L-A 


L-A 
L-A 


L-A 
L-A 


Total 
Pressure Inside DC Power 
Pressure Resistant Pressure Voltage Capacity 
Compensated Capsule Hull Output (kWh) Other 
NA NA NA NA NA 
No Yes Yes 24 4.4 
No No Yes 24,48 4.5 
Yes - - 24, 120 15 
No Yes No 24, 220 40 
- - - NA NA 
No Yes Yes 6,12, 24 5.2 
No Yes Yes NA 11 
No Yes Yes NA 5 
No Yes No 12, 120 16 
No Yes No NA 26 
No Yes No 24,120 17 
Yes - ~ 66 
Yes - - 70 
12,28 inverter for 
Yes - - 60, 120 68 AC power 
Yes - - 30, 60 45 
No Yes Yes 13.8 
No Yes No NA 43.5 
No Yes Yes NA 15 
No Yes No NA 37 
inverter for 
Yes - - NA 200 AC power 
Yes - - NA 9.7 
Yes - = NA 13 
Yes - = NA 6.8 
inverter for 
Yes = ~ 120,26 47 AC power 
No Yes Yes 4.2 
Yes - - 12, 24 4.7 
inverter for 
Yes = - 42,24,115 14.8 AC power 
inverter for 
Yes - - +12, 24,115 30 AC power 
No Yes Yes NA 3.5 
diesel engine 
No Yes No 24, 115, 230 91 for surface 
No Yes Yes NA 4.5 
inverter for 
No Yes No = 12 AC power 
No Yes No 24,120 49.9 
S-Z = Silver-Zinc 


N-C = Nickel-Cadmium 


312 


TABLE 7.1 SUBMERSIBLE POWER SOURCE CHARACTERISTICS (Cont.) 


Total 
Main Pressure Inside DC Power 
Power Type Pressure Resistant Pressure Voltage Capacity 
Submersible Source Battery Compensated Capsule Hull Output (kWh) Other 
TECHDIVER B L-A No Yes Yes NA 10 
diesel engine 
TOURS 64 & 66 B L-A No Yes Yes NA for surface 
TRIESTE II B L-A Yes - ~ NA 145 
TRIESTE III B S-Z No Yes Yes NA 145 
VAST MK II (K-250) B L-A No Yes Yes NA B25 
VOL-L1 B L-A No Yes No 24, 120 52 
diesel for 
YOMIURI B L-A No Yes Yes NA 45 surface power 
B = Battery L-A = Lead-Acid N-C = Nickel-Cadmium — S-Z = Silver-Zinc 


ment in deep submergence compo- 
nents. The time, energy and dollars 
lost due to the malfunction of a com- 
ponent are most certainly always sev- 
eral orders of magnitude greater than 
the original cost of the component. 
The lesson herein is that submersible 
designers must insist on the use of 
materials and combinations of mate- 
rials that will provide high reliability 
for many years in the ocean’s hostile, 
corrosive depths.” 


In the 4 years since Rynewicz’s statement, 
there has been some decrease in the “electri- 
cal problem.” Rather than a concerted effort 
on the part of submersible builders to single- 
mindedly find reliable materials and compo- 
nents, the problem has been tackled individ- 
ually, e.g., by operators, and through the 
process of elimination suitable answers have 
been found in some cases, and ‘‘some times” 
answers in others. 

In one instance, the builder (International 
Hydrodynamics Ltd.) went to the extreme 
measure of abandoning all commercially- 
available connectors and now manufactures 
its own. 


Application 

The only task submersibles could accom- 
plish without electricity would be to descend 
and ascend, and this would be done in total 


313 


darkness and incommunicado. To say electri- 
cal power is critical is a gross understate- 
ment; it is the lifeblood of undersea work as 
the following indicates: 

Propulsion: All submersibles use electrically- 
powered motors for lateral or vertical ma- 
neuvering. 

Life Support: All submersibles but one, BEN 
FRANKLIN, use electrically-powered carbon 
dioxide scrubbers. 

Communications: All two-way sub-to-surface 
communication devices are electrically pow- 
ered. 

Illumination: All internal and external light- 
ing is electrically powered. 

Work and Operating Instruments: Virtually all 
scientific and engineering instruments, as 
well as those used to control and operate the 
vehicle, are driven by electricity. 

Ballast Drop: The majority of vehicles depend 
upon an electrical impulse or signal to acti- 
vate weight drops or jettison instruments. 

Maneuvering: The majority of vehicles de- 
pend upon electricity to orient their propul- 
sion devices or dive planes and rudders. 

Sensors: Virtually all status sensors (trim 
tank level indicators, MBT and VBT level 
sensors, etc.) are electrically powered. 

Emergency Indicators: All seawater leak indi- 
cators depend upon the initiation or termina- 
tion of electrical current. 

Tracking/Navigation: All routine tracking and 
navigation systems depend upon electricity. 


Hydraulics: Virtually all hydraulically-pow- 
ered devices require electricity to pump hy- 
draulie fluid. 

There are exceptions to the above, but 
they only accentuate the widespread and 
essential role electricity plays in deep sub- 
mergence, generally, and manned submers- 
ibles, specifically. It is not surprising, then, 
that the recent literature on submersibles 
contains an inordinate amount of discussion 
regarding electrical power and the means to 
increase its output and endurance. It is in- 
teresting to observe that the majority of 
early literature on submersible design dealt 
with pressure hull materials and later with 
power sources. Apparently the first order of 
business was to dive safely; the next item 
was to accomplish something once safety was 
attained. 


Terminology and General 
Considerations 

The only general statement which may be 
made regarding power supply and distribu- 
tion in submersibles is that they most often 
use lead-acid batteries which are usually re- 
charged from a surface support ship after 
each dive. While approaches to electrical 
power distribution vary widely, system re- 
quirements are similar, and it is around such 
requirements that basic submersible electri- 
cal terminology is defined. 

In many respects, electric power genera- 
tion and distribution aboard a submersible is 
similar to that aboard a surface ship, but the 
problems are compounded in a submersible 
by the operating environment: High pres- 
sure, low temperature and an operating me- 
dium which itself is an excellent electrical 
conductor, namely seawater. The character- 
istics of the operating environment and the 
constraints imposed by occupant safety com- 
bine to make problems of electric power gen- 
eration and distribution in submersibles and 
submarines quite unique. A basic definition 
of terms follows, while Figure 7.1 presents a 
graphical representation of the components 
cited: 

Power Generation: This requirement is met 
primarily by Secondary Batteries consisting of 
lead-acid (Pb-acid), nickel-ecadmium (Ni-Cd) 
or silver-zine (Ag-Zn) cells which are re- 
chargeable to their rated capacity (measured 


in ampere-hours) for many cycles. In sub- 
mersibles the Pb-acid batteries are conven- 
tional and similar to automobile batteries. 


Power Distribution: Connectors and cables are 
used to carry the power from the batteries. 
Cables provide a waterproof, insulated cas- 
ing for the current-carrying conductor(s), 
and connectors are devices, generally 
molded to either end of a cable, consisting of 
a plug and receptacle which provide a water- 
proof attachment to the energy source or, 
more commonly, to a penetrator. An electri- 
cal hull penetrator is a specially designed 
receptacle which permits passage of current 
through the pressure hull or any other cas- 
ing containing an electrical component. 


Power Changers: batteries generate direct 
current (DC). Many instruments and propul- 
sion systems however, operate on alternat- 
ing current (AC). Consequently, inverters are 
used to change DC power to AC. The invert- 
ers may be carried within or external to the 
pressure hull. Other components or sub-sys- 
tems may operate on DC voltages which are 
lower than that generated by the batteries. 
In this case a converter is used. Basically a 
converter provides the functions of a step- 
down transformer and an inverter—that is, 
it lowers the voltage and changes AC to DC. 
This is a more energy conserving approach 
than placing a series resistor in the circuit. 
In practice, then, an inverter first changes 
battery DC to AC which is then acted on by 
the converter to yield DC power at the re- 
quired voltage. 


Power Protection: Three approaches are used 
in protecting batteries from seawater and 
pressure: 1) pressure-compensation (Fig. 7.1) 
wherein the battery is placed within a sealed 
and vented case filled with a dielectric fluid 
(usually oil) and connected to a compensat- 
ing fluid reservoir which acts to maintain a 
zero or slightly positive pressure differential 
across the enclosed oil/seawater face; 2) pres- 
sure-protection wherein the battery is en- 
closed in a pressure-resistant pod outside the 
pressure hull and maintained in a dry, 1- 
atmosphere environment; 3) interior location 
where the battery is placed within the pres- 
sure-hull to protect it from seawater and 
pressure. No provisions are made to main- 


tain a constant battery temperature in sub- 
mersibles, the consequences of which will be 
discussed later. 


Protection from the Power: Faulty conductor 
protection may lead to short-circuits, while 
inappropriate cable routing or shielding may 
result in electromagnetic interference 
(EMI). In the former situation both the hu- 
man occupants and the electrical subsystems 
must be protected; in the latter, only the 
electrical subsystems must be protected. The 
causes and results of short-circuits are le- 
gion. To state the obvious, the ideal solution 
is prevention through sound circuit design 
and construction. Unfortunately, a perfect 
solution is not always attained and devices 
are required to still the rampaging current 
before it can cause critical damage. Fuses 
and circuit breakers provide this protection 
by interrupting the circuit when it reaches 
or exceeds a certain amperage level. In the 
small confines of a submersible, it is not 
uncommon to have high voltage cables (e.g., 


PRESSURE HULL 


INTERNAL 
MAIN-POWER DIST. 
CIRCUIT 
BREAKER 


EXTERNAL 
POWER CONTROL 
PANEL 


INTERNAL 
SUB-SYSTEMS 


AC POWER 
DISTRIBUTION 
PANEL 


PENETRATOR 


INVERTER 
(DC —» AC) 


propulsion power) immediately adjacent to 
cables carrying power or signals from an 
instrument. In this case the EMI from the 
high voltage cable may seriously interfere 
with the output on the signal cable. Shield- 
ing or adequate physical separation of the 
two cables prevents such interference. 

Power Monitors: To ascertain the state of the 
batteries, equipment inside the pressure hull 
may include one or all of the following: Am- 
pere Hour Meter to monitor and display the 
battery current used or remaining, Voltme- 
ter to read battery voltage or a Ground 
Measuring System to detect ground currents 
on the battery and a Megohm Meter to meas- 
ure ground resistance readings on other ex- 
ternal equipment. A few submersibles carry 
none of these measuring/monitoring devices, 
others carry one or two. Indicators may be 
included in the Battery Manifold Oil Reser- 
voir to indicate the level of salt water incur- 
sion, or in the Battery Vent Valve to indicate 
when salt water has entered the vent valve 
reservoir. 


ELECTRICAL 


HULL MAIN POWER 

DISTRIBUTION 
BOX & CIRCUIT 
BREAKER 


OUTBOARD 
CONNECTOR 


POWER TO 
EXTERNAL 
SUB-SYSTEM 


RELIEF 
VALVE 
FOR H, 


BATTERY 


COMPENSATION 
ELECTROLYTE BLADDER 
BATTERY CASE 


HOLDING COMPENSATING 
OIL 


Fig. 7.1 Example of electrical power and distribution arrangements in a submersible. 


Power Regeneration: The majority of submers- 
ibles recharge batteries after each dive. This 
is accomplished with the vehicle aboard or 
alongside its support craft which carries a 
battery charger. A few submersibles carry 
their own diesel-electric motor to charge the 
batteries while they are surfaced. 

In an extremely simplified manner, such is 
the genesis, distribution and control of elec- 
trical power in manned submersibles. The 
variations on this theme equal the number of 
past, present and future vehicles. The reason 
for such diversity is found in the several 
factors which enter into the choice of a sub- 
mersible’s power source. 

In a discussion of electrical power supplies 
to meet the needs of deep submersibles, Lou- 
zader and Turner (3) identify the following 
as considerations important in the evalua- 
tion of candidate power sources: 

Total Power Requirements 

Weight and Volume 

Operational Handling 

Maintainability and Repair 

Reliability 

Cost 


Total Power Requirements 

The total power required in a submersible 
depends upon the vehicle’s primary mission 
and projected submerged endurance. These, 
in turn, are governed by the weight and 
volume available for the power package. The 
major power user is propulsion. Running a 
close second, and sometimes exceeding pro- 
pulsion are external lighting and scientific or 
work equipment requirements. Hotel load 
(life support, communications, avoidance 
sonar, monitoring instruments) is a con- 
sumer of power which must be dealt with on 
a continuing basis, and, finally, the prudent 
operator will maintain some amount (25%) of 
power in reserve. 

An examination of Table 7.1 reveals that 
the total power capacity (kWh) of submers- 
ibles ranges from 2.5 to 1,200 kWh. Of the 83 
vehicles for which there is information, 74 
carry less than 100 kWh while the remain- 
der, nine, exceed this value. Further exami- 
nation shows that 61 vehicles carry 50 kWh 
or less. The distribution and nature of this 
power varies from vehicle-to-vehicle. Some 


316 


operate solely with 12 VDC (KUMUKAHD]), 
while others operate with 12, 28, 60 and 120 
VDC and carry an inverter to supply AC 
power as well, e.g., SDL-1. There are no hard 
and fast rules governing total power require- 
ments or rated voltages, but once the total 
power capacity is established, one can caleu- 
late how much will be available for various 
instrument or machinery functions and for 
what mission profiles. The ideal procedure, 
however, would be to determine the power 
requirements through power spectrum anal- 
ysis of the vehicle’s intended mission(s) and 
then design the vehicle and its power system 
accordingly. Many builders have followed 
this latter procedure, but in several in- 
stances, it would appear that a more casual 
approach was taken. 

An example of a power spectrum analysis 
is presented in Figure 7.2 which was per- 
formed by Bodey and Friedland (4) for a 
small submersible on a “‘typical” mission. 
First, the authors divided the overall mission 
into categories (pre-dive, dive, etc.) where 
the operation of various electrical devices 
could be prognosticated. Then, an operating 
time for each device was assumed and multi- 
pled by the power it would require (time x 
amps xX voltage)—based on manufacturer’s 
specifications. Summing each column pro- 
vided the power for each category and, 
hence, the total power to complete the 6-hour 
mission. It is important to note that almost 
one-half of the total kWh was allocated for 
reserve power. Such power analysis is una- 
voidable when the owner plans to lease the 
vehicle’s services to a user who desires to 
operate his own electronic equipment in ad- 
dition to that listed in Figure 7.2. 


Weight and Volume 

The small size of most submersibles places 
severe restraints on the weight and size of 
possible power systems. The decision to lo- 
cate the system inside or external to the 
pressure hull is critical in determining the 
total power a vehicle will carry. If the power 
system is located within the hull an increase 
in propulsion power is needed because of the 
added hull weight. This also decreases the 
vehicle’s payload and submerged endurance 
and limits the volume available for internal 
instrumentation. Locating the system exter- 


EQUIPMENT PREDIVE | DIVE |SEARCH|SET-UP|STAND-BY| WORK | EMERGENCY |CLIMB| DOCKING 
e 


MECH-ARMS 
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM 
WRENCH 
PROPULSION 
WINCH 

VEHICLE LIGHTS 
TV LIGHTS 

GYRO COMPASS 
SCANNING SONAR 
TRANSCEIVER 
PAN & TILT 

TV 

LIFE SUPPORT 


POWER (kW) 


PEAK LOAD 


kWh/6Hr = 19.3 kWh 

PEAK LOAD = 7.7 kW 

AVERAGE LOAD = 2.5 kW 

ENERGY AVAILABLE = 30 kWh 
RESERVE = 14.7 kWh = 1—6 Hr MISSION 


KILOWATTS 


Fig. 7.2 Power spectrum for a typical six-hour mission. [From Ref. (4) ] 


317 


nal to the hull alleviates the internal volume 
problem and significantly eases the weight 
(or buoyancy) problem. The potential for 
short circuits or other failures due to leakage 
is virtually nil when the power system is 
inside the hull, but the gain is partially 
offset by occupant safety considerations. 


Operational Handling 

Recharging or turn-around time of bat- 
tery-type power systems and fuel cells is an 
important factor. Submersibles of the DEEP- 
STAR series require 6 to 8 hours for recharg- 
ing between each 4- to 6-hour dive. Vehicles 
of the BEN FRANKLIN and ALUMINAUT 
variety require 12 hours and longer. The 
only reported experience with fuel cells (4) 
indicates that very little time is required to 
place new fuel and oxidant aboard the vehi- 
cle. It is the practice with several vehicles 
simply to replace a used battery package 
with a charged one after each dive, thereby 
significantly decreasing turn-around time. 
This latter option assumes that the design of 
the vehicle permits such modular replace- 
ment. Short turn-around time is critical to 
the economic utilization of a submersible 
operating in areas where weather dictates 
the deployment of vehicles. In the North Sea, 
for example, periods of relative calm can be 
quite short, and the submersible requiring 6 
to 8 hours turn-around time works at a dis- 
advantage. 


Maintainability and Repairs 

Few submersibles are furnished with an 
enclosed area for repairs or maintenance 
aboard their support ship. Consequently, 
weather plays an important role in the time- 
ly correction of malfunctions or in routine 
maintenance. Where repairs to an internal 
power package are required the problem re- 
mains, but is less severe because the work 
may be performed within the shelter of the 
pressure hull and, depending upon the na- 
ture of the casualty, may be performed dur- 
ing the dive itself. External power systems 
are limited to repairs only when the vehicle 
is aboard ship or ashore. BEN FRANKLIN 
and ALUMINAUT present the advantages 
and disadvantages of the opposing power 
system location strategies. Both vehicles are 
generally towed to the operating site and 


318 


remain in the water during the operation 
because their size and weight preclude 
launch/retrieval in a routine fashion. If BEN 
FRANKLIN undergoes a significant battery 
malfunction, the vehicle must be towed to a 
port where facilities are available to lift the 
142-ton vehicle out of the water. Conversely, 
ALUMINAUT, with silver-zine batteries in- 
side the pressure hull, may be repaired in 
the water and on site—thereby negating a 
long tow and expensive lift to ascertain the 
nature of the problem. 

To digress for a moment, the future sub- 
mersible designer should note that while AL- 
UMINAUT’s internal batteries allow easier 
maintenance and repair than BEN FRANK- 
LIN’s external, keel-mounted, lead-acid bat- 
teries, ALUMINAUT’s electrical penetrators 
are below its waterline. Hence, when ALUMI- 
NAUT’s penetrators fail (as was the case in a 
1968 Puerto Rican operation) it must be 
lifted out of the water. BEN FRANKLIN, on 
the other hand, has all its electrical penetra- 
tors above the waterline, thereby allowing 
in-water repairs. 


Reliability 

There are a variety of candidate power 
systems which offer considerable advantages 
over lead-acid batteries, but the extreme in- 
hospitality of the deep sea, and the size and 
weight limitations imposed on the system by 
small submersibles precludes a number of 
redundant measures incorporated in most 
marine designs (3). For such reasons and the 
overriding need for a reliable power source, 
many potentially better power systems fail 
to make it through thelecompetitive selection 
process. 


Cost 

The U.S. Navy’s NR-I receives its power 
from a nuclear reactor and may remain sub- 
merged and cruising for 30 days or longer. 
NR-1 is acknowledged to have cost some $99 
million. What portion of this value repre- 
sents the power package is unknown, but is 
certainly at least an order of magnitude be- 
yond the budgets of present, private sub- 
mersible builders. Likewise, the increased 
size and weight of the vehicles needed to 
accommodate nuclear reactors would impose 
severe penalties on mobility and maneuvera- 


bility for certain types of missions. In the 
simplest example, the All Ocean Industries’ 
vehicle employs two 12-volt lead-acid batter- 
ies inside its pressure hull; the total cost of 
this power package is somewhere around 
$70. Cost and reliability are so intertwined 
that it is impossible to evaluate one without 
the other using the present yardsticks of 
evaluation. Confidence or reliability in a 
power system is achieved through demon- 
strated performance. For this reason the 
lead-acid battery (in use since 1901 in U.S. 
Navy submarines) is irresistible. For other 
systems (fuel cells, thermoelectric genera- 
tors and other batteries) to attain this de- 
gree of confidence they must demonstrate 
their reliability, but without a concentrated 
research and development program which 
will both demonstrate reliability and de- 
crease purchase cost, it is difficult to foresee 
a near-future competitor to lead-acid batter- 
ies. 

In the final analysis, the nature, location 
and total power output of a submersible’s 
power system are compromises of design and 
operational trade-offs. Without compromis- 
ing occupant safety, sound arguments can be 
advanced for systems internal to the pres- 
sure hull as well as external. Both solutions 
are accompanied by disadvantages for which 
there is no optimum solution in one submers- 
ible. Perhaps future developments will help 
to alleviate this problem, but for the present 
let us examine the power sources with which 
submersible builders have dealt: Batteries, 
fuel cells and nuclear reactors. Though not 
having a “self-contained” power source, sur- 
face-powered vehicles such as GUPPY and 
KUROSHIO IT satisfy all other require- 
ments of a submersible; hence, aspects of 
their cable-supplied power systems are 
briefly described. 


BATTERIES 


Batteries generate power through the flow 
of electrons from a negative (anode) to a 
positive (cathode) electrode immersed in a 
conducting (electrolyte) medium (usually a 
liquid). The basic electrochemical unit (an- 
ode, cathode, electrolyte) is called a cell; the 
finished, boxed unit is the battery and it may 
consist of one or many cells. After a period of 


319 


time, the flow of electrons from anode to 
cathode (discharging) will weaken, and, for 
further use, the electron flow must be re- 
versed by recharging to bring the cell back to 
its rated strength. Cells that can be re- 
charged for many cycles are called second- 
ary cells; cells that cannot normally be re- 
charged—e.g., where the electrodes are de- 
pleted—are called primary cells. Secondary 
cells are the major suppliers of power in 
submersibles. Primary cells are frequently 
used to furnish emergency power or power to 
ancillary components such as pingers or 
transponders. Our main concern here is with 
secondary cells or batteries, of which three 
types have been used in submersibles: Lead- 
acid, nickel-cadmium and silver-zine. The 
classification of batteries is derived from the 
substance comprising the electrodes (silver- 
zine, nickel-cadmium) or from the substance 
comprising the electrodes and electrolyte 
(lead-acid). The electrolyte in the silver-zinc 
and nickel-cadmium batteries is alkaline. 

While there is a lack of reported studies 
aimed at improving the performance and 
packaging of secondary batteries, there are 
several excellent reports detailing the char- 
acteristics of these power sources in the ma- 
rine environment and other analyses exist 
which compare the advantages and disad- 
vantages of one source against the other. 
The author has relied heavily on these stud- 
ies to provide a state-of-the-art summary of 
the characteristics and properties of second- 
ary batteries for deep submergence. A sec- 
ond topic—the means used to protect these 
sources from seawater and pressure—is 
dealt with under Protection and Pressure 
Compensation. 


Characteristics 

In 1968 the National Academy of Sciences 
published a report (5) on energy system re- 
quirements and technology for undersea ap- 
plications which cited the following advan- 
tages and disadvantages of conventional bat- 
teries relative to other energy sources. 


Advantages: 

a) Basically simple construction where all 
components are self-contained within 
the battery. 


b) Operate at ambient deep-sea pressure 
and thereby conserve pressure hull 
weight. 

c) No moving parts preclude generation of 
noise or vibration. 

d) Operate at temperatures well below to 
well above those encountered within the 
sea. 

e) Highly reliable, and failure occurs one 
cell at a time such that battery opera- 
tion may continue with only slightly 
diminished output. 

f) Available commercially in a large vari- 
ety of types, sizes and configurations, 
and, for the most part, developmental 
costs have already been paid. 

Disadvantages: 

a) Energy densities (energy per unit 
weight) and specific energies (energy 
per unit volume) are low. 

b) Designed for operation at power levels 
of not more than a few tens of watts per 
pound and a few kilowatts per cubic foot 
(silver-zine cells are an exception). 

The report concludes that, among the var- 
ious conventional batteries available, silver- 
zine batteries appear most attractive for un- 
dersea application. It also presents a sum- 
mary of secondary battery characteristics 
which is shown in Table 7.2. An analysis of 
Table 7.2 reveals that silver-zine cells 
achieve the highest energy density (watt 
hours/lb) and lead-acid the lowest with 


nickel-cadmium somewhat in between. Con- 
versely, initial costs are in the reverse order. 
Penzias and Goodman (6) point out that 
there is significant salvage value, however, 
in the silver of a silver-zine cell while the 
lead in a lead-acid battery is hardly worth 
recovering. 


Discharge Rate and Temperature 

According to Cohn and Wetch (1), most 
battery manufacturers define standard con- 
ditions as room temperature and low dis- 
charge, and Howard (7) standardizes this 
condition as a 5-hour discharge at 80°F. Volt- 
age profiles of various secondary cells are 
shown in Figure 7.3 and clearly demonstrate 
the steady output of silver-zine and nickel- 
cadmium cells. Curves presented by Kisinger 
(8) show that the highest energy per pound 
from secondary batteries (lead-acid; silver- 
zine) is obtained at slow discharge rates. In 
short, to realize the most energy, batteries 
should be used under load conditions which 
will keep the drain on them to a minimum. 
Conversely, of course, a high discharge rate 
reduces the total amount of energy that can 
be taken from a battery. 

In general, as temperature decreases the 
withdrawal of current becomes more difficult 
because the increasing viscosity of the elec- 
trolyte hinders the passage of reactants and 
products to and from electrodes (9). High 
temperatures are only a problem if they are 


TABLE 7.2 SUMMARY OF SECONDARY BATTERY CHARACTERISTICS [FROM REF. (5)] 


Theoret 
Open Typical ical 
circuit operating energy 
Temp voltage voltage density 
Type Anode Cathode Electrolyte F (V) (Vv) (Wh/Ib) 
Conventional 
Lead-acid Pb PbO, H,S0, —40-140 2.2 1.7-2.1 80-115 


Nickel Cd Ni KOH —40-140 = 1.35 1.0-1.3 105 
cadmium oxides 
Silver-zinc Zn AgO KOH, ZnO 0-140 1.8 1.3-1.6 205 


Maximum 
Actual energy power 
density density Opera- Typical 
(W/ (W/ Cost* ting no. of 
(Wh/Ib) (Wh/In.3) Ib) in.3) ($/kWh) Life cycles Remarks 


5-20 0.41.2 15-30 1.2 0.09(60) 2-14yr 1500 conventional lead 
storage cell; presently 
used for submarines, 
automobiles, etc. 


12-15 0.7-1.0 iy 0.21(700) 4-6 yr 1000 available as completely 
2000 sealed cell 


30-80+ 18-56 170 7.2 8.40(800) 6-18mo 10-200 high capacity and very 
high drain rates; low 
cycle life; expensive 


* First value is cost/kWh of energy drawn from battery during anticipated cycle life. Bracketed value is initial cost 


320 


T T T ] T 
NOTE: DISCHARGE TIME IS ARBITRARILY CHOSEN. ANY 
ae OF THE BATTERIES SHOWN CAN GIVE FULL DIS. 
~ a CHARGE IN FROM 1TO 10HR 
~& | 


2 NICKEL — CADMIUM 
E — eee eee 
‘ 


At 


St 


1.0 


CELL VOLTAGE —= VOLTS 


1S ee 


t 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 


05 


ES Se 


° 
n 
we 
2 
a 
o 
© 


DISCHARGE TIME —= HOURS 


Fig. 7.3. Voltage profile of three secondary batteries 


high enough to boil off the electrolyte, deteri- 
orate the separators or distort the battery 
case. In deep submersible operations, consid- 
eration is generally given to low, rather than 
high temperatures because the operating en- 


vironment is on the low temperature side. 
Normal operating temperatures of most sec- 
ondary batteries are between 65° and 90°F. 
While water temperatures in excess of 90°F 
are quite unusual, deck temperatures in the 
tropics can exceed this value and should be 
considered when the submersible is out of 
the water. Water temperatures as low as 
30°F may be encountered in the ocean, and 
deck temperatures below 0°F can be antici- 
pated in the high latitudes. Performance 
data from various cells are presented in Ta- 
ble 7.3 and show the effects of temperature 
and discharge rate. The dashes in this table 
indicate the need for heaters to warm the 
cells. Cohn and Wetch (1), who present an 
excellent technical summary of all present 
and potential undersea power sources, rec- 
ommend heaters in extreme cold to assure a 
more normal voltage profile throughout the 
discharge, and they point out that it is possi- 
ble to have a higher voltage at cut off than 
at starting because of the warming of the 
active surfaces during normal discharge. 


TABLE 7.3 RELATIONSHIP OF TEMPERATURE, DISCHARGE RATE, AND PERFORMANCE 
[FROM REF. (10)] 


i 


Potential at midpoint, V 


Cell Rated Discharge 
Capacity, Rate, 

Battery Type (amp-hr) (amp) 80°F 
Lead-acid 5 0.5 1.95 
1.0 1.92 
10.0 1.81 
60 10.0 1.92 
25.0 1.90 
50.0 1.87 
100.0 1.70 
Nickel-cadmium 5 1.0 1.22 
10.0 eid 
75 10.0 1.23 
25.0 1.20 
50.0 (el) 
100.0 1.17 
Silver-zinc 5 0.5 1.52 
1.0 1.50 
10.0 1.40 
60 10.0 1.52 
25.0 1.49 
50.0 1.48 
100.0 1.42 


Capacity, amp-hr, % rated 


O°F —40°F 80°F 0°F —40°F 
1.89 1.85 100 54 30 
1.84 1.80 88 50 21 
1.60 1.40 46 16 3 
1.89 1.82 100 54 26 
1.80 1.65 87 31 10 
1.70 == 63 18 == 
—— = 39 as — 
= _— 100 =- == 
1.05 1.05 94 67 21 
1.16 1.14 100 80 64 
1.14 1.06 97 82 48 
1.07 1.00 94 72 34 
— — 82 == —— 
1.45 —_ 100 75 == 
1.42 == 96 70 == 
1.26 == 85 63 == 
1.46 == 100 92 == 
1.42 == 97 79 == 
1.42 == 92 75 == 
1.30 == 84 69 == 


PRESSURE 
600 kg/cm? 


ATMOSPHERIC (30°C) 


FINAL VOLTAGE 1.0V 


SYNLVH3adW3aL 


oO 
oO 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240 270 300 330 360 390 420 450 480 
TIME (MIN) 


Fig. 7.4 Silver-zinc cell discharge characteristics under high pressure. 
[From Ref. (12)] 

Pressure 

In 1963, Horne (9) stated that the effects of 
pressure on battery performance should be 
slight, and subsequent experience proved 
this correct. More recently, Funao et al. (12) 
performed a number of experiments on sil- 
ver-zine secondary batteries. One result of 
their studies is shown in Figure 7.4 and 
indicates that there is no appreciable differ- 
ence in capacity at atmospheric pressure 
than at 600 kg/cm? (8,532 psi). The range of 


fluctuation in electrolyte level due to pres- 
sure was found to be larger than the range 
due to discharge and the electrolyte did not 
regain its original level after pressure was 
removed. The authors could not explain the 
phenomenon and suggest further study of 
this irreversible process. 

Summarizing Horne’s and others’ observa- 
tions and his own, Work (11) concluded that 
pressure might well be beneficial to battery 
performance by: 1) Increasing the electrolyte 
conductivity (5 percent in Pb-acid; 2 percent 
in Ag-Zn), 2) reducing the volume of any gas 
at or in a porous electrode making more 
electrolyte available at the surface and effec- 
tively increasing current density, and 3) 
through some unknown mechanism, increas- 
ing the power and providing greater watt- 
hour efficiency. 


Cell Life and Cycling 

For all practical purposes the life of a 
secondary battery begins when the electro- 
lyte is introduced. At this point the battery 
is said to be activated and its useful longev- 
ity is termed wet life or shelf life. In sub- 
mersible operations a battery is charged be- 
fore and after each dive, and its usefulness 


TABLE 7.4 CELL CHARACTERISTICS OF THREE BATTERY TYPES [FROM REF. (10)] 


Composition, 


Cell potential, V 
charged state E 


Time to discharge 


Shelf life in charged condition 


Life in operation 
Without With 
maintenance maintenance 


Battery type Fast- Slow- Shelf life if If 
Pos. Neg. Elec- Open Dis- est, Av., discharged Charge loss, Shelf charged Shelf Cycles Float 
trolyte circ. charging (min) (hr) (days) (wet) % life each: life 
Lead-acid... PbO, Pb 4H,S0, 2.14 2.1-146 3-5 8 >3 Not per- Low-rate: Days 30-45 Years To 500 To 14 yr 
mitted 15—20%/yr Months days 
Nickel-cadmium..NiO, Cd KOH 1.34 1.3-0.75 5 5 >3 Years Pocket: Months 30-45 Years 100—2,000 8-14 yr 
20—40%/yr Weeks days 25—500 4-8 yr 
Sintered: 


Silver-zinc .. . AgQ Zn KOH 1.86 1.55-1.1 <0.5 5 >90 Years 


SOURCE: F. D. Yeaple, Dry Cell Performance, Prod. Eng., 36:160 (1965). 


10—15%/mo 
15—20%/yr 3-12mo 6mo 1-2 yr 100-300 1-2 yr 
low dis. 
5-100 
high dis. 


to the operator is measured in terms of the 
number of charge and discharge cycles it can 
undergo and still be recharged to its near 
rated capacity (amp-hr). High rated batteries 
(delivering large current drains for periods 
of several minutes to 1 hour) have a shorter 
wet life and cycle life than low or medium 
rated batteries (discharge at rates from 1 to 
10 hours). Under atmospheric conditions the 
shelf life and cycle life characteristics paral- 
lel those shown in Table 7.4. 

A great deal of recent battery studies con- 
centrate on silver-zine cells (11, 12, 138, 14) 
and provide both laboratory and field data 
regarding their cyclic longevity. Again, 
though lead-acid batteries have been used 
for years, there are no known reports regard- 
ing their cycling characteristics in the ocean. 
Hence, the following data apply only to sil- 
ver-zine cells. 

In laboratory experiments Funao et al. 
repeatedly cycled two oil-filled batteries 
(placed in a “soft”? container and surrounded 
by oil) to 600 kg/em? (8,532 psi) and dis- 
charged them at 150 amp for 2 hours. Dis- 
charge was followed by a 35-amp charge to 
2.05 volts and every 10 cycles the battery 
was discharged to 1.0 volt and measured. A 
comparison of the data between the pressur- 
ized battery and a similar battery not sub- 
ject to pressure (Fig. 7.5) shows that dis- 
charging under pressure delays the rate of 
capacity decrease. The cause of expiration 
was short circuits through the separators of 
both batteries. Work (11) reached similar 
conclusions after cycling identical ten-cell 
250-amp-hr batteries for 2 years in simulated 
deep-ocean conditions. He found the rate of 
capacity loss to be the same as that of a 
similar battery operation at atmospheric 
pressure for the same period. Momsen and 
Clerici (13) reported the results of silver-zine 
cell use on the Deep Submergence Vehicle 
TRIESTE IT and concluded that this type of 
battery is entirely suitable so long as usage 
is maximum. 


Charging 

Extensive testing demonstrated that 
charge reception is reduced slightly when 
silver-zine battery temperatures are at 32°F 
or less (13). Whereas charging (and discharg- 
ing) are heat generating processes, the low 


CAPACITY (hr) 


323 


heat transfer coefficient for the cells tends to 
keep them warm. Work (14) discussed heat 
transfer within batteries and pointed out 
that a number of cells packed tightly to- 
gether can dissipate little heat. Rapid cy- 
cling causes the temperature of the center 
cells to rise appreciably above that of the 
outside cells and results in an unbalanced 
condition. To rebalance the batteries two 
approaches are taken: 1) The entire battery 
is charged and then floated at a low rate for 
a few days, or 2) individual cells are charged 
or discharged at a low rate through the 
voltage monitor system harness. 


Spill Angle 

The normal orientation of wet cell batter- 
ies is upright; most are equipped with spill- 
proof devices and can withstand up to 30- 
degree tilting without ill effects. Work (14) 
reported that cells are under design with 
angles of 45 to 60 degrees from the vertical 
as a goal. The same report relates an inci- 
dent where a surfaced vehicle rolled as much 
as 90 degrees. A 90-degree roll is, to say the 
least, quite unusual, and one might find it 
more advisable to reconsider the vehicle’s 
stability rather than designing batteries to 
withstand roll angles of this magnitude. 


DISCHARGE CURRENT 150 amp 


PRESSURE 
IN DISCHARGE! IN CHARGE 
--x--| 600 kg/cm? | ATMOSPHERIC 


—_—O— | ATMOSPHERIC [ATMosPHERIC 


CHARGE CURRENT 35 amp 


oO 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 
LIFE CYCLE 


Fig. 7.5 Life characteristics of silver-zinc cell. [From Ref. (12)] 


Gassing 


Hydrogen and oxygen gasses are given off 
from lead-acid batteries during both charg- 
ing and discharging, though the greatest 
quantity emanates during charging. The 
problems brought about by gassing depend 
upon the packaging and location of the bat- 
tery. If the battery is carried within the 
pressure hull the problem concerns the di- 
rect effects on occupants due to: 1) Inhala- 
tion of hydrogen, 2) explosion of hydrogen or 
3) inhalation of chlorine gas if the electrolyte 
spills and comes in contact with seawater. 
Silver-zine cells also evolve hydrogen and, 
according to Work (14), a “‘hot”’ short (where 
the reaction is sufficiently vigorous to boil 
the electrolyte) can vaporize mercury, which 
is used in small amounts in these cells, to 
present another potential hazard to the oc- 
cupants. Batteries located externally and 
pressure compensated by oil avoid the direct 
safety hazards of poisonous gasses, but in- 
troduce other factors bearing on short cir- 
cuits and ballasting control. The effects of 
gassing on pressure-compensated batteries 


will be discussed in the section on Protection 
and Pressure Compensation. 

An atmosphere containing as little as 4 
percent hydrogen (69 in.? hydrogen/ft® air) is 
explosive in the presence of a spark or flame. 
Generally, concentrations greater than 2 
percent are avoided for operational safety. 
Hydrogen is generated in greatest amounts 
during charging, and for this reason, the 
charging area should be well ventilated. 
Being lighter than air, the hydrogen rises 
and may become trapped in any dome-like 
space above the battery. Even when idle, a 
lead-acid battery liberates small amounts of 
hydrogen, and if in a small confined space, a 
dangerous accumulation can be reached 
within a few hours. Another area of hydro- 
gen accumulation can be the void space 
above the electrolyte within the battery. (Ac- 
cording to the Hydro-Catylator Corporation, 
1 amp-hr of overcharging, under normal con- 
ditions, produces 25.5 in.® of hydrogen per 
cell, and when idle, it can be assumed that 
local action will be equivalent to an over- 
charge flow of 0.1 amp for each 100 amp-hr of 
cell capacity.) 


Fig. 7.6 Hydrocaps on SEA OTTER'’s lead-acid batteries 


Submersibles with batteries inside the 
pressure hull have operated for many years 
with no ill effects on the occupants; indeed, 
military submariners have over a half-cen- 
tury of experience in this field with no ill 
effects. So, for all practical purposes, empiri- 
cal data shows that accumulation of hydro- 
gen during an 8- to 12-hour dive, or even 
longer, does not reach quantities detrimental 
to occupants. Explosions during charging are 
not infrequent and represent the greatest 
gassing hazards. Recently a device called a 
“Hydrocap”’ has been introduced by the Hy- 
dro-Catylator Corporation of Hialeah, Flor- 
ida. The Hydrocap (Figs. 7.6 and 7.7) is used 
in place of a conventional battery vent cap, 
and it contains a palladium catalyst which 
recombines the hydrogen and ambient oxy- 
gen into water vapor which is condensed and 
returned to the battery. Use of these caps 


MONEL COVER 


ie 


2-3/32 SHORT NECK 


2-15/32 REGULAR 
\ 
2-27/32 LONG NECK 


BASE LOCK 


VAPOR SEALL 


SHORT NECK 
REGULAR 


HYDROCAP 


during charge and discharge is a significant 
deterrent to hydrogen explosions and also 
aids maintenance by automatically “topping 
off’ the cells with the reconstituted water. 
Several submersible builders have adopted 
Hydrocaps (Perry Submarine Builders, In- 
ternational Hydrodynamics) and find them 
to be all that the manufacturer claims. 


Battery Location, Protection and 
Compensation 

Submersible builders elect one of three 
procedures to protect batteries from the rig- 
ors of the deep sea: The majority (48%) place 
the batteries outside the pressure hull, en- 
capsulate them within a dielectric fluid and 
subject them to ambient pressure; 32 percent 
place the batteries inside the pressure hull; 
and 20 percent enclose the batteries within a 
pressure-resistant capsule external to the 


PALLADIUM CATALYST 


TREATED 
PROTECTIVE FIBER 


GLASS CONDENSER 


___ ASBESTOS PAPER 
LINER 


ie 7 


ry 
I; 


STEATITE CERAMIC 
CATALYST HOLDER 


SHORT NECK 1-11/16 
REGULAR 2-1/16 
LONG NECK 2-7/16 


HARD RUBBER 
SUPPORT 


BASE 


BAFFLE 


NYDRO-CATYLATOR CORPORATION 
3511 E 19th COURT 80% 3648 
HIALEAH, FLORIDA 33013 


Fig. 7.7 Design of Hydrocaps. (Hydro-Catylator Corp.) 


325 


pressure hull. Each approach has its own 
advantages and disadvantages. 


In-Hull Placement 

Placing the battery within the pressure 
hull reduces circuit complexity, eases main- 
tenance and minimizes the possibility of the 
cells coming in contact with seawater. Con- 
versely, this option increases the hull weight 
(and decreases payload), takes up internal 
space which could be used for equipment or 
personnel and presents a potential safety 
hazard to occupants. The first two of these 
disadvantages are fairly obvious; the safety 
aspects should be explained. On a short dura- 
tion dive (8-12 hr) hydrogen gas from dis- 
charging batteries, as discussed previously, 
is not sufficient to harm the human occu- 
pants, nor should it reach a concentration 
(4%) whereby explosion in the event of 
sparking could occur. Indeed, employment of 
Hydrocaps should negate either of these pos- 
sibilities. The first area of concern lies with 
spillage of the lead-acid electrolyte at high 
pitch or roll angles. In this case the electro- 
lyte could come in contact with the occu- 
pants and cause acid burns or, even worse, it 
could combine with seawater in the hull and 
release toxic chlorine gas. It also could dam- 
age the submersible structure and equip- 
ment therein. Work (14) cautions that a vig- 


OPERATOR'S 
COMPARTMENT 


orous short circuit can boil out the electro- 
lyte in silver-zine batteries and vaporize the 
mercury within them to further endanger 
the occupants. Undoubtedly, the most signif- 
icant hazard arises during battery charg- 
ing—and this may occur regardless of bat- 
tery location—where overcharging might 
cause electrolyte spillage into the Hydrocap 
and cause it to cease functioning. In this 
case hydrogen might build up to dangerous 
concentration. Anderson et al. (15) cites a 
further consideration in reliance on Hydro- 
caps; this resides in the possibility that in 
enclosed spaces insufficient oxygen may be 
present to recombine with the hydrogen. It 
should be noted that their discussion relates 
to the situation where batteries are carried 
within an external pod, not in the pressure 
hull where a far greater volume of air is 
available. 

Placement of the battery within the hull 
has been approached in two ways: The first 
is to simply install the battery securely in 
some convenient spot, e.g.. SEA OTTER, All 
Ocean Industries, and the second is to seal 
off a portion of the hull, generally low in the 
hull, and place the battery there (Fig. 7.8). 
The latter procedure further protects the 
occupants, and if the sealed area is also 
pressure resistant it offers additional safety 
advantages. The in-hull procedure has been 


FORWARD 
TRIM AND 
VARIABLE 
BALLAST 


FORWARD MAIN 
BALLAST TANK 


AUX. 
cupt, FWD. 
FOOT 
WELL 


Fig. 7.8 In-hull battery location in the PC-3A. (Perry Submarine Builders) 


326 


followed for many years in military subma- 
rines and for a number of years in submers- 
ibles. It is inexpensive and simple to install 
and maintain the batteries, and, as long as 
the proper safety precautions in design and 
operation are always followed, the only ma- 
jor disadvantages are in degradation of pay- 
load and decreased internal volume. 


Pressure-Resistant Capsules 

The second option to battery location is 
installation within a pressure-resistant cap- 
sule or pod completely independent of the 
pressure hull (Fig. 7.9). This procedure, 
adopted by the majority of latter-day sub- 
mersible builders, was first initiated by 
Perry Submarine Builders. Anderson et al. 


Fig. 7.9 The battery pod of AQUARIUS | 


(15) present a thorough discussion of the 
genesis from in-hull placement of batteries 
to the use of external pods in the Perry 
submersibles; their observations and experl- 
ences constitute the backbone of the follow- 
ing discussion. 

Installation of batteries in an external pod 
offers the following advantages: Internal 
pressure hull space is not required; any toxic 
battery gasses which may evolve will not 
affect the occupants; the pods can be made 
droppable to serve as emergency deballast- 
ing; maintenance and repair is made easier 
by incorporating roller plates on which the 
battery may be removed from the pod; the 
battery tray can be made of a high dielectric 
material and thereby reduce leakage resist- 
ance problems; both ends of the pod can be 
removed and forced air ventilation applied to 
dissipate hydrogen gas generated during 
charging; and for quick turn-around time 
between dives the used batteries can be eas- 
ily replaced with fresh ones. 

Conversely, this procedure has the follow- 
ing disadvantages: Total vehicle weight is 
increased; the drag force of the vehicle is 
increased and thereby requires increased 
power for propulsion; electrical penetrations 
for power are increased; and total cost of the 
vehicle rises. 


One problem of major concern in the Perry 
vehicles is battery gassing during sub- 
merged discharge (15) and the lack of suffi- 
cient oxygen within the pod to recombine in 
the Hydrocaps with the hydrogen generated. 
To alleviate this problem the battery pod on 
SHELF DIVER was pressurized prior to seal- 
ing to provide adequate oxygen. To prevent 
poisoning of the palladium catalyst the Hy- 
drocaps in Perry vehicle pods are located in 
the top of the pod such that overcharging 
will not contaminate the catalyst with elec- 
trolyte. 


This procedure, then, offers a number of 
advantages and disadvantages, the greatest 
penalty being weight. Compared to the pres- 
sure-compensation system, external pres- 
sure-resistant pods are far less trouble and 
considerably more reliable. There is a point, 
however, where the added weight would be- 


come prohibitive in the deeper diving vehi- 
cles. 


Pressure Compensation 

In this arrangement the batteries are lo- 
cated outside the pressure hull and within a 
non-pressure-resistant container. A dielec- 
tric fluid (oil) completely surrounds the cells 
and provides both electrical insulation and 
pressure equalization. A typical compensa- 
tion system is shown in Figure 7.10. The 
system conserves vehicle weight and pres- 
sure hull volume, while offering no direct 
safety hazards to the occupants. In some 
vehicles the batteries are jettisonable to pro- 
vide emergency buoyancy. On the debit side, 
the present systems are messy, generally 
difficult to maintain, and, according to Work, 
“.. . destined to get salt water in them at 
one time or another.” 

Packaging batteries in this manner must 
satisfy two, relatively simple requirements: 
Hold the dielectric fluid in and keep sea- 
water out. While the requirements are sim- 


MANUAL 
VENT & FILL 
VALVE 


RELIEF 
VALVES 


SALT WATER 
BAFFLES 


PLENUM 
DRAIN 


ELECTROLYTE 
SCRUBBER 


\ 


FLEX HOSE 


GASKET 


STAINLESS STEEL 
CASE & COVER, 


NEOPRENE COVERED CASEDBAIN 


COMPENSATION 
BLADDER 


Fig. 7.10 Typical battery compensation system. [From Ref. (16)] 


ple, meeting them in practice has consumed 
a great deal of time and effort. Because oil is 
used as the pressure compensation medium, 
all other materials must be oil-compatible. 
Gasses generated during the batteries’ oper- 
ation must be vented off. As this gas leaves 
the electrode, it carries entrained electro- 
lyte, and if no provisions are made to sepa- 
rate the two (gas from electrolyte), the elec- 
trolyte may accumulate on top of the cells 
and elsewhere to produce a host of problems. 
While the gas may be held in solution at 
great depths, it leaves the cell or comes out 
of solution as the vehicle surfaces. These are 
but a few of the problems associated with 
pressure-compensation systems. A review of 
the literature makes one wonder that the 
system works at all. Nonetheless, it somehow 
does, and the need to conserve weight and 
space in deep diving vehicles has prompted a 
great deal of attention to this procedure. 

The approach to pressure compensation 
has been on an individual basis; no two sys- 
tems are precisely the same and all have 
their own peculiar problems. Consequently, 
the subject might best be served by concen- 
trating on the experiences and research of a 
few, rather than the problems of a multitude. 
An appreciation for the range through which 
battery compensation problems can vary 
from vehicle-to-vehicle can be gained from 
Figure 7.11. 


The gassing behavior of lead-acid batteries 
under both atmospheric and high (1,000 psi) 
pressure conditions was studied in detail by 
Marriott and Capotosto (17 & 18). Specifically 
they delved into the chemical, physical and 
electrical properties of the compensating oil 
used in the STAR series of submersibles (Pri- 
mol 207, a hydrocarbon oil produced by 
Exxon Oil) and its compatibility with nonme- 
tallic battery components. They also looked 
into the entire spectrum of bubble genesis 
during charge and discharge of Exide MSC- 
11 batteries. The results of this study are 
summarized by the authors as follows: 


“The volume of gas produced by the 
subject battery during discharge at 
elevated pressures is not directly de- 
pendent on the magnitude of the ap- 
plied pressure. 

The gassing behavior of the MSC-11 
cell during discharge under pressure 
is much more erratic than at atmos- 
pheric pressure. 

A decrease in the gas producing abil- 
ity of the battery along with a build-up 
of battery by-products occurs more 
quickly at pressure than under am- 
bient conditions. 


Gas volumes entrapped by the battery 
after discharge at pressure generally 
vary from 100-155 ml. On occasion, 


Fig. 7.11 Two pressure compensated systems. STAR /// (left) of 60 cells and BELL FRANKLIN (right) of 378 cells. (Gen. Dyn. Corp. and NAVOCEANO) 


329 


lower values (40 ml) can be obtained. 
No evidence of degradation of Primol 
207 dielectric fluid as a consequence 
of discharging the battery at pressures 
up to 1000 psi can be noted.” 


In a companion paper R. S. Evans (16) 
discussed the whole range of pressure com- 
pensation considerations based on analyses 
of the behavior of lead-acid batteries in ASH- 
ERAH, STAR II and STAR III. Evans’ report 
is succinct and in very few words he presents 
a wealth of experience the submersible de- 
signer would do well to review. Several as- 
pects of batteries and pressure compensation 
systems, not dealt with elsewhere in this 
section, are summarized below and are taken 
directly from Evans. 


Vehicle Dynamics: 


List, trim and attack angles and angular 
rates affect such parameters as acid and oil 
movement, structural fatigue and distortion. 
Relative to a surface craft, a surfaced sub- 
mersible is more vulnerable to sea forces 
which produce bending and impact loads in 
components of the pressure compensation 
system and battery containers. 

In a rapid emergency ascent (300 to 600 
fpm) the gasses entrained or in solution 
might rupture the system or accumulate to a 
potentially explosive volume. Introduction of 
sufficient seawater via a rupture invites cer- 
tain explosion or rapid combustion of oil and 
gas. 

A series of relatively shallow dives and 
quick ascents will cause compensating oil to 
push out of the vents in front of the expand- 
ing gas which is produced continuously. If 
the bladder design cannot accommodate such 
losses, insufficient compensation volume 
may result on an ensuing deep dive with 
possible leakage into or destruction of the 
batteries. 


Pressure: 


Interior system pressure should be kept 
slightly positive with respect to ambient. In 
this vein Evans offers the following precau- 
tions in selection of materials for sea pres- 
sure service: Battery lead deforms plasti- 
cally; bulk moduli of adjoining materials 
should be as nearly equal as possible for in- 
cell connection and wedging. 


330 


Biological: 


Evans relates the following experience 
with respect to biological considerations: 


“STAR III was so busy in 1966-67 
that over one year passed before the 
battery box interiors were inspected. 
When they were finally opened, a film 
of biological material was discovered 
deposited across the cell tops. The 
organism was cultured and tentatively 
identified as Pullularia pullulens, a 
black, yeast-like mold. The system had 
been anaerobic for the period, yet this 
organism apparently thrived and de- 
clined several times in this supposedly 
hostile environment. If the ecology 
were not controlled by additive inhibi- 
tors or occasional flushing with anti- 
septics, it is conceivable that orga- 
nisms could flower under the proper 
conditions and cause short circuits by 
entrapping water and/or acid, or 
could clog lines and valves with their 
detritus. Such a case was reported by 
TRIESTE which had an open sea/oil 
interface compensator at the time. Of 
course, any additive or purgative 
would first have to be proved mate- 
rials compatible.” 


Utilizing this and other information 
gained over several years’ experience with 
the STAR class vehicles, Evans and co- 
worker B. B. Miron proceeded to draw up the 
design specifications for pressure compensa- 
tion of the SEA CLIFF and TURTLE battery 
pods (19). 

The best compensating fluid for battery 
systems has been particularly difficult to 
define. According to Work (11), ‘“‘The ideal 
compensating fluid is non-reactive, non-com- 
pressible, and probably non-existent.” In an 
attempt to solve this dilemma, the Naval 
Ship Research and Development Center 
(NSRDC) performed an assessment of appli- 
cable experience with such fluids and tests of 
their own to issue a guide (20) providing 
critical properties, evaluation methods and 
other pertinent fluid and lubricant informa- 
tion to the workers in deep submergence. 

NSRDC not only dealt with fluids for com- 
pensation and shielding from the seawater 
environments, but also looked at fluids for 


hydraulic systems (power transmission) and 
lubrication for deep submergence applica- 
tion. A variety of fluid properties were inves- 
tigated in these tests: Viscosity (temperature 
and pressure effects on), lubricating ability, 
effects of contamination, corrosion protec- 
tion, dielectric properties, dissipation factor, 
ability to form stable emulsions, material 
compatibility, volatility and toxicity, com- 
pressibility and density, chemical stability, 
fire resistance and cost and availability. 
From these tests and other sources Table 7.5 
was derived which provides a ready refer- 
ence for assessing the applicability of a par- 
ticular fluid in deep submergence applica- 
tions. The NSRDC authors caution that a 
listing of P after a fluid does not constitute 
endorsement for use, nor does Q constitute 
condemnation. 


FUEL CELLS 


In 1965 General Dynamics installed and 
tested an Allis-Chalmers fuel cell in its STAR 
I (Fig. 7.12). A schematic of the fuel cell used 
in STAR I is shown in Figure 7.13 and ac- 
cording to reference (21) it works in the 
following manner. The basic construction 
consists of two electrodes separated by an 
electrolyte (potassium hydroxide). A hydra- 
zine fuel is admitted to the anode electrode, 
where it reduces hydroxyl ions in water and 
releases electrons. The electrons flow 
through the external circuit to the other 
electrode (the cathode), where the oxidant is 
admitted. The electrons are used in the oxi- 
dant’s reaction with water to form hydroxyl 
ions. Ionic conduction through the electro- 
lyte completes the electrical circuit and pro- 


TABLE 7.5. IDENTIFICATION OF FLUID CODES 


Supplier 


E. F. Houghton Co., 303 W. Lehigh Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19133 
Bray Oil Co., 3344 Medford St., Los Angeles, Calif. 90063 


Bray Oil Co., 3344 Medford St., Los Angeles, Calif. 90063 


Fluid 

Code Commercial Name 
A PR-1192 

B Micronic 713 

C Micronic 762 

D NDH-TD4-1 

E Hoover Submersible Fluid No. 2 
F Tellus 11 

G Tellus 15 

H Tellus 27 

J Primo! 207 

K Marcol 52 

L SF-1143 

M C-141 

N PR-85-29-129 


New Depatture — Hyatt Bearings, Hayes Ave., Sandusky, Ohio 44871 
Hoover Electric Co., 2100 South Stoner St., Los Angeles, Calif. 90025 
Shell Oil Co., 50 W. 50th St., New York, N.Y. 10020 

Shell Oil Co., 50 W. 50th St., New York, N.Y. 10020 

Shell Oil Co., 50 W. 50th St., New York, N.Y. 10020 

Humble Oil and Refining Co., P.O. Box 1288, Baltimore, Md. 21203 
Humble Oil and Refining Co., P.O. Box 1288, Baltimore, Md. 21203 
General Electric Co., Silicone Products Dept., Waterford, N.Y. 12188 
Royal Lubricants Co., River Road, Hanover, N.J. 07936 


E. F. Houghton Co., 303 W. Lehigh Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19133 


331 


TABLE 7.5 SUMMARY LIST OF FLUIDS AND LUBRICANTS [FROM REF. (20)] 


Application 
Base Nonmoving 
Fluid Power Motor Switching Electrical 
Specification or Compo- Trans- Lubri-  |mmer- Component Equipment 
Trade Name Other Designation sition mission cation sion Immersion Immersion 
Federal Specification Products 
VV-1-530a Transformer Oil Petroleum  —— a 0] KP KP 
VV-D-001078(10 cs) Damping Fluid Silicone 0] 0) KO KO KP 
VV-D-001078(50 cs) Damping Fluid Silicone KQ a Q Q Q 
Military Specification Products 
MIL-H-5606B Aircraft Hydraulic Fluid Petroleum KP KP KP P B 
MIL-J-5624F JP-5 Petroleum —— KO KO Q Q 
MIL-L-6081C, Jet Engine Lubricating Oil Petroleum KQ KO KO KO Qa 
Grade 1010 
MIL-H-6083C Aircraft Hydraulic System Preservative Petroleum K KO KO KO KO 
MIL-L-6085A Aircraft Instrument Oil Synthetic Ka KO KO Q Qa 
MIL-L-7808G Gas Turbine Lubricating Oil Synthetic —— KO Q Qa Qa 
MIL-L-7807A Low Temperature Lubricating Oil Petroleum —— K Q Q Q 
MIL-C-8188C Gas Turbine Engine Preservative Synthetic KQ KO Q Q Q 
MIL-F-17111 Ordnance Hydraulic Fluid Petroleum Q [? == -- P 
MIL-L-17672, Turbine Oil and Hydraulic Fluid Petroleum KO KO 0] Q P 
MS 2110-TH 
MIL-S-21568A Damping Fluid Silicone Qa Q KO KP KP 
MIL-L-23699A Aircraft Turboprop and Turboshaft Synthetic —— KO -- = -—- 
Lubricant 
MIL-H-27601A Aircraft High Temperature Hydraulic Petroleum —— -- -- -- -—- 
Fluid 
MIL-H-46004 Missile Hydraulic Fluid Petroleum KQ -- -- -- -—- 
MIL-H-81019B Aircraft and Missile Hydraulic Fluid Petroleum P 10} -- -- P 
MIL-H-83282 Aircraft Hydraulic Fluid Synthetic -—- -- 
Proprietary Fluids 
Fluid Code A Seawater Emulsifying Fluid, Type | Petroleum KQ KQ Q Q Q 
Fluid Code B —- Petroleum KP KO Qa 0] Qa 
Fluid Code C Proposed Specification MIL-H-25598 Petroleum KP KO Q Q Qa 
Missile Hydraulic Fluid 
Fluid Code D Traction Drive Fluid Petroleum —— —- -- -- -- 
Fluid Code E a= Petroleum —— KO KO -- P 
Fluid Code F -- Petroleum P P —- -- P 
Fluid Code G as Petroleum P [? — -- P 
Fluid Code H —- Petroleum P P -- -- -—— 
Fluid Code J USP Mineral Oil Petroleum —— Q KO KO KP 
Fluid Code K NF Mineral Oil Petroleum —— Q -- =—- == 
Fluid Code L Lubricity Improved Silicone Silicone 6] 0) KQ KP KP 
Fluid Code M -- Petroleum —— P Qa 0] Qa 
Fluid Code N Seawater Compatible Water Glycol Water — Qa Q 0] Q 
P — Possible use Qa — Questionable for use in this application 
K — Known or attempted use —— (blank) — Insufficient information available for assessment of use 


332 


Fig. 7.12 Installing hydrazine and oxygen fuel cell in STAR | (Gen. Dyn. Corp.) 


duces the usable electrical energy. The fuel 
cell is an electrochemical device converting 
energy from the reaction of two chemicals 
into low voltage, DC electrical energy. 
Whereas a battery’s energy is stored, a fuel 


cell will produce current on demand as long 
as the fuel and oxidizer are supplied. 

The fuel cell in STAR I is pressure-compen- 
sated, not by oil, but by the nitrogen gas 
released when the hydrazine fuel is con- 
sumed. 

The authors, Loughman and Butenkoff, 
cite the following advantages to fuel cells: 
Turn-around time is minimal, in that only 
the refurbishing of fuel and oxidant is re- 
quired; they are lighter than comparable 
power-producing batteries and do not take 
up as much space; they have longer life than 
conventional underwater power sources; 
they may be tapped at any voltage and not 
affect cell life; and they are silent and oper- 
ate at relatively low temperatures. Other 
than this one report (21), nothing further has 
been heard from this program. 

In November 1969, the Perry company en- 
tered a fuel cell test program with Pratt & 
Whitney Corp. which resulted in the installa- 
tion of an oxygen/hydrogen fuel cell in the 
underwater habitat HYDRO-LAB situated in 
50 feet of water off Palm Beach, Florida (22). 
While this application is outside the subject 


N, GAS (OUT) 


KOH, N>H,4, N> (OUT) 
C) 


KOH & FUEL 
RESERVOIR HEAT 


O, SUPPLY 


O, PURGE 


EXCHANGER 


3-WAY 
THERMOSTATIC 
VALVE 


KOH, NH, (IN) 


Fig. 7.13 Schematic of STAR | fuel cell. [From Ref. (21)] 


of manned submersibles, it was, according to 
the author, the first such application in a 
habitat and supplied 5 kilowatts at 28 VDC 
for a period of 48 hours and with no malfunc- 
tions. This report’s final statement rather 
succinctly states the major problem with fuel 
cells: ‘‘A reduction in cost is required before 
extensive use becomes a reality.” 

The latest attempt at utilizing fuel cells in 
submersibles was conducted off Marseilles in 
May 1970 with a hydrazine-hydrogen perox- 
ide generator in the SP-350 (23). Several 
tests of this fuel cell were conducted in 265 
feet of water during a series of dives of not 
more than 15 minutes in length. The investi- 
gators concluded that the tests were success- 
ful and indicated that the fuel cell is not only 
a theoretical possibility, but a practicality in 
submersible operations. 

For those interested in the potential and 
technological state-of-the-art of fuel cells for 
deep submergence application references (5), 
(24), (25), (26), and (27) are recommended. The 
last two of these include a discussion of 
nuclear and other power sources, as well as 
fuel cells. 


NUCLEAR POWER 


The U.S Navy’s NR-1 is the only submers- 
ible known to use a nuclear reactor as an 
electric power source. Since NR-1’s details 
are classified, one can only speculate about 
it. On the other hand, while nuclear power 
has revolutionized the military submarine, 
its past, present and proximate influence on 
submersible design is likely to be minimal. 
The reason is quite simple; NR-1 costs in the 
neighborhood of $100 million; even the most 
optimistic advocates of deep submergence 
would find it difficult to justify such an ex- 
penditure for a commercial venture. Again 
the reader is referred to references (5), (26), 
and (27) for an account of nuclear power 
potential and application to other areas of 
marine technology. 


CABLE-TO-SURFACE 
(UMBILICAL) 


Three submersibles obtain electrical power 
through a cable from the surface: KURO- 


334 


SHIO II, GUPPY and OPSUB. The pros and 
cons of this approach are many and will not 
be explored in detail here. It is sufficient to 
note that in the case of GUPPY, the reason- 
ing which led to an umbilical included: 
Launch/retrieval would require no divers 
and the projected customer (offshore oil) 
would require more in the way of electrical 
power than batteries or fuel cells could sup- 
ply within the dimensional constraints of the 
preconceived vehicle (28). An additional con- 
sideration was based on KUROSHIO’s and 
the unmanned CURV’s history of successful 
tethered operations—i.e., they provided 
proven techniques. 

A few submersibles, SEA RANGER in par- 
ticular, include an umbilical option by pro- 
viding an external electrical attachment. 
The option has a great deal of merit if tasks 
are required where long-term, stationary ob- 
servations are planned, such as may happen 
in some biological or sedimentological stud- 
ies. The design, construction and operation 
of a tethered power supply is discussed fully 
in the literature. For a thorough and excel- 
lent summary of the subject, the work of Evo 
Giorgi (27) is reeommended. 

The umbilical system is basically quite 
simple (Fig. 7.14) and consists of a generator, 
winch and a load-bearing, conducting cable. 
In the GUPPY operation, the surface genera- 
tor sends 35 kW at 440 VAC down the insu- 
lated and strengthened cable to the vehicle. 
Since power coming to the submersible is 
already AC, no on-board converters are 
needed, with consequent weight and volume 
savings. Buoys are attached at intervals 
along the cable to keep it from fouling the 
vehicle and adding to the propulsion load. 
The cable also serves as a hard line underwa- 
ter telephone. 

The KUROSHIO II system—essentially 
similar to that of GUPPY—sends 400 VAC to 
the submersible where a transformer within 
the pressure hull supplies 100 V to the vehi- 
cle’s instruments. Specifications for KURO- 
SHIO II’s generator and cable are presented 
in Tables 7.6 and 7.7, respectively. The cable 
winch is driven by a 10-hp, AC motor and 
consists of a controller, reduction gear, reel 
and winding drum mounted on a common 
platform (29). 


UMBILICAL HYDRAULIC WINCH 
CABLE WINCH 


GENERATOR 


GUPPY IN STOWED POSITION 
(SHOWN FOR CLARITY ONLY) 


WORK w 
BOAT 
——_—_—_—_—— 
FORWARD 
UMBILICAL CABLE 
ELECTRIC CABLE - 1 1/80 D 
Sein) BUTYL ARMOR, NON-HOSING 
GENERATOR 
FLOAT BOX 
= 
CABLE 
—___—_ 
FORWARD GUIDE 
GUPPY’S 
CORING 
CABLE WINCH DEVICE GUPPY DURING OPERATIONS 
GUPPY 1,000’ MAXIMUM 


TOWED POSITION 
PLAN OF BOAT DECK (STOWED POSITION) 


Fig. 7.14 GUPPY’s operational system. (W. Watson, Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock) 


TABLE 7.6 SPECIFICATION OF AC GENERATOR AND PRIME MOTOR OF KUROSHIO 
[FROM REF. (29)] 


AC Generator Prime Mover 


Type: Totally-Enclosed Type: 4-Cycle Single-Acting Diesel Engine 


Output 25 KVA Output 30 hp 
Revolution 900 rpm Revolution 900 rpm 
Rating Continuous 


Voltage AC 470 V 


Frequency 60 cps 


335 


TABLE 7.7 THE SPECIFICATION OF THE POWER CABLE OF KUROSHIO [FROM REF. (29)] 


nnn e EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EE 


Power Telephone Selsyn 

Item Type 3-Core 1 Circuit 2 Circuits Coaxial 
eS 
Number of cores 3 2 2 3 1 
Nominal sectional area (mm?) 14 1.25 0.75 0.75 = 
Outside diameter (Approx.) (mm) 8.4 8.5 8.4 8.5 8.5 
Outside diameter of tension meter (Approx.) (mm) 9 
Finished outside diameter (Approx.) (mm) 36 
Weight in the air (Approx.) (kg) 2.05 


Weight in the water (Approx.) (kg) 


Length (m) 


0.75 (Note: Buoys are attached in actual use) 


600 


From a safety viewpoint, the cable may be 
either friend or foe. In the event of the 
vehicle fouling or the loss of surfacing abil- 
ity, the cable can be used as a retrieval line. 
Conversely, if the cable fouls, provisions are 
made in KUROSHIO II for the occupants to 
release the cable directly from the hull. 


DIESEL-ELECTRIC 


To reduce the dependency on surface sup- 
port, several submersibles incorporate diesel 
engines in their power inventory for surface 
propulsion (Table 7.1) and, in a few, to re- 
charge depleted batteries after a dive. In 
essence, they follow procedures quite similar 
to those of conventional battery-powered 
military submarines. The French submers- 
ible ARGYRONETE, had it been completed, 
would have operated identically to a military 
submarine in that its diesel motors would 
have provided full autonomy for surface 
cruising and battery charging, while lead- 
acid batteries would have supplied sub- 
merged power. 

The submersibles now in existence use 
their diesel-electric motors not so much for 
long-range surface transits as for charging 
batteries or powering an air compressor to 
refill depleted air tanks. The following de- 
scriptions relate the surface power and de- 
tails available for the vehicles SUBMANAUT 


336 


and TOURS 66. In GOLDFISH a Ford V-8 
engine supplies power for direct drive on the 
surface and is coupled to a 6.4-kW generator 
(200 amp at 32 V) for battery charging and 
for compressor operation in recharging of air 
tanks. 


SUBMANAUT: 

Martine’s SUBMANAUT realizes surface 
propulsion from a fresh water coiled, General 
Motors 6-cylinder diesel engine (Model 6-71) 
which develops approximately 235 hp. Sur- 
face cruising speed is 10 knots and the on- 
board diesel fuel (800 gal) allows a range of 
2,000 nautical miles. A 5-kW generator is 
belted to the forward end of the diesel engine 
and is used to recharge the vehicle’s batter- 
ies. Approximately 2 hours of charging time 
are required to balance 1 hour of discharge 
time (45 amp at 150 V). A 3,000 psi air com- 
pressor is also belt driven off the diesel en- 
gine and supplies 12 cfm. 


TOURS 66: (Fig. 7.15) 

A 28-hp, 3,000-rpm diesel generator is 
arranged aft in the pressure hull to form an 
extension of the battery room deck. All pipe- 
lines connected with the diesel engine (ex- 
haust gas, fuel, and cooling water) are pro- 
vided with compensators. A water-cooled ex- 
haust gas silencer is arranged behind the 
exhaust gas collecting elbow of the diesel 
engine. Exhaust gasses are led through an 


PRESSURE HULL 


(OC oe 
Oo] Lkeo J 


Fig. 7.15 TOURS 66 diesel engine layout. 


exhaust gas line to outboard. The diesel en- 
gine is equipped with decompression equip- 
ment and complies with the regulations of 
Germanischer Lloyds. 

The engine is cooled through a seawater- 
freshwater twin circulation system incorpo- 
rating both seawater and freshwater pumps. 
The diesel fuel tank is within the exostruc- 
ture. The fuel (0.47 m’) is delivered by means 
of the fuel pump attached to the diesel en- 
gine through a fuel tapping dome. Compen- 
sation for used diesel fuel is effected by 
means of the vehicle’s trim tanks. A surface 
cruising range of 400 nautical miles at 5 
knots is possible. The diesel engine drives a 
DC shunt-wound generator, which is self- 
ventilated, and supplies 15 kW of charging 
power for the main battery at 3,000 rpm, 
with a voltage range between 250 and 290 
and a maximum charging current of about 60 
amp. Central ventilation is provided for the 
battery room. The air is sucked by the bat- 
tery-room fan from forward to aft over the 
cells. During surface operation the air is 
passed to outside via the exhaust air mast. 

The present use of diesel engines in sub- 
mersibles (only in surface operations) avoids 


337 


a great number of the problems that would 
be encountered in closed-cycle diesel power 
systems supplying submerged power (see 
refs. 5 and 26). Nonetheless, Sub Sea Oil 
Services of Milan is presently conducting a 
research and development program which it 
hopes will result in a system capable of both 
extended surface cruising and closed-cycle 
underwater operation for PHOENIX 66. 

The results of a program at Aerojet-Gen- 
eral, Azusa, California, in 1970 have direct 
application to closed-cycle diesel power sys- 
tems and warrant the attention of present 
and future submersible power design engi- 
neers. Commencing as an in-house research 
and development program, the Aerojet 
power system called ‘‘Psychrodiesel” re- 
ceived additional funds from the U.S. Air 
Force to develop a breadboard model and 
conduct demonstrations of a prototype 
closed-circuit power system. 

Psychrodiesel operates on a principle Aero- 
jet called ‘“‘Psychrocycle,” in which the diesel 
engine “breathes” a mixture of oxygen gas 
and water vapor in place of air. This syn- 
thetic air combusts with diesel fuel to pro- 
vide an exhaust consisting only of water 
vapor, carbon dioxide and unconsumed oxy- 
gen. The steam (water vapor) is condensed, 
the carbon dioxide chemically absorbed and 
the oxygen recycled to complete an operating 
closed cycle. Thus, the complete system is 
fully enclosed during an undersea operation. 

In a detailed discussion of the history, 
development, and operation of the Psychro- 
diesel, Hoffman et al. (30) compare its effi- 
ciency with other closed-cycle systems, e.g., 
Rankine, Stirling, and Brayton, and specu- 
late that the internal combustion engine 
may achieve higher thermal efficiency than 
the Stirling because its maximum cycle tem- 
perature is nearly double. Of particular in- 
terest is their design of a Psychrodiesel sys- 
tem (both closed-cycle and air breathing) for 
small and large submersibles which could 
supply power for propulsion and hotel loads. 
The small submersible Psychrodiesel pack- 
age is 4 feet in diameter by 6 feet in length 
and delivers 60 kWh submerged. The large 
system configuration constitutes a module 4 
feet in diameter by 20 feet in length, totaling 
16,000 pounds and delivering 1,000 kWh sub- 


merged and 2,000 kWh surfaced. Both de- 
signs are shown in Figure 7.16. 


POWER DISTRIBUTION 


Few submersible components receive more 
attention than the penetrators, cables and 
connectors used to distribute electric power. 
The reason is clearly evident when the per- 
formance of submersibles is reviewed: These 
components range in reliability from mar- 
ginal to deplorable. One might wonder why 
this inadequacy was not discovered in the 
near half-century of military diving before 
the advent of the manned submersible. The 
answer, in part, resides in the large size of 
fleet submarines relative to submersibles. A 
military submarine carries its power and 
propulsion machinery within the hull, and 
except for sonar devices, communication an- 
tennae and depth sensors, very little else 
penetrates the hull. More importantly, the 
WWII submarine, except in emergency, 
dived no deeper than about 300 feet; at this 
depth the requirements for a successful pen- 
etrator are considerably relaxed. From an 
electrical point of view, a manned submers- 
ible is a submarine turned inside out. Indeed, 
in some vehicles the majority of electrical 
hardware is external to the pressure hull 
and subject to every transgression in the 
deep-ocean’s arsenal. 

One of the most beneficial aspects of the 
DSSRG Report to both the military and civil- 
ian submersible builders was the illumina- 
tion of problems associated with power dis- 
tribution and the steps taken to identify, 
categorize and remedy these problems. One 
of these steps was establishment of the Deep 
Ocean Technology (DOT) program in 1966 
under the Chief of Naval Material, and one 
of DOT’s most significant contributions is 
the Handbook of Vehicle Electrical Pene- 
trators, Connectors and Harnesses for Deep 
Ocean Applications (31). 

Based on an exhaustive investigation into 
past and present penetrators, connectors 
and harnesses (cables) used in deep submer- 
gence, the Handbook presents the factors 
involved in design and development of these 
components and includes the advantages 
and limitations of designs which have seen 
application. The Handbook serves not only 


338 


the designer of future submersibles, but the 
operator of present vehicles as well. Use of 
the information therein could avoid some of 
the major obstacles to an otherwise success- 
fully designed vehicle. 

Owing to the comprehensive, wide ranging 
nature of the Handbook, it would be redun- 
dant herein to relate the many and varied 
problems encountered along the way to relia- 
ble or even quasi-reliable electric compo- 
nents. Hence, this discussion will only high- 
light and broadly define the nature of the 
component and its application. 


Electrical Penetrators 

An electrical penetrator serves to pass 
power or signals through the wall of a pres- 
sure-resistant capsule, e.g., pressure hull or 
battery pod. In this role it must satisfy two 
collateral duties: 1) Seal and insulate the 
thru-hull conductors, and 2) preserve the 
hull’s watertight integrity under both nor- 
mal and abnormal (short circuit) conditions. 

Some 383 companies in the U.S. manufac- 
ture electrical penetrators and connectors; 
the variation in design and components pre- 
cludes any one schematic representative of 
the electrical penetrators. 

Consequently, the penetrators described 
are selected from various depth ranges 
merely as an introduction to past and pres- 
ent technology. 

ASHERAH, a 600-foot submersible, uses a 
penetrator incorporating the stuffing-tube 
type of seal which was one of the first de- 
signs used in military submarines (Fig. 
7.17a). Pressurization of the materials to ob- 
tain a seal is accomplished by tightening the 
inboard gland nut. One limitation to a jam 
type of seal such as this is determining the 
correct amount of pressure to apply which 
will prevent the cable from extruding into 
the hull yet not damage the cable and which, 
at the same time, will assure watertight 
integrity. Repressurization is required from 
time to time to compensate for the compres- 
sion set of the packing and cold flow of the 
conductor jacket material. The penetrator 
used by Beebe (which carried two power 
conductors and two telephone cables) in the 
BATHYSPHERE followed the stuffing-tube 
principle. 


CO, ABSORPTION 
WALL CONDENSER TANK 


LUNG 


LOX DEWAR 


COOLANT 
CONDENSATE 
TANK 


GENERATOR 


Submersible Power Supply 


GENERATOR FUEL TANK 


ENGINE 3 FT SPHERE 


KO, CANNISTERS CONTAINER 


GEARBOX 4-FT DIAM. x 12 FT LONG 


COOLANT PUMP 


Fig. 7.16 Submersible power pod. [From Ref. (30)] 


339 


RECEPTACLE 
Pe PLUG 


BODY OUTBOARD O-RING 


LINER 
HULL ae HULL 
INBOARD 
PACKING 
a RECEPTACLE 
GLAND RING 
LOCKWASHER 
OUTBOARD : 
GLAND NUT i LINER 
HULL 
INBOARD 
a. ASHERAH Stuffing Tube b. Perry Submarine Penetrator 


INSPECTION PLUG 


POLYURETHANE PY ROTENAX 
POTTING ~—___ CABLES 


RECEPTACLE 
WAX 


OIL FILLED OUTBOARD ARALDITE 


HULL BODY EPOXY 
OUTBOARD HULL 
7 FITTING 
t==—— FITTING SEAL 
HEADER 
HULL RUBBER 
GASKET 
HULL PLEXIGLASS 
POTTING 
INBOARD 
SPACER 
INBOARD RETAINER 
NUT 
c. Redesigned ALUMINAUT Penetrator d. TRIESTE | Penetrator 


Fig. 7.17 Some examples of submersible electrical penetrators. 


340 


DEEP DIVER, a 1,200-foot vehicle, uses 
both Vector and Electro Oceanics (EO) pene- 
trators. An EO type penetration is shown in 
Figure 7.17b (bottom) and Figure 7.18 shows 
outboard configurations of the same penetra- 
tor. The receptacle is essentially screwed 
into a stainless steel insert and the cable 
then connected thereto. A number of blanked 
inserts are shown in Figure 7.18; these can 
be used for additional electric penetrations 
or whatever is required. Similar EO penetra- 
tors are used on General Dynamics’ STAR IT 
and the DEEPSTAR 4000. 


“ec 


ALUMINAUT, designed for 15,000 feet, uses 
three Vector-built and General Dynamics- 
designed penetrators. The body of the pene- 
trator is of 7079 T6 aluminum, the same as 
the hull, and is a metal-to-metal seal. The 
tapered body is held into the hull with an 
inboard retainer nut. The connectors are 
mounted to the outboard end of the penetra- 
tor and comprise plastic bodies with the 
plugs of molded rubber. Troubles at the out- 
board plug-receptacle interface prompted a 
redesign which is shown in Figure 7.17c. 

In the TRIESTE design (by Piccard) the 


4 s bd 
a 2 
_— 


Fig. 7.18 Electric power thru-hull connector on DEEP DIVEF.. (NAVOCEANO) 


pyrotenax cables are sealed to the penetra- 
tor body with an epoxy potting compound 
and a soft wax overlay (Fig. 7.17d). Should 
the epoxy material crack over periods of 
service, then the wax under hydrostatic 
pressure would seal the voids. The cables are 
prevented from being axially forced into the 
sphere by washers brazed to the cables. 
These washers have the proper amount of 
surface area to withstand the hydrostatic 
pressure. The penetrator body is sealed to 
the pressure sphere with a conical plexiglass 
ring which is pressurized initially by a re- 
tainer nut inside the sphere. The nut holds 
the fitting to the hull and initially pressur- 
izes the plexiglass material to effect a seal at 
low pressures. The seal becomes more effec- 
tive with depth due to high hydrostatic pres- 
sure on the penetrator body. Similar pene- 
trators are used on FNRS-3, ARCHIMEDE 
and BEN FRANKLIN. 

The BEN FRANKLIN, during its Gulf 
Stream Drift, used two other commercial 
penetrators: A Viking penetrator and a Brit- 
ish design known as the “molded gland” (Fig. 
7.19). Additionally, a specially designed pene- 
trator, basically a 13-mm-diameter copper 
rod 215 mm long with a bronze machined 
collar on the outboard end, was used to carry 
power from the batteries into BEN FRANK- 
LIN’s hull; similar penetrators also serve for 
battery charging and shore power. Figure 
7.20 shows these specially designed penetra- 
tions carrying main propulsion power 
through the hull, and Figure 7.21 shows 
their construction. 

The British “molded gland” penetrator has 
been used by Royal Navy submarines for 
several years with no reported failures (32). 
It was originally designed for underwater 
cables and saw its first U.S. application in 
1969 on the BEN FRANKLIN (Fig. 7.22). A 
paper by K. R. Haigh (33) describes the 
molded gland and its advantages over other 
systems. The basic principle of this gland is 
as follows: The polythene (polyethylene)-in- 
sulated cable core passes through the pres- 
sure hull, which is locally deformed by a 
protruding hollow spigot with a castellated 
external surface. The seal is formed by mold- 
ing polythene around the castellated spigot 
and the cable core. On cooling, the core insu- 
lant becomes homogeneous with the poly- 


342 


thene, which also contracts on the castel- 
lated surface. The application of water pres- 
sure increases the contact pressure between 
the polythene and the spigot, thus making 
the gland inherently self-sealing. Pretreat- 
ment of the spigot by the application of a 
thin film of polythene bonded to the surface 
ensures that the molded polythene bonds to 
the castellated surface. If the cable is sev- 
ered outboard at the hull, ingress of water is 
prevented during the molding process by 
forcing epoxy resin under pressure down the 
interstices of the multi-strand conductors 
thereby eliminating any voids which may be 
present between sheath and conductor. Fora 
period of 1 year, glands of this type were 
subjected to a water pressure of 5 tons/ 
square inch without any evidence of penetra- 
tion. Each gland is supplied with tails on 
both the high and low pressure sides and 
installation consists of screwing the gland 
body into a prepared housing in the subma- 
rine pressure hull. 

To join the two cable tails together, a 
portable injection-molding machine shoots a 
hot charge of polythene under hand pressure 
from a gun into a transparent Perspex (plexi- 
glass) mold clamped around the section of 
cable core or sheath requiring reinsulation. 
The use of Perspex, which has a relatively 
low thermal conductivity, avoids the need for 
heating the mold, while ensuring that the 
injected polythene is not cooled at a rate 
which would prevent its complete amalgama- 
tion with the conductor insulation or sheath. 
It also permits the operator to watch the 
filling of the mold right up to the time when 
reinstatement of the insulation is complete. 
The complete joint can be tested hydrauli- 
cally by clamping a water jacket around the 
cable and applying any required pressure. 
By this means, the complete external electri- 
cal system can be tested for water-tightness 
to full diving depth and beyond while the 
submersible is still being built or at the dock. 

This system is described in some detail 
because it departs radically from U.S. sys- 
tems, in that, there is a continuous hard line 
conductor running from the external instru- 
ment into the hull. U.S. systems, on the 
other hand, contain separate conductor con- 
tact points externally at either the hull or a 
connector, and again at the cable and the 


Fig. 7.19 A variety of penetrators on BEN FRANKLIN. (NAVOCEANO) 


instrument. It is these connect/disconnect 
points which cause most of the trouble. 

The DOT program identified some 30 dif- 
ferent penetrator types used on underwater 
vehicles and, based on failure modes and 
effects analyses, compiled a list of 22 design 
considerations applying to electrical penetra- 
tors. Such details are beyond the scope of 
this discussion, but from a historical and 
state-of-the-art point of view four design fac- 


COPPER ROD OUTBOARD 
| CONICAL PLEXIGLASS HIGH PRESSURE SEAL 


| | PLEXIGLASS HIGH PRESSURE SEAL 


RING Weal \ STAINLESS STEEL CLAMP BRAZED JOINT 
LOCKING | SCREW, \ | | OC SING KEY 7 CABLE INSULATION 
NUT / SEAL NEOPRENE BOOT 
| | | V a 95 MM? CABLE TO 
AN |_| PENETRATOR 


ir | 


| 
(C1 


RUBBER TAPE FROM 
FIELD SPLICING KIT 
| | RUBBER BOOT (SHRINK TUBING) 
FROM FIELD SPLICING KIT 
BRASS CONNECTOR 
| (SCREW CONNECTED 
TO SILVER FEMALE) 


\\ 


N \ INSULATING LOCKING NUT \ 
\ 
\ NEOPRENE BOOT 


COPPER STUD (MALE) \ \ | 
PIN CONNECTOR \ SILVER FEMALE 
\ \ CONNECTOR SOCKET 
FEMALE SOCKET Ns . \ 


\ BRONZE MACHINED COLLAR 
CRIMP CONNECTOR 


u 


ie \. NEOPRENE BOOT 


TO FUSE BOX \, 
95 MM? CABLE 


\ NEOPRENE MOLDED COVER 
\ STEEL PENETRATOR SLEEVE 


\ 
NEOPRENE GASKET FOR LOW PRESSURE SEAL 


Fig. 7.21 Electrical penetrator (95 mm) on BEN FRANKLIN. 


343 


Fig. 7.20 Piccard penetrators with Marsh Marine (Vector) connectors and specially- 
designed main power penetrators on BEN FRANKLIN. (NAVOCEANO) 


Fig. 7.22 A molded gland atop a 3.5-kHz transducer. (NAVOCEANO) 


tors should be mentioned: entry configura- 
tion, hull fastening methods, hull sealing 
methods and hull insert types. 


Penetrator Entry: 

Cable can enter the hull vertically (Fig. 
7.17a), or at any angle from vertical to hori- 
zontal (Fig 7.17c). The horizontal entry pro- 
vides the most advantages because the ca- 
bles can be supported and protected more 
easily. 


Hull Fastening Methods: 

Several methods exist to secure penetra- 
tors to the pressure hull (Fig. 7.23). Briefly, 
the following comments can be made for each 
approach: 

a) Bolted Flange—Bolting directly to hull 
may produce a stress concentration 
area; the flange consumes a large sur- 
face area outside the hull and may also 
cause crevice (and other) corrosion prob- 
lems. 

b) Internal Lock-Nut—The most widely used 
method, it provides the least problems. 

¢) Welding—This conserves space but is per- 
manent and, therefore, hampers re- 


STUD 


X. 
/ SEAL RING 
WASHER ~ x 


BOLTED LOCK NUT 
FLANGE 
INTERNAL 


LOCK-NUT 


a 


ADHESIVE 
FASTENING 


aan 


TAPERED 
THREAD 


BONDING 
COMPOUND 


WELDING 


Direct 
Screwing 


\ STRAIGHT 
THREAD 


Fig. 7.23 Penetrator to hull fastening methods. 


344 


placement for maintenance. Also, some 
hull materials are not weldable. 

d) Adhesives—These have a low confidence 
level at present. 

€) Direct Screwing—This poses machining 
and stress concentration problems. 


Hull Sealing: (Fig. 7.24) 

In this respect replacement or removal of 
the penetrator for inspection is a general 
requirement. Therefore, welding or adhe- 
sives are precluded. 

a) Flat-Gasket—This requires periodic re- 

pressurization. 

b) O-rings—These provide excellent low 

pressure seals, most widely used. 

C) Metal-to-Metal Tapered Seal—An eighty per- 

cent metal-to-metal contact is desired 
and very precise machining is required. 


Hull Insert Types: 

The basic insert types are shown in Figure 
7.25. Threaded, tapered and conical inserts 
are found in most submersibles. In the conical 
insert a plastic gasket is pressurized into the 
cone area by tightening an inboard lock-nut. 
Stepped hole inserts create stress concentra- 


FLAT GASKET 
O-RING 
O-RING 
O-RING 
TAPERED 
SEAL AREA 
O-RING 


Fig. 7.24 Penetrator to hull sealing methods. 


a 


THREADED TAPERED 


STEPPED STEPPED 


= ae 


US. NAVY TYPE CONICAL HOLE 


U.S. NAVY 
TYPE 


Fig. 7.25 Typical hull inserts for electrical penetrators. 


tions, and thus a tapered hole is favored, al- 
though individual matching of each penet- 
rator may be required to fit each insert. The 
hull insert material must be the same as the 
hull material and full penetration welds at 
the insert-hull interface are desired. 


Electrical Connectors 

Cables (harnesses) and connectors for elec- 
trical components have been the most failure 
prone items on submersibles, and, while such 
failures may not jeopardize the occupant’s 
safety, they can result in the loss of time, 
money and good diving weather in the form 
of aborted dives and subsequent down-time 
for repairs. 

Any attempt to lay the blame for connector 
and cable failures reduces to the dilemma of 
“Who struck John?” Earlier, Rynewicz (2), a 
user of connectors, cautioned submersible 
designers that cables, connectors and circuit 
breakers constituted the major areas for im- 
provement in deep submergence. Another 
user, a senior engineer for Perry Submarine 
Builders, recently replied to a query regard- 
ing the connectors they found most reliable: 
“We use one until we get disgusted with it 
and then replace it with another until we’ve 


345 


had enough of it!” International Hydrody- 
namics, as noted above, finally gave up and 
makes its own connectors and penetrators. 

Conversely, J. D. Tuttle, a manufacturer 
and vendor of connectors (Electric Oceanics, 
Inc.), states (34) that much of the fault re- 
sides with the user for not establishing speci- 
fications which completely encompass the 
boundary conditions within which the con- 
nector must function. Furthermore, Tuttle 
suggests that the user may not understand, 
among other things, the maintenance proce- 
dures and limitations of a perfectly well de- 
signed and manufactured connector. D. K. 
Walsh (35), a manufacturer (Vector Cable 
Co.), also lays the blame on the user and 
states that the principal area of abuse has 
been in misapplication, mishandling and 
careless installation. 

A revealing insight into the problem is 
provided by the DOT Handbook in the form 
of a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, for 
connectors, penetrators and junction boxes. 
The investigators identified 142 modes by 
which failures of these components could 
occur. The failures are grouped under Inher- 
ent (manufacturing design deficiency and 
material fatigue) and Induced (installation/ 
assembly deficiency, maintenance deficiency, 
excessive operational demands and rough 
handling). If it is assumed that inherent 
deficiencies are laid to the manufacturer and 
induced to the user, then the user appears to 
be the chief potential culprit, for in 181 out of 
297 causes of failure the user is to blame. To 
clarify these figures it should be noted that 
both user and manufacturer may be found 
guilty in the case of one failure, for example, 
where insulation material breaks down due 
to use of contaminated materials, the cause 
could be inherent in the original design, or 
induced through installation/assembly, im- 
proper use or deficient maintenance. 

It would appear, then, that both manufac- 
turer and user share somewhat equally in 
the problem, the former by ignoring various 
ramifications; the latter through ignorance 
or inattention to details. 


Connector Design: 

There are dozens of companies in the U.S. 
which produce connectors both for commer- 
cial application and for which the military 
has supplied specifications. Military specifi- 


cations for a general-purpose connector most 
generally applied in undersea application are 
described in Navy Bureau of Ships MIL-C- 
24217. Connectors for the civil sector in gen- 
eral application are supplied by Vector (for- 
merly Marsh Marine), Joy, Electro Oceanics, 
D. G. O’Brien, Viking Industries and ITT 
Cannon Electronics. In addition to those 
noted, a variety of other companies produces 
standard and special purpose connectors. No 
specific point, other than displaying the 
mind’s ingenuity, would be served by de- 
scribing each connector in detail. For those 
interested in such details, reference (36) is 
recommended. For a more general overview 
the results of the DOT program will serve 
adequately wherein five basic designs were 
evolved from the multitudes which *“... 
seal the cable and provide the desired 
electrical continuity between components” 
(31); these are: 

a) Cable stuffing tube component penetra- 

tor 

b) Pressure proof electrical connector 

c) Molded cable penetrator 

d) Molded cable penetrator with insulated 

backing header insert 

e) Flange mounted polyethylene molded 

plug penetrator. 

All of these devices (Fig. 7.26) are similar to 
those noted for electrical hull penetrators. 
Pressure proof electrical connectors (Fig. 
7.27) are of major concern because of their 
more widespread use. Connectors of the type 
shown in Figure 7.26 offer several individual 
advantages—e.g., they may be inexpensive 
and quite reliable—but the major disadvan- 
tages outweigh the advantages, to wit: The 
penetrator must be scrapped if the cable is 
damaged in service, and, most importantly, 
there is no convenient disconnect point at 
the component. Numerous other advantages 
of the pressure proof electrical connector are 
outlined in reference (31). 

An electrical connector consists of a plug 
and receptacle assembly. The heart of the 
connector is the pin and socket contacts 
which make the electrical junction. The ma- 
jority of connectors in use today can be di- 
vided into four types based on construction 
material. These are: 

a) Metal plug and receptacle 

b) Molded rubber plug and receptacle 


346 


c) Plastie plug and receptacle 

d) Underwater disconnectable connector. 

The following comments regarding the ad- 
vantages and disadvantages of the above 
connectors are taken from the DOT Hand- 
book. 

Metal Shell Connector: 

The metal construction which provides a 
rigid skeleton has demonstrated the greatest 
degree of reliability on submersible equip- 
ments. The nature of the design requires 
more component parts, is heavier and has 
greater initial cost. However, these disad- 
vantages are more than offset by a higher 
degree of reliability and resistance to instal- 
lation and environmental damage. The 
added initial cost becomes insignificant when 
related to overall system cost and the critical 
role a connector plays in a system’s satisfac- 
tory performance. A single connector failure 
can abort an entire mission. 

The metal plug shell provides a rigid and 
adequate bonding surface for the cable seal 
and thus provides adequate cable strain re- 
lief at this point. The rigid construction 
makes possible a greater degree of wire posi- 
tion control in molding a cable to the plug 
and, therefore, much less chance of electrical 
shorts or opens due to uncontrolled migra- 
tion of conductors during the cable end seal- 
ing process. The metal shell provides a posi- 
tive stop for controlled gasket squeeze in 
seal areas between plug and receptacle and 
between receptacle and mounting surface. 
Metal has the necessary strength and dimen- 
sional stability to provide reliable threaded 
parts. A metal receptacle shell provides the 
necessary support for a positive and reliable 
pressure barrier in case of accidental expo- 
sure to sea pressure. Metal construction pro- 
vides for a more reliable mounting of bulk- 
head types and an additional mounting 
method, namely a seal weld. An individual 
insulator in combination with snap-in socket 
contacts provides good contact positioning 
for proper mating alignment. Metal bodies 
are best adapted for positive keying to polar- 
ize plug with receptacle. Where both plug 
and receptacle shell are of a nonresilient 
material, a more reliable coupling can be 
accomplished. Elastomer compression set 
and material flow with resulting loosening is 
not a problem. 


POLYETHYLENE 
JACKETED CABLE 


STRAIN RELIEF 
GROMMET 


STRAIN RELIEF 


CABLE: DSS-3 
(NEOPRENE JACKET) 


—~=— CABLE 


MOLDED NEOPRENE 


SLEEVE 
MOLDED BOOT 
& PLUG INSULATION MOLDED PENETRATOR BODY 
POLYETHYLENE 


PLUG 
ASSEMBLY 


COUPLING RING 


RECEPTACLE 
ASSEMBLY : 
Ss Peay RING 


| FLANGE MOUNTED 
| PLUG SHELL 


Li 


i 


O-RING 


GLASS SEAL AH COMPONENT 
COMPONENT i EAE) 
BULKHEAD 
HOGKNUT cal [oni COMPONENT RETAINING NUT 
f } BULKHEAD CRIMP TYPE 
ELONGATED CONTACT ] | SPLICE CONNECTOR 
Pressure Proof Electrical Connector Flange Mounted Polyethylene Neoprene Molded Cable Penetrator 


Molded Plug Penetrator 


CABLE 


MOLDED NEOPRENE CABLE 
BOOT 


GLAND NUT 
PLASTIC CONTACT 
INSULATOR 
LOCKWASHER 
HEADER INSERT WASHER 
STAINLESS STEEL RUBBER GROMMET 
SHELL 
COMPONENT 
BULKHEAD 
RETAINING NUT 
EPOXY POTTING COMPONENT ENCLOSURE 
Molded Cable Penetrator With Cable Stuffing Tube 
Insulated Backing Header Insert Component Penetrator 


Fig. 7.26 Five basic designs for sealing a cable and transmitting electrical power between components. 


347 


CABLE 


CABLE 


O RING 


SOCKET 
CONTACTS 


COUPLING RING 


ALL PLASTIC PLUG 


NEOPRENE 
MOLDED BODY 


O RING 
CONNECTOR SPUT TYPE PIN CONTACTS 
SEAL AREA PIN CONTACT ALL PLASTIC RECEPTACLE 


(INTERFERENCE FIT) BULKHEAD 


~<N 
| 


> 
a 


Wess 
nase 


SS 
= 


SOCKET CONTACT 


NEOPRENE 


MOLDED BODY Molded Plastic Connector 


if 


CABLE 


CABLE 


: ——— MOLDED BOOT 
Molded Elastomeric Connector 


PLUG ASSEMBLY 


COUPLING RING 
O RING 


RECEPTACLE 
ASSEMBLY 
O RING 
WELD 


Metal Shell Connector 


Fig. 7.27 Types of connectors presently in use. 


348 


Disadvantages of metal connectors in- 
clude: The need for additional individual con- 
tact seals which are inherent in the inte- 
grally molded rubber type connector; danger 
that sealing surfaces may be damaged, caus- 
ing possible seal failure; susceptibility to cor- 
rosion, depending on material choice, envi- 
ronment and the influence of other interfac- 
ing metals and/or stray electrical currents; 
need for insulation to provide electrical isola- 
tion of the conductors; and the need to se- 
cure and seal these parts. Additionally, ap- 
plications that require the metal connector 
to be subjected to a considerable degree of 
pressure cycling call for special attention to 
the manner of wiring and how the conduc- 
tors are supported in the back end of the 
plug between the cable-end seal and the con- 
ductor termination. Otherwise, fatigue fail- 
ure of the conductor can occur. Where nonre- 
silient parts interface at plug and receptacle, 
a minimum volume void is always present 
because necessary dimensional tolerances 
preclude interfacial contact at this point. 
This void can account for some electrical 
degradation due to condensation of moisture 
in the contact area. This can be significant 
depending on application and environmental 
temperature and humidity ranges. Contact 
insulation composed of compression glass 
seals must be adequately protected from 
welding temperatures when components are 
fastened or sealed by this method. 

Molded Plastic Connector: 

The molded thermosetting resin type of 
connector construction is relatively inexpen- 
sive and ideally suited to volume production. 
It has many of the same advantages as the 
all rubber type. For example: It takes fewer 
components; integral molding requires no in- 
ternal seals; no insulators are required as 
the structural material itself is a good dielec- 
tric; and the material is not subject to salt 
water corrosion, since it cannot form a gal- 
vanic couple with adjacent metal parts. 

However, experience has indicated that 
plastics have many deficiencies as a connec- 
tor fabricating material. Any one specific 
thermoplastic or thermosetting resin mate- 
rial does not seem to combine the desirable 
electrical properties with all the required 
physical and mechanical properties neces- 
sary for use as a deep submergence connec- 


349 


tor. Some of these properties include a high 
degree of dimensional stability, high impact 
strength, low mold shrinkage, low water ab- 
sorption, high compressive strength and non- 
flammability. 

Fabricating requirements further limit the 
material choice. These include good moldabil- 
ity—especially with any necessary reinforc- 
ing fiber content—at reasonable tempera- 
tures and pressures. Some of the more com- 
mon defects found in molded connector parts 
include the following: Cracks at points of 
high stress which are generated in the mold- 
ing process and proliferate with use; threads 
that fail under load or are damaged by im- 
pact; failure in areas that are molded resin 
rich and lack the necessary fiber content; 
seal surfaces that do not present the re- 
quired finish due to excessive flash or poros- 
ity; and a tendency under higher levels of 
pressure cycling towards minute fiber dis- 
placement, followed by fatigue and eventual 
structural failure. 

Though the molded plastic connector has 
exhibited serious design deficiencies to date, 
especially for higher pressure applications, it 
is quite possible that the proper combination 
of material and design would produce a satis- 
factory connector for low pressure applica- 
tions. 

Molded Elastomer Connector: 

The molded or cast elastomer type of con- 
nector construction provides the least expen- 
sive type of underwater connector. Basically, 
this type of connector consists of a length of 
cable whose conductors are terminated with 
male or female plugs. The entire terminal 
area is molded or cast integral with the cable 
jacket. The contacts are positioned by exter- 
nal means until curing or vulcanizing is com- 
plete. The geometry of the molded area is 
such as to provide a sealing interface be- 
tween plug and receptacle and to provide for 
strain transition between contact area and 
cable. Because of the resilient qualities of 
the material used, relatively thick sections 
are required to provide adequate polariza- 
tion between plug and receptacle. This re- 
sults in a large connector. For this reason, 
polarization, where present in this design, is 
normally accomplished by contact pattern or 
by the use of two or more different contact 
diameters. Neither method is adequate be- 


cause electrical contact between plug and 
receptacle is not possible prior to proper 
alignment and mechanical locking. For this 
reason, this type of connector is vulnerable 
to electrical mismating and contact damage. 

The materials most often used in fabricat- 
ing this connector are neoprene for pressure 
molding and polyurethane for cast molding. 
The neoprene molded connector is superior 
in several design areas. However, the inabil- 
ity to properly control movement of the con- 
ductor during the pressure molding process 
can lead to electrical opens and shorts that 
very often don’t appear until after the con- 
nector sees the operating environment. 
Thus, reliability is seriously affected. 

The all rubber type of connector, not hav- 
ing a rigid internal or external structure, 
does not provide for positive and controlled 
compression of interfacial seals. For the 
same reason, most coupling and mounting 
devices are marginal because the material is 
subject to compression set. Seal failure can 
also occur when the connector is mated in a 
low temperature environment, due to loss of 
elasticity. Most designs have little or no pro- 
tection for pin contacts. 

This type of connector construction is not 
without certain advantages. Among these 
are low cost, light weight, capability of with- 
standing considerable abuse and, because it 
is integrally molded, a need for fewer seals. 
Both plug and receptacle withstand open 
face pressure equally well. No material cor- 
rosion problem exists and the material being 
a dielectric does not contribute to galvanic 
corrosion of adjacent areas. No separate in- 
sulating parts are required and the resilient 
material provides for a void-free interface 
between mated plug and receptacle. 


Underwater Disconnectable Connectors: 
Underwater disconnectable, or make and 
break, connectors are a definite requirement 
for submersible applications. For instance, it 
is advantageous for divers to be able to dis- 
connect camera and light housings while the 
vehicle is still in the water. This allows re- 
placement of film and lights on a routine 
basis without the need to haul the vehicle 
from the water. Another disconnectable con- 
nector requirement is the one-time electrical 
disconnect that is required when emergency 


350 


drops are made of outboard mounted equip- 
ment such as batteries and manipulators. 
These equipments would be disconnected 
from the vehicle under conditions of emer- 
gency surfacing; it may also be necessary to 
drop the manipulators should they become 
entangled during underwater operations. 

Electro Oceanics has developed and pat- 
ented an underwater make and break con- 
nector wherein both the male plug and fe- 
male receptacle are molded of a nonwetting 
elastomer, neoprene, to which the metallic 
contacts are bonded (Fig. 7.27). An interfer- 
ence fit between plug and receptacle causes 
a wiping action as connection is made. By 
slightly constricting the front face of the 
female opening and slightly flaring the end 
of the male, the entire male surface is wiped 
clean as is the interior of the female with 
excess water or salt film being ejected to the 
rear. The purging action is so effective that 
the connector can be plugged and unplugged 
in salt water with a resultant leakage resist- 
ance exceeding 100 megohms. 

As one part of the DOT Program, the 
Crouse-Hinds Company of Syracuse, New 
York, developed an underwater make-break 
connector capable of operation at depths to 
1,000 feet. A flexible bladder provides volume 
compensation for changes due to pressure or 
temperature, and a method employing one 
active and one dummy rod maintains zero 
displacement when connection is made. Tests 
to 15,000 psi show no damage to the connec- 
tor and subsequent development is aimed at 
multicircuit use. A complete description of 
this novel approach and its advantages are 
presented by Small and Weaver (37). 

Prior to completion of the DOT Program’s 
Connector, Cable and Harness Handbook, 
several manufacturers and users published 
state-of-the-art reports of these components 
which included recommendations for the fu- 
ture and described the techniques employed 
on a few specific vehicles. These reports and 
articles are included in references (38) 
through (42) and are mentioned herein, not 
only for historical reasons, but also to give 
the views of both users and manufacturers. 
A more recent development in penetrators in 
Figure 7.28 shows Electro Oceanics’ titanium 
penetrator for the 12,000-foot titanium hull 
of ALVIN. 


Fig. 7.28 ‘PROJECT TITANES.” (WHOI) 


Cables 

The primary function of a pressure proof 
harness assembly is to provide an electrical 
interconnection point from the electrical hull 
penetrator to the outboard electrical/elec- 
tronic component. A harness assembly is a 
pressure proof cable with connectors wired 
and sealed to each end (Fig. 7.29). The har- 
ness is used outboard of the pressure hull 


and usually runs from the hull’s electrical 
penetrator or outboard distribution box to an 
outboard electrical component. Many types 
of harness assemblies can be considered and 
have actually been used on submersibles 
(Fig. 7.30). However, the majority of those 
used to date employ rubber jacketed cables. 
Metal-sheathed, mineral-insulated cables 
have been used on a few European vehicles, 
but almost all U.S. designs have made use of 
conventional neoprene jacketed cables. 
Another output of the DOT program is the 
Handbook of Electric Cable Technology for 
Deep Ocean Application (44), a guide pre- 
pared for deep submergence designers, engi- 
neers and operating personnel. The Hand- 
book is a compilation of engineering criteria 
obtained from literature surveys, experimen- 
tal investigations and consultation with 
manufacturers, and provides detailed discus- 
sions of material selection and construction 
requirements for reliable deep-ocean cables. 
Additionally, a glossary and a varied collec- 


Fig. 7.29 Harness assemblies for DEEP QUEST. (LMSC) 


= © a “NON HOSING” OR 
cS. WATER BLOCKED” CABLE 
ea RUBBER FILLERS 
foie ceaeer—eet & NON-WATER BLOCKED 
= CABLE 
Bi eapeeety || oe 
Sa ae CONDUCTOR CABLE 
a 
oo eee = ° RIBBON CABLE 
a 


INDIVIDUAL 
a = © CONDUCTORS 
“FREE FLOODING” 
ay CABLE, INDIVIDUAL 
a —— Oy CONDUCTORS IN A 
POROUS PROTECTIVE 
SHEATH (JACKET) 


Sa >= 
a 
—_ NOY CABLE 


= ©) INDIVIDUAL 
—-— © CONDUCTORS 


OIL FILLED PLUG 
SILVER SOLDER 


eae MINERAL INSULATED 
- O-- METAL SHEATH 
ee CABLES 


(MI-PY ROTENAX) 


ae CONDUCTORS IN 
a 9) PIPE (OIL FILLED—GAS 
FILLED OR W/VOIDS) 
ae Sane mee, METAL CORRUGATED 
<a SHEATH CABLES 
Fig. 7.30 Submersible pressure proof harness types. 


352 


tion of useful tables are included. Because 

the subject of cables is covered exhaustively 

in the Handbook and references (31) and (36), 

only acursory discussion is given herein, and 

it is taken directly from the above sources. 

As with so many other components of sub- 
mersibles, the selection of outboard cabling 
for privately owned vehicles depends both on 
the designer’s personal choice and availabil- 
ity. Among the options are single insulated 
conductors, standard commercial cables, oil 
filled cables, welding cable, metal sheathed 
cables and hybrid cabling systems. Typical 
problems encountered include: 

1. Incompatibility of insulation and jacket 

compounds with pressure-compensating 

fluids. 

. Water penetration of cable jackets and 
molded plug terminations. 

. Cracking of cable sheath. 

. Problems of potting plug molding com- 
pounds to cable jackets and metal shell 
of plugs. 

. Conductor breakage at molded plug ter- 
minations. 

. Instability of electrical characteristics 

with change in hydrostatic pressure or 

with long-time immersion. 

Breakage of braided shields under re- 

peated cable flexing. 

Mechanical damage during vehicle serv- 

icing. 

Mr. D. K. Walsh (35) summed up the situa- 
tion quite succinctly in a 1966 report to the 
Marine Technology Society: ‘“‘Historically, 
the cable problem has been treated as an 
afterthought.’’ Walsh proceeded to develop a 
historical account of cable selection (what- 
ever seemed adequate), terminations to asso- 
ciated equipment (trial and error) and the 
means of connecting equipment to a power 
source (whatever method came to mind). 
Tracing the evolution of combining cables 
and connectors, Walsh described an early 
approach known as the “Schlumberger 
Splice” (Fig. 7.31) which worked satisfactor- 
ily with single conductor cables. From this 
developed multi-pin, watertight, disconnect 
type connectors (Fig. 7.32) which are essen- 
tially throw away units, inexpensive and 
rugged and still in use today. These rubber 
molded connectors, according to Walsh, had 
much to do with combining the cable problem 


ee) 


lit 


8. 


353 


kd a & J |e 


Fig. 7.31 The Schlumberger Splice. (D. K. Walsh) 


with the connector problem since a rubber 
molded connector could only be installed on 
or molded to a vulcanizable type of cable, 
e.g., neoprene jacketed. This began the de- 
sign of what Walsh calls an Engineered Ca- 
ble System: A combination of a cable with a 
connector and a suitable junction, for the 
development of which the systems engineer 
must have full prior knowledge of the associ- 
ated connectors and the types of junctions to 
be employed. Walsh’s report contains a num- 
ber of considerations to insure compatibility 
and optimum performance and is one of the 
first (if not the first) contemporary attempts 
to approach the entire cable/connector prob- 
lem in a systematized, soundly engineered 
manner. 


ed 


Fig. 7.32 A variety of rubber-molded disconnect type connectors. (D. K. Walsh) 


During the design phase of the U.S. Navy’s 
Deep Submergence Search Vehicle (DSSV), 
Lockheed Missiles and Space Company rec- 
ognized that reliability of so-called standard 
(Fig. 7.33) external cabling systems was 
questionable at depths of 20,000 feet. Subse- 
quently, the Navy funded a design, fabrica- 
tion and test program for several types of 
pressure-compensated cable systems. 

According to Saunders (43), present ca- 
bling systems suffer the following deficien- 
cies: They are not amenable to analytical 
design approach; extensive pressure testing 
is needed to prove design; “standard” compo- 
nents and assemblies are expensive, large 
and heavy; and cable assemblies are difficult 
to assemble, repair, inspect and maintain. 
The test program was an attempt to over- 
come these deficiencies through use of pres- 
sure-compensated cables. 

Six compensated systems were tested and 
the results compared to the DSRV type of 
standard cabling system. Briefly, the com- 
pensated cable consisted of a Tygon tubing 
sheath with bare wire loosely coiled inside. 
The various test compensating mediums con- 
sisted of a petroleum-based hydraulic fluid, 
electrical box silicone fluid, mineral grade oil 
and silicone grease. A variety of compensa- 
tion devices were used, and each of the six 
systems consisted of a junction box with 
three cable entries and two cable assemblies 


#20 AWG 


FILLER 
COMPOUND 


CONDUCTOR 


#0 AWG = 
CONDUCTOR 


NEOPRENE 
JACKET 


#16 AWG 


CONDUCTOR FILLER 
#16 AWG ROD 


CONDUCTOR 


Fig. 7.33 Typical power cable construction for the DSRV. 


354 


with a penetrator plug on the end of one 
cable. 

A wide variety of tests were performed, as 
the systems were cycled to 13,200 psi, in an 
effort to gain general information rather 
than to determine the suitability of one type 
of compensated system over another. It is of 
interest to note that, except for one leak, all 
test specimens met the required perfor- 
mance criteria. While Saunders expresses 
the need for further study and component 
development for specific subsea devices, he 
draws the following conclusions regarding 
pressure-compensated cable systems: Depth 
does not limit their applicability, manufac- 
turing costs are lower than for standard 
cables, component costs are lower, testing 
costs are lower because no pressure testing 
should be necessary following qualification 
testing, procurement time is reduced, relia- 
bility is increased, cable assemblies weigh 
less, and measured electrical characteristics 
were equal to or exceeded DSRV cabling. 
Although the DSSV never progressed beyond 
the design stage, many of the experimental 
results were unanticipated and the reader is 
urged to consult this report for an insight 
into this approach to submersible cabling. 

As regards reliability of undersea cables, 
there is revealing testimony in reference (32) 
which supports the earlier manufacturers’ 
contention that mishandling and misapplica- 
tion by the user are chief factors in cable 
harness failure. Lockheed’s DEEP QUEST 
Program Manager, distressed at the high 
damage rate, established training programs 
to teach their engineers and technicians the 
proper methods of handling and carrying, 
what length could remain unsupported with- 
out damage, what kinds of containers to use 
for shipping and proper in-plant storage pro- 
cedures. Additionally, a very rigorous ship- 
board inspection program was instituted and 
supervised by DEEP QUEST’s Chief Pilot to 
assure, among other things, that connectors 
were tied tight, that people were not using 
connectors or penetrators as steps and that 
cables were not allowed to lay loose on the 
deck. Similar precautions were taken by 
Westinghouse in its DEEPSTAR 4000 pro- 
gram. 

One problem in small submersibles is that 
cables cannot be protected by enclosing them 


in a steel trough as they are on the much 
larger military submarines. Also, during con- 
struction and maintenance periods tools or 
other devices may be dropped on them. In 
order to stabilize and support the cables of 
STAR IIT the “Halo” device shown in Figure 
7.34 was used; obviously this is merely sup- 
port, not protection. 


Junction Boxes 

Junction boxes are used to interconnect 
wires or cables. On submersibles they are 
sometimes within the pressure hull, e.g., 
SEA OTTER, though in many cases they are 
external to the hull. In the VAST series of 
submersibles there is no junction box what- 
ever, because the only electric power lines 
are from internal batteries to two electric 
propulsion motors. 

When junction boxes are external to the 
hull, they may be pressure resistant, solid or 
compensated. Pressure-resistant boxes are 
heavy and penetrations may be costly. In 
some cases, however, it may be the only way 
to protect components that cannot withstand 
high pressure. Solid junction boxes (Fig. 
7.35), wherein the electrical equipment is 
potted in a block of elastomeric material, is 


Fig. 7.34 STAR III's “Halo” cable support. (Gen. Dyn. Corp.) 


355 


Fig. 7.35 A solid junction box consisting of 1547 amber urethane. (Gen. Dyn. Corp.) 


inexpensive and, if transparent, allows easy 
observation of the component parts. On the 
debit side, access to the components is quite 
difficult and water may intrude along pot- 
ting-to-component interfaces. Equally frus- 
trating is the fact that elastomeric materials 
transmit significant shear stresses, and deli- 
cate components, thus, may be ruptured or 
fatigued by the motions accompanying 
compression and decompression. As an ex- 
ample, in tests at General Dynamics the 
conductors soldered into the pin at the rear 
of the receptacles in Figure 7.35 experienced 
a number of breaks due to pressure cycling. 
Postmortem revealed that the urethane was 
compressing and pushing in, and when it 
pushed it dragged the conductor along with 
it and broke. Subsequent change to a higher 
strength conductor and rerouting of the wir- 
ing so that it received some support and 
protection from the metal frame proved sat- 
isfactory. 

Pressure-compensated junction boxes offer 
advantages for components which can tolerate 


pressurization in a dielectric liquid medium. 
Dielectric liquids transmit negligible shear 
which allows exposure of fragile components. 
Since the electrical resistance of all dielectrics 
increases with pressure (43), the chance of 
spontaneous arcing because of dielectric 
breakdown is minimal, thereby providing gre- 
ater latitude to the designer of high-voltage 
equipment. Other advantages are realized in 
weight-saving and visual inspection if opti- 
cally transparent dielectric and container 
material is used. 


Circuit Design 

No two manufacturers of submersibles fol- 
low the same circuitry design or allocation of 
power. Consequently, it would serve little 


purpose to present just one or two power 
schematic diagrams, for they would be repre- 
sentative of only themselves. In the same 
vein, very little has been published regard- 
ing the philosophy of circuit design, which 
leaves the investigator in a quandary if he 
wishes to base his design on other than 
intuition. For such reasons, the contents of 
this section will deal with the manner in 
which circuit design and power distribution 
should be approached, rather than how it 
actually has been carried out. Two sources 
are drawn upon for the major portion of this 
information: 1) The DOT Handbook on Pene- 
trators, Connectors and Harnesses (81) and 
2) course notes taken at a short course in 
Manned Submersibles at UCLA presented by 


COMMUNICATION ANTENNA 
HOVERING MOTOR 


TRACKING PINGER 
AUXILIARY BALLAST TANK SENSOR 
MAGNESYN COMPASS 
MERCURY TRIM LEVEL SENSOR 
RUDDER ACTUATOR BOX 
UQC TRANSDUCER 


MAIN POWER 
DISTRIBUTION 
CONTACTOR BOX 


PROPULSION MOTOR FUSE BOX 


DEPTH TRANSDUCER 


BATTERY BOX 


PORT & STARBOARD PENETRATORS 
FORWARD PENETRATOR 


TV CAMERA 


QUARTZ-IODINE LIGHT 
CABLE CUTTER 


BOW CONTACTOR BOX 
MERCURY TRIM TANK SENSOR 


BOW THRUSTER MOTOR 
BOW LIGHT 


TV CAMERA 
DEPTH TRANSDUCER 


Fig. 7.36 Outboard electrical components. 


356 


Mr. G. Pallange (Lockheed Missiles and 
Space) in November 1968. 

Obviously, the first order of business for 
the circuit designer is to identify and ascer- 
tain the electrical characteristics of the com- 
ponents (inboard and outboard of the pres- 
sure hull) the power source will serve. Table 
7.8 presents a listing of voltage and amper- 
age requirements of one set of outboard sub- 
mersible components and was taken from 
reference (31). A graphic representation of 
some components in this list is shown in 
Figure 7.36 on the STAR IIT; also taken from 
the same source. To demonstrate the “untyp- 
ical” nature of the component array shown 
in Figure 7.36, the VAST or K-250 series of 
shallow vehicles (see Chap. 4) has only its 
propulsion motors outboard. Other vehicles, 
e.g., the DSRV’s, have several times more 
than the 25 shown in this figure. Nonethe- 
less, with the information presented in Table 
7.8, the designer is in a position to develop a 


INBOARD 

DISTRIBUTION =cENEF 
CENTER BREAKER INBOARD 
EQUIPMENT 


INBOARD 


OUTBOARD 


FROM OUTBOARD 
POWER SOURCE 


SENSOR 
TO OUTBOARD 

LOADS 
INTERNAL 


TO OUTBOARD |DISTRIBUTION 


schematic for both internal and external dis- 
tribution as shown in Figure 7.37. 


The DOT Handbook (31) offers several con- 
siderations regarding the general distribu- 
tion system; in part, these are: 

—Identify and classify thru-hull conduc- 
tors to expedite location and eliminate 
cross coupling. 

—Examine load levels (high, low, etc.) to 
ascertain their potential for electro- 
magnetic interference. (This topic is 
dealt with in more detail in the following 
section.) 

—The metallic parts of the vehicle should 
not be used to carry electrical power 
(i.e., as a ground), thus, power sent out 
on one conductor must return on an- 
other. In this respect Pallange recom- 
mends that switching, isolation and pro- 
tective functions be performed on all 
wires concerned with the circuit. 


ENERGY ENERGY 


SOURCE MAIN SOURCE 
SHANE ae £ 
TIE : aa 


FEEDER i 
BREAKER 
GROUP ' ' GROUP 
FEEDER = 1 | SESS 
BREAKER} OUTBOARD ! 
aD 1 iBREAKER 
CONTROL (is ea AL ae 
POWER HULL OUTBOARD OUTBOARD 
HULL PENETRATOR SENSOR DISTRIBUTION DISTRIBUTION 
PENETRATOR HULL CENTER #1 CENTER #2 


HULL 
HULL 
PENETRATOR 


NBOARD INBOARD 
DISTRIBUTION 
SYSTEM 


#2 


INBOARD 


SYSTEM 
#1 


EXTERNAL 


Fig. 7.37 External and internal schematics of power distribution systems. 


357 


TABLE 7.8 TYPICAL VOLTAGE AND AMPERAGE REQUIREMENTS 
FOR OUTBOARD COMPONENTS ON SUBMERSIBLES 


Typical Number of Typical Recommended 
Basic Conductors Values Connector 
Component Notes Required 
Group Volts Amps Size 
MOTORS 
Main Hydraulic Plant 1 2/2/1 60/60/12 60/2/<1 3N0.4—3N0. 16 
Auxiliary Hydraulic Plant 2 2/2/1 60/60/12 110/3/1 3N0.0—3NO. 16 
Pod Propulsion 3 2/2/1 60/60/12 85/6/<1 3N0.4—3 NO. 16 
Pod Training 4 2/2/1 60/60/12 25/1/<1 3NO.12—3 NO. 16 
Main Propulsion 5 2/2 120 20 3 NO. 12 —3 NO. 16 
Ext. Hydraulic Pump 6 3/2 440/10 15/<1 5 NO. 16 
Thruster 7 3/2 440/10 20/<1 3NO.12—3N0O. 16 
Main Propulsion 8 3/2 440/10 45/<1 3NO.8—3 NO. 16 
Main Seawater Pump 9 6/2 440/10 15 <1 3NO.16—3N0. 16 
Main Propulsion 10 2/2/2 120/240/120/10 15/25/2/<1 3NO. 12 —5 NO. 16 
Vertical Thruster 11 2/2/2 120/120/10 15/2/<1 9 NO. 16 
CAMERAS 
Remote Operated TV 1 4+ 7522 Coax 12 VDC <i 5 NO. 20 — 752 Coax 
Remote Operated TV 2 6 + 7522 Coax 12 VDC <1 10 NO. 20 — 7592 Coax 
Remote Operated Still 3 3 30 VDC 14 (Peak) 3NO. 16 
<1 (Avg.) 
Remote Operated Still 4 9 30 VDC 14 (Peak) 9 NO. 16 
<1 (Avg.) 
Still Camera Strobe 5 3 30 VDC 14 (Peak) 3NO. 16 
<1 (Avg.) 
Remote Operated Camera 
Pan and Tilt Mechanism 6 5 115 VAC 1 5 NO. 20 
Remote Operated Camera 
Pan and Tilt Mechanism 7 13 115 VAC 1 14NO. 16 
Remote Operated Camera 
Pan and Tilt Mechanism 8 10 30 VDC 5 14NO.16 
COMMUNICATIONS & SONAR 
Underwater Telephone 1 See Note See Note 1 3NO. 16 
Intercom Telephone 2 See Note See Note 3NO. 16 
Radio Telephone Whip Ant. 3 Single Coax See Note a1 50 Q2 Coax 
CTFM (Continuous Transmission 
Frequency Modulated) Sonar 4 
Training Mechanism 5 12 115 VAC 1 
Transmitting Hydrophone 6 See Note 500V, P-P <1 5 NO. 20 
Receiving Hydrophone 6 See Note 10V, P-P <1 3 NO. 16 
Sonar Echo sounder 7 
Pressure Hull To Transmitter 
Can 6 30 VDC 1 
Transmitter Can To Hydrophone 6 See Note 500V, P-P <1 3.NO..16 
Doppler Navigator Sonar 
Transmitting Hydrophone 8 See Note 500V, P-P i) 5 NO. 20 
Receiving Hydrophone 9 See Note 10V, P-P a 10 NO. 20 


358 


LIGHTS 
Underwater Floodlamps 


Mercury Vapor 1 3 
Tungsten — lodide 1 2 
Tungsten — lodide 2 2 
Tungsten — lodide 3 2 
Tungsten — lodide 4 2 
Navigation Running 7 2 
Identification Flashing 
Beacon 5 2 
Strobe, Photographic 6 4 


a 


MISCELLANEOUS 


Anchor Payout Solenoid 2 
Ballast Release Solenoid 2 
Single Motion Actuator 
For Various Equipments 72 
For Various Equipments 2 
For Various Equipments 2 
Mechanical Arm (Manipulator) 1 
Open Loop Control 62 
Closed Loop Control 74 
Emergency Guillotine 2,3 2+2 


eee 


TRANSDUCER CIRCUITS 
Seawater Leak Sensing Probe 


Shaft Tachometer Generally 
Pressure Twisted Pair, 
Temperature Shielded. May 
Salinity Have Special 
Rudder Angle Requirement 
Dive Plane Angle Depending on 
Propulsion Pod Angle Application 
Ammeter Shunts And/Or 
Voltmeter Leads Manufacturer 


NOTES AND COMMENTS TO TABLE 7.8 


NOTES: (MOTORS) 

1. DC Shunt, Armature/Field/Seawater Leak Probe; 3 hp 
DC Shunt, Armature/Field/Seawater Leak Probe; 6.8 hp 
DC Shunt, Rev., Field Control; Arm/Field/Probe; 4 hp 
DC Shunt, Rev., Arm/Field/Probe; 1.5 hp . 

DC Series, Rev., Pulse Width Speed Control; 
3@ AC, Motor Power/Tachometer 


Co 5 GS) i) 


—With AC circuits a two-or-three conduc- 
tor path twisted pair is the best available 
configuration to cancel the alternating 
magnetic field from each conductor. 
Magnetic and electrostatic shielding may 
also be required. Physical separation of 
conductors to reduce alternating fields 
would be almost impossible. 


359 


110 VAC 10 3NO. 16 
110V, AC/DC 10 3. NO. 16 
110V, AC/DC 5 3. NO. 16 
228V, AC/DC 1 3 NO. 16 
30V, AC/DC 25 3.NO. 12 
110V, AC/DC 1 3 NO. 16 
110 VAC 1 3 NO. 16 
28 VDC 14 (Peak) 5 NO. 16 


110 VAC 1 3 NO. 16 
60 VDC 1 3.NO. 16 
30 VDC 3 3. NO. 16 
60 VDC 1 3NO.16 

110 VAC 1 3NO. 16 

24 VAC/DC 1 24 NO. 16 

24 VAC/DC 1 24 NO. 16 

30 VDC See Note 5 NO. 20 


These Probes Are 

Usually Powered 

From The Inboard 

Device They Are 5 NO. 16 or 5 NO. 20 
A Part Of. 

Typical Values 

Are Currents In 

Milliamperes And 

Voltages Less Than 10. 


—Inductive loads on DC power require spe- 
cial switch and circuit breaker considera- 
tions. Separation of conductors could 
possibly make a normally resistive load 
inductive. If the conductors were sepa- 
rated by several feet, a single turn loop 
of considerable area and significant in- 
ductance could be formed, but the loop 


NOTES AND COMMENTS TO TABLE 7.8 (Cont.) 


7. 3dAC, Rev., Speed Control By Variable Voltage; Motor Power/Tach. 

8. 3@AC, Rev., Speed Control By Variable Frequency; Motor Power/Tach. 

9. 3HAC, 2-Speed, By 2 Winding Sets; 2 or 10 ph; Motor Power/Tach. 

10. DC — Shunt, Rev., Speed Control By Arm. Volts And/or Field; Arm/Field/Tach. 
11. DC — Shunt, Rev., Speed Control By Field Resist; Arm/Field/Tach. 


NOTES: (CAMERAS) 
1. Remotely Controlled Focus 
2. Remotely Controlled Focus, ZOOM, and Iris 
3. Remotely Controlled Trigger Function Only; 14 Amp Max. Recharge; 3 Sec Recycle 
4. Remotely Controlled with Trigger, Iris Focus, and Shutter Special Optical 
5. Remotely Controlled Trigger Function 
6. PAN And TILT Functions Only 
7. With Additional Options: Orientation and Limit Indicators 
8. DC Operated Option With Stepping Motors; 5 amp Peak Current During Stepping Pulse. 


NOTES: (COMMUNICATIONS & SONAR) 
1. Cable Usually Twisted Pair With Shield; Volts About 950 Peak to Peak On Audio Peaks 
Cable Usually Twisted Pair With Shield; Volts About 10 Peak to Peak on Audio Peaks 
. Voltage Typically 150 Peak To Peak (Radio Frequency) With 50 ohm System. 
. Side Scan Or Obstacle Avoidance 
3 Cables; 4 Conductors Each 
. Twisted Pair With Shield 
. BETHOS 2670; With Outboard Transmitter Can and Hydrophone 
. 3 Conductors, Shielded; TTS4 SHL Recommended 
. 4Shielded Pairs; TTRS4 SLL Recommended 


CHMHIUMH PWN 


NOTES: (LIGHTS) 
1. 1000 Watts 
2. 500 Watts 
3. 75 Watts 
4. 750 Watts 
5. For Larger Vehicles With AC As Main Source, Smaller Vehicles Utilizing Battery Power Generally Use a Self-Contained, Pressure 
Activated Flasher. 
6. Usually Supplied with 4 Terminal Underwater Connector; 14 amp Peak Recharge Current After Flash. 
7. These Lights Usually Originate From Support Vessel and Are Removed For Diving. 


NOTES: (MISCELLANEOUS) 


1. Electrically Controlled Hydraulic Powered Operators 
2. Emergency Devices Usually Have Qual, or Redundant Functions For Safety. 
3. Explosive Operated Devices Require 30 amp Pulse, Low Resistance Circuit. 


Projected Future Electrical Requirements Are Covered By: 
3 #0000 — For Propulsion Motor and Battery Connectors. 


Single Contact 
#16, 12, 8, 4,0 and 0000 — For Applications Where Single Conductor Cables Are Used Outboard or Are Projected For Future Use. 


360 


could prove to be most troublesome dur- 
ing switching operations and, in addi- 
tion, would generate a substantial mag- 
netic field which could be fatal for other 
devices, such as magnetic compasses and 
magnetometers. 

—Another area sometimes overlooked is 
the desirable separation of conductors 
capable of carrying high level fault cur- 
rents from conductors attached to explo- 
sive-operated devices. A high fault cur- 
rent could possibly induce a firing cur- 
rent in the explosive squib and could 
prematurely activate some system. 

The foregoing considerations define the 
tasks involved in the power distribution de- 
sign. In general, the following recommenda- 
tions are offered for these applications: 

—The connector or hull penetrator must 
have a power rating in excess of the 
maximum fault current which may flow 
through the respective circuit as limited 
by circuit protective devices. 

—On all DC power circuits each polarity 
should be taken through separate con- 
nectors or penetrators. 

—AC power circuits, especially three-phase 
440 VAC, for example, should be carried 
through a single nonmagnetic penetra- 
tor or connector. Before attempting to 
separate these conductors into separate 
penetrators or connectors, a hard look 
would have to be taken at the inductive 
heating effects of these conductors sepa- 
rated by magnetic materials, since detri- 
mental, or even destructive, heating of 
these materials could occur. If nonmag- 
netic materials are used in the magnetic 
field between conductors, the heating ef- 
fect would be greatly reduced. However, 
eddy current heating in any electrically 
conductive material would still remain a 
possibility. 

—Circuits susceptible to noise or interfer- 
ence should not be routed through a 
connector or penetrator which carries 
power and control circuits. 

Regarding external distribution specifi- 
cally, the importance of connectors (between 
energy source and external distribution box) 
capable of carrying the maximum fault cur- 
rent generated by the energy source is em- 
phasized. The group feeder breakers (Fig. 
7.37) provide added connector protection be- 


361 


tween the external distribution center and 
the vehicle and the hull penetrator. In se- 
lecting suitable sensing devices on the tie 
and feeder breakers, the rating of the con- 
nectors used in these areas must be suffi- 
cient to handle the maximum fault amperage 
which may flow prior to tripping a particular 
breaker. The DOT Handbook further cau- 
tions that penetrators through the hull 
should be protected by circuit protective de- 
vices to reduce the possibility of damage. 

As an aid in providing design guidelines, 
component specifications and selection crite- 
ria for circuit interruption devices, the DOT 
Program undertook to produce reference 
(45), the emphasis of which is almost entirely 
on the use of on-off mechanical contactors in 
pressure-compensating fluids. The author, 
Pocock, states that subsequent editions will 
include additional chapters on circuit break- 
ers, solid state circuit interrupting devices 
and fuses. 


INSTRUMENT 
INTERFERENCE 


A great proportion of the instruments on 
contemporary submersibles are electronic 
and thus susceptible to electric interference 
which can degrade their performance by 
blanking out data or generating erroneous 
data. Many of the instruments may be 
classed as electroacoustic, which are also 
subject to acoustic interference. Regarding 
this problem, Mr. K. R. Haigh of the Admi- 
ralty Experimental Diving Unit, Ports- 
mouth, states (46): 


“The presence, origin and nature of 
electrical and acoustical interference 
in the majority of current submers- 
ibles has received scant attention from 
the owners and operators with the 
result that many users have been una- 
ble to realize the full potential of the 
boat in its scientific or survey role.” 


Haigh further reflects that such interfer- 
ence is not a new problem but is one that has 
been solved before in military submarines, 
and he attributes its existence in submers- 
ibles to lack of dissemination or suppression 
methods to civilian submersible builders. To 
appreciate that such interference can be a 


severe problem, one has merely to glance at 
Figure 7.38 which shows portions of a side 
scan sonar record from ALUMINAUT. Vir- 
tually every electronic component aboard 
the vehicle, including the scientific instru- 
ments themselves (stereo camera system), 
produced an interference pattern on the rec- 
ord which partially or completely obliterated 
the returning echoes from the sonar’s trans- 
ducers. ALUMINAUT is not alone in this 
problem; to a greater or lesser degree all 
submersibles exhibit electrical and/or acous- 


STEREO CAMERA SYSTEM 


TRANSPONDER TICS 


tic interference. Because this problem has 
such an impact on the scientific and survey- 
ing potential of submersibles, its nature and 
the means of suppression, as discussed by 
Haigh, are summarized in some detail. 
Acoustic sources of interference may be 
mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic in origin. 
These are considered so basic as to constitute 
design error. The chief consideration, there- 
fore, is given to other types of acoustical as 
well as magnetic and electrical interference. 
Figure 7.39 presents their origin and nature. 


Sy oa 
Bs sh 

® 

‘ 

& x 
eee 8 N 
BAL Baye 
a 
& * 
e 
N 
aaa 
N 
» 
Be ge rep Hae eg 
; 

a x 

‘ 

: 


EVENT 
MARKS 


EXAMPLES OF ELECTRONIC INTERFERENCE ON SIDE SCAN SONAR RECORDS 


Fig. 7.38 Examples of electronic interference on side scan sonar records. (NAVOCEANO) 


ERRONEOUS OBLITERATED RESTRICTED 


DATA INFORMATION DISPLAY 


ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE 


ELECTROSTATIC 
LINE EFFECTS 


ELECTROMAGNETIC 


RADIATED COUPLED FEED GROUND 


SIGNAL PROCESSING CIRCUITRY 
INPUT CIRCUITS 


SIGNAL 
MAGNETIC 


ELECTRICAL 
ACOUSTICAL 


SELF NOISE 


HYDRODYNAMIC] PROPELLER 


POWER SUPPLY TRANSIENTS 


THERMAL NOISE 


TRANSDUCER 
MAGNETIC ELECTRICAL ACOUSTIC 


ACOUSTICAL INTERFERENCE 


SEA NOISE RADIATED NOISE 


HYDRODYNAMIC 


PROPELLER OTHER OTHER 
EAE HOES MACHINERY ACOUSTIC MACHINERY ACOUSTIC 
DEVICES DEVICES 
STRUCTURAL AIRBORNE STRUCTURAL AIRBORNE 


Fig. 7.39 Origin and effects of acoustical and electrical interference. [From Ref. (45)] 


Acoustic Interference 

Three types of acoustical interference can 
find their way into signal circuits and conse- 
quently lower the signal-to-noise ratio: Sea 
Noise, Self Noise and Radiated Noise. 

a) Sea Noise: 

In an acoustical system free of other 
noise sources, sea noise is the background 
against which signals must be detected. The 
origin of the noise may.be due to thermal 
agitation of the water molecules, seismic ac- 
tivity, surface and sub-surface traffic and 
sea surface motion which is dependent on 
wind speed. In coastal waters additional con- 
tributions are received from waves breaking 
on the shoreline, turbulence around obstruc- 
tions and noise from marine life. Because sea 
noise is always present and must be ac- 
cepted, Figure 7.40 is taken from Haigh’s 
report and indicates the background sea 
noise for various sea states; these levels are 
expressed in a 1-Hz bandwidth so they must 
be increased by 10-log bandwidth to arrive at 
the interfering pressure level. 


363 


b) Self Noise: 

Self Noise is that produced by the vehi- 
cle itself (propellers, machinery, hydrody- 
namic) and picked up in its own transducers 
or hydrophones. The submersible user 
should also be aware that noise from its own 
support ship can also be detrimental to func- 
tions such as communications and tracking 
and must also be considered. 


ALUMINAUT 


1 1 
yp = 
6 6 


—30 


1 
a 
} 


—50 


— 60 


1 
3 


SPECTRUM LEVEL Dg rel dyne/Cm2 


1 
© 
Ss 


—90 


0.1 


10 


FREQUENCY kHz 


Fig. 7.40 Background sea noise under various sea state. [From Ref. (45)] 


1) Propeller Noise —Noise produced by the 
collapse of bubbles created by the 
propeller rupturing (rotating in) the 
water. The point of inception of cavi- 
tation depends on propeller speed 
and depth. Generally, submersibles 
have small, high speed propellers 
and cavitation sets in at slow vehicle 
speeds; however, the effect of depth 
is to reduce the point of inception 
and to move the noise spectrum to- 
ward the higher frequencies. 
Machinery Noise —Noise emanating 
from machinery and transmitted 
through the structure induces pres- 
sure waves. Unless precautions are 
taken reciprocating and rotating ma- 
chinery of any type will produce vi- 
brations which can be transmitted to 
the hull structure. Electrical trans- 
formers and chokes can also produce 
structural vibrations. Structural vi- 
brations can be minimized by mount- 
ing all rotating and vibrating ma- 
chinery on rubber mounts and ensur- 
ing that there is no mechanical cou- 
pling between the machine and the 
structure. In hydraulic and pneu- 
matic systems this entails the use of 
flexible pipe couplings, while in elec- 
trical circuits no conduits should be 
firmly secured to both the machine 
and hull. 
Hydrodynamic Noise —Noise originating 
from the flow of water across the 
face of a hydrophone or turbulence 
around some protuberance on the 
vessel. At the slow speeds of sub- 
mersibles this should not be a prob- 
lem, except perhaps in those vehicles 
propelled by water jets. 

c) Radiated Noise: 

The sources of radiated noise are identi- 
cal to those of self noise and the cure in 
many cases is the same. If radiated noise is 
present to any extent it may be assumed 
that the vessel has self noise problems. 


3 


Wm 


Electrical Interference 

Electrical interference is of three types: 
Electromagnetic, line effects and electro- 
static. All can be induced directly or indi- 
rectly into signal processing circuits and 


364 


must be suppressed to a level less than that 

of sea noise, which is considered the practical 

background against which sensors operate. 
a) Electromagnetic Interference: 

When currents pass through conduc- 
tors, magnetic and electrical fields are 
formed around the conductors as in Figure 
7.41. The magnitude of interference depends 
upon field strength, field geometry, the rate 
of change of field and frequency and the 
susceptibility of the receiving circuit. Haigh 
divides electrical interference into radiated 
and coupled. The difference is slight and 
resides merely in the physical separation of 
the transmitting and receiving elements. 
Coupled interference is characterized in Fig- 
ure 7.41a as both magnetic and electric ra- 
diation between two cables running side by 
side or between cores in a multi-core conduc- 
tor. Conventional cable shielding methods 
can contain the electric field as shown in 
Figure 7.41b, but either exotic shielding or 
complete separation of power supply cables 


ELECTRIC FIELD 


MAGNETIC FIELD 


a/FIELDS BETWEEN TWO CONDUCTORS 


ELECTRIC FIELD 
CONTAINED IN 
CONVENTIONAL 
SHIELD 
b/SHIELDING OF FIELDS 


MAGNETIC FIELD 
NOT CONTAINED 
BY SHIELD 


Fig. 7.41 Electromagnetic radiation (a), and the effects of conventional Shielding (b). 


from sensitive instrument circuits is re- 
quired to isolate electromagnetic fields. 
Sources of radiated interference include 
transformers, inductors and cables operating 
at frequencies from zero to the radio commu- 
nication spectrum. Other sources are invert- 
ers, converters (DC to DC), and fluorescent 
lighting. Protection includes encasing low 
level cables in solid drawn steel conduits, as 
well as conventional shielding. An example 
of one source of coupled intereference is 
shown in Figure 7.42 wherein the close prox- 
imity of cables seems to make such interfer- 
ence inevitable. Further problems with such 
a layout is that of identifying various cables 
and protecting them from physical destruc- 
tion. 


b) Line Effects: 

These encompass unexpected tuning ef- 
fects of cables and associated equipment 
which cannot be completely anticipated in 
the design stage and arise during installa- 
tion and the effects of grounding upon inter- 
ference suppression. Haigh separates these 
into feedback and ground loops and suggests 
various remedies, e.g., filters and grounding, 
to ameliorate their effects. 

c) Electrostatic Interference: 

Electrostatic interference arises chiefly 
from the movement of cables or machinery 
rubbing against cable sheaths. Should the 
submersible be concerned with towing a low 
level sensor, or derive its power from a sur- 
face umbilical, then the action of the cable 


Fig. 7.42 ALUMINAUT's internal junction boxes. (NAVOCEANO) 


strumming under tension can give rise to 
friction in the insulation and the creation of 
an electrostatic field. This problem may be 
overcome by using a cable insulant loaded 
with a small amount of graphite. 

The subject of eliminating or suppressing 
the interference discussed above is dealt 
with in greater detail in the DOT Handbook 
on Cable Technology (44); the designer is 
referred to this and Haigh’s work for a thor- 
ough and comprehensive review. 


REFERENCES 


il: 


bo 


10. 


11. 


Cohn, P. D. & Wetch, J. R. 1969 Power 
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. Rynewicz, J. F. 1970 The submersible 


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of 22-24 April 1970, Houston, Tx., Paper 
No. OTC 1199. 


. Louzader, J. D. & Turner, G. F. 1966 


Power under the sea. Trans. Mar. Tech. 
Soc. Conf., Exploiting the Ocean. p. 424- 
433. 


. Bodey, C. E. & Friedland, N. 1966 Naval 


architecture of submarine work boats 
for offshore work. Proc. of Ocean Explo- 
ration Conf., 1966, p. 105-119. 


. Panel on Energy Sources, Committee on 


Undersea Warfare, National Research 
Council 1968 Energy Systems Endurance 
in the 1-100 Kilowatt Range for Under- 
sea Applications. Nat. Acad. Sci. Pub. 
1702, Wash., D.C., 132 pp. 


. Penzias, W. & Goodman, M. W. 1973 Man 


Beneath the Sea. Wiley-Interscience. 
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. Howard, P. L. 1964A novel technique for 


predicting battery performance. Product 
Eng., 26 Oct., 8 pp. 


. Kisinger, W. W. 1965 Propulsion of deep 


diving submersibles. Naval Eng. Jour., 
Aug., p. 573-584. 


. Horne, R. A. 1963 The operation of bat- 


teries at great ocean depths. Undersea 
Tech., July, p. 16-18. 

Yeaple, F. D. 1965 Dry Cell performance. 
Prod. Eng. 

Work, G. W. 1969 Battery Materials and 
Characteristics—Effects of the Deep-Sea 


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12. 


13. 


14. 


15. 


16. 


Wf 


18. 


i). 


20. 


ole 


Environment on Materials Performance 
and the Deep Sea. ASTM STP 445, Amer. 
Soc. of Testing and Materials, p. 31-40. 
Funao, Y., Nakamura, K., Kawai, I. & 
Hosoi, 8. 1972 Oil-filled silver-zinc sec- 
ondary batiery for deep submersible. 
Preprints 2nd International Ocn. Dev. 
Conf., Oct. 5-7, 1972, Tokyo, v. 1, p. 853- 
869. 
Momsen, D. F. & Clerici, J. 1971 First 
silver-zinc batteries used in deep sub- 
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p. 31-36. 
Work. G. W. 1972 Batteries for deep 
ocean application. Preprints 8th Ann. 
Conf. & Exhibition, Mar. Soc. Tech. Jour., 
Wo Dy 15 745 195 alata}, 
Anderson, A. G., Wright, C. P. & New- 
man, J. P. 1970 Capsulating energy sys- 
tems for small submersibles. 2nd Ann. 
Offshore Tech. Conf., Houston, Tx., April 
22-24, 1970, Paper No. OTC 1164. 
Evans, R. S. 1968 Compensation for out- 
board batteries on research submarines. 
Trans. Mar. Tech. Soc. 1968, A Critical 
Look At Marine Technology, p. 643-649. 
Marriott, J. A. & Capotosto, A., Jr. 1968 
The gassing behavior of lead-acid stor- 
age batteries in oil compensated sys- 
tems. I. Studies at atmospheric pres- 
sure. Trans. Mar. Tech. Soc., A Critical 
Look At Marine Technology, p. 651-660. 
1968 The gassing behavior of 
lead acid storage batteries in oil com- 
pensated systems. II. Studies at elevated 
hydrostatic pressures. Ibid., p. 661-670. 
Miron, D. B. & Evans, R. S. 1966 Analysis 
and Specification Compensation Vol- 
ume and Parameters for AUTEC Vehi- 
cles External Battery Systems. Gen. 
Dyn./Elec. Boat Rept. U413-131. 
McQuaid, R. W. & Brown, C. L. 1969 
Handbook of Fluids and Lubricants for 
Deep Ocean Application. NSRDC Pub. 
MATLAB 360, 176 pp., revised 1972. 
Loughman, R. & Butenkoff, G. 1965 Fuel 
Cells for an underwater research veht- 


cle. Undersea Tech., Sept. 1965, p. 45-46. 


. Anderson, A. G. 1970 Summary of a pres- 


entation on ““PROJECT POWERCEL’’. 
Trans. Mar. Tech. Soe. 1970, v. 2, p. 1103- 
1109. 


23. 


24. 


25. 


26. 


27. 


28. 


29. 


30. 


bl. 


32. 


33. 


34. 


Warszawski, B., Verger, B. & Dumas, J. 
1971 Alsthom fuel cells. Mar. Tech. Soc. 
Jour., v. 5, n. 1, p. 28-40. 

McCartney, J. F. 1970 Hydrospace fuel- 
cell power systems. Trans. Mar. Tech. 
Soc. 1970, v. 2, p. 879-907. 

Cohen, S. & Wallman, H. 1970 Engineer- 
ing evaluation of the applicability of 
fuel cell systems to deep submersibles. 
Trans. Mar. Tech. Soc. 1970, v. 2, p. 1401- 
14238. 

Fukunaga, P. R. & Pearson, R. O. 1971 
Closed-Cycle Power Systems For Under- 
sea Military Facilities and Equipment. 
Prepared for the U.S. Naval Civil Engi- 
neering Laboratory, under contract 
N62399-71-C-0027 to TRW Systems 
Group. 

Giorgi, E. 1968 Underwater power sys- 
tems. Jour. Ocean Tech., Mar. Tech. Soc., 
Wo Pan ile 25 1s BUSING 

Watson, W. 1971 The design, construc- 
tion, testing, and operation of a deep- 
diving submersible for ocean floor ex- 
ploration. Trans. of the Ann. Meeting of 
the SNAME, 11-12 Nov. 1971, N.Y., p. 
405-437. 

Sasaki, T. 1970 On underwater observa- 
tion vessels in Japan. Trans. 6th Ann. 
Conf. & Exhibition Mar. Tech. Soc., 29 
June—1 July 1970, Wash., D.C., v. 1, p. 
227-237. 

Hoffman, L. C., Rudnicki, M. I. & Wil- 
liams, H. W. 1970 Psychrocycle. Mar. 
Tech. Soc. Jour., v. 4, n. 6, p. 47-56. 

U.S. Naval Ship Engineering Center 1971 
Handbook of Vehicle Electrical Pene- 
trators, Connectors and Harnesses of 
Deep Ocean Applications. Deep Ocean 
Tech. Program, Hyattsville, Md. 
“‘Meeting on Cables, Connectors and 
Penetrators,”’ text of presentations and 
general discussion held at Deep Submer- 
gence Systems Project Office, Bethesda, 
Md., 15-16 Jan. 1969. 

Haigh, K. R. 1968 Deep-sea cable-gland 
system for underwater vehicles and 
oceanographic equipment. Proc. IEE, v. 
15 eps bo—llp ie 

Tuttle, J. D. 1971 Underwater electrical 
integrity. Preprints 7th Ann. Conf., Mar. 
Tech. Soc., 16-18 Aug. 1971, Wash., D.C., 
p. 135-145. 


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37. 


38. 


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40. 


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42. 


43. 


44, 


45. 


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cables and connectors engineered as a 
single requirement. Exploiting the 
Ocean, Mar. Tech. Soc., p. 469-484. 

Department of the Navy, Deep Submer- 
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Cables, Connectors and Penetrators for 


Deep Sea Vehicles, 15-16 Jan. 1969, 383 


pp. 
Small, F. B. & Weaver, R. T. 1971 Under- 
water disconnectable connector. Pre- 
prints Mar. Tech. Soc. 7th Ann. Conf., 12- 
18 Aug. 1971, Wash., D.C., p. 125-133. 
Haworth, R. F. & Regan, J. E. 1964 Wa- 
tertight electrical connectors for under- 
sea vehicles and components. Ann. Win- 
ter Meeting ASME, N.Y., Nov. 29—Dec. 
4, 1964, Paper 64-WA/UNT-10, 12 pp. 
1965 Watertight electrical ca- 
ble penetrations for submersibles—past 
and present. Ann. Winter Meeting 
ASME, N.Y., 7-11 Nov. 1965, Paper 65- 
WA/UNT-12, 8 pp. 
Haworth, R. F. 1966 Electrical cable 
system for the STAR III vehicle. Ann. 
Winter Meeting and Energy Systems 
Expo ASME, N.Y., 27 Nov.—1 Dec., 1966, 
Paper 66—-WA/UNT-11, 5 pp. 
O’Brien, D. G. 1967 Application of glass- 
hermetic-sealed watertight electrical 
connectors. Mar. Tech. Soc. 3rd Ann. 
Conf. and Exhibit, San Diego, Calif., 5-7 
June 1967, p. 667-705. 
Patterson, R. 1969 Electrical connec- 
tors—the weakest link? Oceanology In- 
ternational, Jan/Feb 1969, p. 40-43. 


Saunders, W. 1972 Pressure-compen- 
sated cables. Preprints Mar. Tech. Soc. 
8th Ann. Conf. and Exhibition, 11-13 
Sept. 1972, Wash., D.C., p. 23-38. 


Forbes, R. T., Delucia, M. A. & Behr, 
S. H. 1970 Handbook of Electric Cable 
Technology for Deep Ocean Applica- 
tion. U.S. Naval Ship Research and De- 
velopment Laboratory, Annapolis, Md., 
24 pp. 

Pocock, W. E. 1971 Handbook of Electri- 
cal and Electronic Circuit Interrupting 
and Protective Devices for Deep Ocean 
Application. U.S. Naval Ship Research 
and Development Center, Wash., D.C., 74 
pp. 


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368 


MANEUVERABILITY AND CONTROL 


The ability of submersibles to maneuver 
and the means of controlling or directing 
them undoubtedly represent the widest de- 
sign departures from the military subma- 
rine. BEAVER was designed to work primar- 
ily on engineering tasks. Therefore, the basic 
requirements were for tightly-controlled, 
small scale movements which could place it 
in a position to employ its tool kit while 
hovering and maintaining a constant posi- 
tion in midwater. DEEP QUEST was in- 
tended for various tasks: It could range 
about for moderate distances, maneuver 
adroitly and, if required, assume virtually 
any attitude necessary to mate with an un- 
dersea object. Vehicles of the BEN FRANK- 
LIN and ALUMINAUT variety were survey- 


369 


ors in the fashion of Lewis and Clark. They 
could range over long distances, maneuver to 
pick up large quantities of samples and carry 
a vast array of equipment. Smaller submers- 
ibles, such as SP-350, Perry’s CUBMARINEs 
and General Oceanographic’s NEKTONSs, 
were designed for short duration scrutiniz- 
ing and sampling in narrow canyons and 
along steep cliffs, as well as cruising along 
flat or gently sloping surfaces. 

One of the more ingenious and imaginative 
aspects of manned submersibles is the vari- 
ety of approaches taken to achieve the de- 
sired maneuverability. Virtually all have ob- 
tained a high degree of maneuverability with 
only a handful following similar approaches. 
Within this chapter the means employed to 


propel, maneuver and control submersibles 
is reviewed. No attempt is made to catego- 
rize the various approaches, because the ex- 
treme variation from vehicle-to-vehicle de- 
fies classification. 

There is one general statement regarding 
submersible propulsion which can be made: 
They are all slow and they all use electric 
power. Although it may be satisfying in a 
literary sense, no submersible “darts about” 
or “speeds off’ on its appointed rounds. As 
Cousteau so aptly stated in The Living Sea, 
“Speed is the enemy of observation.” This 
philosophy has been adopted by submersible 
designers. Averaging the cruising speed of 80 
submersibles produces a value of 1.5 knots, 
with a range from 0.2 knot (FNRS-2) to 6 
knots (AUGUSTE PICCARD). One and a half 
knots is equivalent to a casual stroll, and 
this has been quite acceptable to the under- 
sea scientist and engineer. The only need for 
higher speed appears to be on the part of the 
pelagic fisheries’ biologist who desires to ob- 
serve the migration and behavior of fast 
swimming fish, such as tuna. To this end 
General Dynamics conducted a feasibility 
and conceptual design study of a research 
submarine for the Department of Interior’s 
Bureau of Commercial Fisheries (now the 
National Marine Fisheries Service) and rec- 
ommended a maximum submerged speed of 
20 knots. Nothing further has evolved from 
this study, which was completed in 1965 (1). 

In the submersible field the term maneu- 
verability has a variety of meanings; it re- 
fers, not only to the vehicle’s ability to twist 
or turn, but also implies its ability to climb, 
hover and poke around in close quarters. The 
requirements for maneuvering at times can 
be quite severe—on a surveying mission, for 
example, where ascent (at a constant height 
of 10-30 feet above the bottom) from several 
thousand feet deep to a hundred feet or less 
may be required. The submersible must be 
able to “fly” horizontally, then assume an 
up-bow angle of 30 or more degrees and 
finally ascend vertically while maintaining a 
position some 2 or 3 feet away from the face 
of a vertical escarpment. Such requirements 
are not hypothetical; ALUMINAUT con- 
fronted just this problem while bottom sur- 
veying off Vieques Island, Puerto Rico and 
St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, in 1967 and 


370 


1968. ALVIN confronted similar problems in 
the Tongue of the Ocean, Bahamas in 1966 
and 1967. These are but a few examples. 
Other submersibles faced and continue to 
face equally taxing demands on their maneu- 
verability and control. The problem is not too 
different from those of a helicopter. While 
ocean bottom currents do not nearly ap- 
proach the wind speeds encountered by a 
helicopter, submersible power plants are so 
much less than a helicopter’s that the prob- 
lems are quite comparable. 

The topics of marine propulsion and hydro- 
dynamics are subjects which comprise books 
in themselves. Their terminology and princi- 
ples are multitudinous and complex. Herein, 
discussion is confined to the minimum of 
terms and principles needed to describe the 
motions of a submersible and the devices and 
physical phenomena which propel and direct 
it through the water. In the event that a 
more thorough or technical treatise is de- 
sired, the following are recommended: 

a) “‘Marine Propulsion” (2): A historical 
and semi-technical presentation which 
describes and illustrates the develop- 
ment of marine propulsion throughout 
the ages. 

“Stability and Motion Control of 
Ocean Vehicles” (3): A very thorough 
and highly technical discussion of the 
hydrodynamic principles involved in de- 
signing vehicles and systems and deter- 
mining their response to the environ- 
ment. This publication was written as a 
“partial” text on the subject of motion 
and control of ocean vehicles offered by 
the Department of Naval Architecture 
and Marine Engineering at the Massa- 
chusetts Institute of Technology. 

‘“‘Naval Hydrodynamics”: A series of 
seven publications from 1957 through 
1968 presenting the reports of interna- 
tional scientists and engineers regard- 
ing marine propulsion, cavitation, noise, 
hydroelasticity, motions, drag and other 
aspects of marine propulsion. The con- 
tents of these books are quite technical, 
comprehensive and far ranging. A list- 
ing of the books and their contents can 
be obtained from the National Technical 
Information Service, Operations Divi- 
sion, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 


b 


wm 


ww 


Cc 


d) ‘‘Water, Air and Interface Vehicles” 
(4): Similar to reference (3) in purpose 
and technical detail, this publication 
discusses hydrodynamic forces and pro- 
pulsion for airborne and waterborne ve- 
hicles on a common plane. 

*‘Principles of Naval Architecture” (5): 
A textbook which covers all static and 
dynamic aspects of naval architecture, 
both theoretical and applied. The book 
concentrates on merchant ships, but in- 
cludes discussion of submarine hydrody- 
namics and design. A knowledge of cal- 
culus, applied mechanics and theoretical 
and applied fluid mechanics is a prereq- 
uisite. 

Of the above publications reference (3) con- 
cerns itself most directly with submersibles, 
although other problems are addressed. In 
addition to these there are a variety of re- 
ports, both technical and non-technical, 
which are referenced throughout this text. 


PROPULSION AND 
MANEUVERING 


Ideally there are six degrees of freedom 
(motion) desirable in the control of a sub- 
mersible; these are shown in Figure 8.1 rela- 
tive to an X, Y and Z axis and are classified 
as translational and rotational motions. 


~— 


e 


Fig. 8.1 Translational and rotational motions. 


371 


Translational motions occur when every 
point of the submersible has simultaneously 
the same speed and direction of motion. 
These are Heave (vertically up/down), Surge 
(forward/backward) and Sidle or Sway (lat- 
erally left/right). 

Rotational motions occur around a center 
point or axis. These are Yaw (rotation 
around a vertical axis), Roll (rotation around 
the principal longitudinal axis) and Pitch 
(rotation around the principal transverse 
axis). 

To varying degrees and through a variety 
of means, both translational and rotational 
motions, both singly and together, are ob- 
tained by most contemporary submersibles. 

To acquire any or all of the six motions, a 
submersible requires a component to propel 
it and another to change its direction. In the 
most basic arrangement, a screw-type pro- 
peller provides forward/reverse translational 
movement (surge), a rudder provides left/ 
right movement (yaw) and a movable plane 
or wings provide up/down (pitch) rotational 
movement. We treat first the devices that 
overcome the submersible’s inertia, or make 
it move. These are: Free propellers, ducted 
propellers, Kort nozzle propellers, cycloidal 
propellers and water jets. Next we examine 
the devices that change its course or atti- 
tude. These are: Rudder and planes, thrus- 
ters and trim control. 


PROPULSION 


Free Propellers 

The simplest means of submersible propul- 
sion is the screw propeller (Fig. 8.2). In con- 
cept, the propeller can be thought of as 
screwing itself through the water—analo- 
gous to tapping a screw into a solid material 
where the rate of advance distance for each 
revolution is equal to the pitch of the thread. 
In practice, however, a screw propeller in 
water does not advance at a speed pn (pitch 
x revolutions) per unit time. Instead, it trav- 
els at some lesser speed which is a function 
of the propeller slippage with each revolu- 
tion. Thus, if a propeller having a pitch of 10 
feet turns at 200 rpm, it would advance 2,000 
feet in 1 minute in a solid; it does not do so in 
water because of slip, the difference between 


Fig. 8.2 Free screw-type propeller 


the distance it would advance in a solid 
substance and the actual distance traveled, 
expressed as a percentage of the former. 
According to Taggert (6), the screw propeller 
is the most efficient means of obtaining pro- 
pulsive force, and when used at its designed 
rpm and speed of advance its efficiency is 
exceeded by no other device. Miller (7) states 
the screw propeller’s efficiency as 75 to 85 
percent under ideal conditions and contrasts 
this with the 40 percent efficiency of a cycloi- 
dal propeller. Obviously, the submersible 
community is in agreement, for only the 
French vehicles SP-350 and SP-500, and 
the U.S. Navy’s MAKAKAI use other than 
screw propellers for propulsion. NEKTON’s 
propeller is of the open screw variety, in that 
the shroud around it is solely for protection, 
not to improve its efficiency. 


Kort Nozzle Propellers 

By fitting a specially-designed shroud or 
nozzle around a screw propeller, its effi- 
ciency can be increased. The design shown in 
Figure 8.38 was invented and patented by 
Ludwig Kort in the U.S. in 1936. In cross 
section the nozzle resembles an aircraft wing 
with the outer side or face being practically 
straight and the inner side being cambered. 


In practice the nozzle experiences a negative 
pressure forward of the propeller’s plane of 
rotation and a positive pressure aft, which 
results in forward thrust. According to refer- 
ence (2), in a well-designed propeller-nozzle 
combination the nozzle thrust is about half 
of the total thrust applied. A further advan- 
tage (8) is that the static shroud thrust is 
maximum at zero speed; in other words, it is 
most effective when the submersible begins 
moving from a stationary position. Reference 
is made by Taggert (3) to the Kort nozzle 
being particularly advantageous when oper- 
ating under high slip conditions (during ac- 
celeration or when the vehicle is heavily 
loaded) and about equal in performance to 
the free propeller during low slip conditions. 
The advantage of obtaining greater thrust 
from a shrouded screw propeller at zero 
speed has not been ignored by the submers- 
ible builders—a large number of vehicles em- 
ploy this feature. Equally attractive is the 
fact that a shrouded propeller can be consid- 
erably smaller than its ‘free’ counterpart 
and still deliver maximum efficiency. This 
feature is desirable in that it decreases the 
overall vehicle size envelope. 


Ducted Propellers 
Johnson and Barr (9) define a ducted pro- 
peller as any scheme which takes water 


Fig. 8.3 A Kort nozzle surrounds the three-bladed thruster propeller of ALVIN. 
(WHOI) 


through an inlet flush with the hull, adds 
energy with a pump located within the hull 
and discharges it through a nozzle flush with 
the hull. Under this definition falls the 
ducted propellers of DOWB (Fig. 8.4). These 
ducts are located aft on DOWB and the pro- 
peller screw shafts are canted 15 degrees 
outboard. This arrangement provides the fol- 
lowing advantages: The center of drag is 
moved aft for hydrodynamic stability and it 
reduces the beam while still maintaining a 
large twist moment aft. Analyzing the per- 
formance of ducted propellers, Johnson and 
Barr state that the inlet and outlet designs 
are extremely significant. Ideally, a well- 
designed duct would utilize a bell mouth 
inlet and a sharp exit extending a short 
distance beyond the hull. Where the duct 
exit is flush with the hull, jet entrainment 
effects cause low pressure in the exit side of 
the hull and reduce thrust where both ends 
of the duct are sharp and flush with the hull. 
In the case of DOWB, there could be a thrust 
reduction of unknown magnitude resulting 
from an eddy created near the hull by the 
exit jet. To prevent the propellers from foul- 


Fig. 8.4 The Ducted Propellers on DOWB provide surge and yaw thrust. The two 
motors are in the deck plane of the vehicle and canted outboard at angles of 15 
degrees. (NAVOCEANO) 


Fig. 8.5 Two pi-pitched cycloidal propellers attached to the exostructure of MAKA- 
KAI provide its entire propulsion. (U.S.M.C. Air Station, Hawaii) 


ing with ropes or cables while submerged, 
DOWB’s operators installed fine wire screens 
at both the inlet and exit ends. Such screens 
also reduce thrust by restricting the flow of 
water through the duct. This penalty, how- 
ever, could be well worth the price in terms 
of safety. Ducted propellers, of varying de- 
signs, are found on quite a few vehicles— 
mainly because they reduce the vehicle’s en- 
velope and chance of entanglement and pro- 
peller damage. 


Cycloidal Propellers 
The U.S. Navy’s MAKAKAI is the only 
submersible known to use cycloidal propul- 
sion (Fig. 8.5), although its predecessor HI- 
KINO was the first. The two units on MAKA- 
KAT are Kirsten Boeing, pi-pitch*, cycloidal 
propellers mounted on the vehicle’s exostruc- 
ture which operate similar to a paddle wheel: 
The propeller disc rotates and moves the 
blades through the water. Talkington and 
Murphy (10) describe its operation as follows: 
“The cycloidal propeller is capable of 
directing its thrust in any direction in 
the propeller disc’s plane of rotation. 
The pi-pitch propeller is used because 
of its mechanical simplicity and be- 
cause of the four degrees of freedom 
propulsive control that can be ob- 
tained by using two thrusters. Thrust is 


generated by movement of the individ- 
ual blades. Blade pitch is varied as 
the blade moves around its orbit so 
that the sum thrust of all blades is in 
the desired direction. This pitch is 
varied for the pi-pitch propeller by 
rotating the blade at one-half the disc 
rotational speed. Thrust direction is 
varied by changing the relative phas- 
ing of the blades with respect to the 
disc. 

By placing the two thrusters at 45 
degrees to the fore/aft vertical plane, 
4 degrees of dynamic control (fore/aft, 
up/down, transverse, and yaw) are 
available (Fig. 8.6). This is arrived at 
by summing the thrust vectors. The 
coordination of the vectors is con- 
trolled by the pilot’s hand controller 


UP 


FORWARD 


which directs the thrust in the direc- 
tion his hand is moved. The farther 
the hand is moved in a particular 
direction, the greater the thrust mag- 
nitude and vehicle speed will be.”’ 


Cycloidal propellers offer several advan- 
tages: Superior steering and maneuverabil- 
ity, no need for rudders or external shafting 
and elimination of the resistance produced 
by such appendages. On the debit side, cy- 
cloidal propellers are far less efficient than 
screw-type propellers, they do not represent 
any size or weight savings and there are 
sealing problems (7). It would also seem that 
protection against damage to the propellers 
and underwater entanglement would be dif- 
ficult to achieve without substantial loss of 
efficiency. 


~ >. STARBOARD 
‘\ CONTROL 
\ 


fe} 


\ 

\ 

i] 

i} 

. ! 
aS 
/ 270 


Fig. 8.6 MAKAKAI's thrusters’ positions. [After Ref. (8)] 


374 


Water Jets 

The French SP-350 (Fig. 8.7) and the two 
SP-500’s are the only submersibles known to 
use water jets as primary propulsion sys- 
tems. Lockheed’s DEEP QUEST employs this 
means also, but cnly for transverse augmen- 
tation of its primary screw propulsion. The 
heart of the SP-350 system is a stern- 
mounted 2-hp electric motor-driven water 
pump which drives seawater forward 
through a “Y”’ shaped flexible tube to jets 
mounted port and starboard on the vehicle’s 
brow. The jets are mounted so that a rack 
and pinion movement can rotate them in 
unison or individually from straight forward 
to straight down. The inefficiency and low 
speed of this system were known and under- 
stood by Cousteau, but for scientific research 
and underwater photography the advan- 
tages of high maneuverability overrode its 
disadvantages. 


A comparison study between a number of 
the various propulsion devices described has 
been conducted and the results presented in 
a previously referenced report by V. E. John- 
son and R. A. Barr (9). These authors sum- 
marized the results of experimental data to 
1965, regarding free propellers, nozzles, 
ducts and tandem and cycloidal propellers, 
and related these data to the hydrodynamic 
performance of the propulsors. The report 
provides guidance in the selection of systems 
to satisfy propulsion and maneuvering re- 
quirements. 

Two propulsion systems proposed, but re- 
portedly never used on an operational sub- 
mersible, are the tandem and varivec propel- 
ler systems. 


Tandem Propulsion System (TPS) 
The TPS consists of two girdling bands of 
blades near the bow and stern of a submers- 


Fig.8.7 Propulsion for SP-350 is provided by two water jets mounted port and starboard on the centerline forward. The port jet can be seen here pointing directly aft. (NAVOCEANO) 


375 


ible that can each provide controlled thrust 
in any direction (Fig. 8.8). For forward pro- 
pulsion the pitch of the blades remains fixed; 
for translational thrust in any other direc- 
tion the blade pitch can be cyclically varied 
with each revolution of the propeller. By 
thrust coupling the blades, rotation of the 
vehicle in any angular motion can be pro- 
vided, thus six degrees of freedom are possi- 
ble with the TPS. Model tests by the U.S. 


Naval Ship R&D Center in the late 1960’s 
showed the system to be capable of its pro- 
posed potential (up to 2.2 knots) beyond 
which the model became unstable. A station- 
ary tail provided the model good stability at 
3 to 5 knots, but beyond 6 knots the vehicle 
once again became inherently unstable. 
While 2.2 knots are more than satisfactory 
for submersible speed, other factors contrib- 
uted to the demise of the TPS: The system is 


Fig. 8.8 One end of a cigar-shaped tandem propulsion system. (U.S. Navy) 


very expensive, leaks around seals of the 
TPS were common and the complexity of the 
control system for six degrees of freedom 
was beyond human capability and required a 
computer (11). 


Varivee Propulsion System 

The Varivee (variable vector) propulsion 
system was designed by Westinghouse for 
DS-20000, but never saw application since 
the vehicle was never built. A stern- 
mounted, variable pitch, three-bladed propel- 
ler (looking somewhat like a single TPS com- 
ponent, but with three blades instead of six) 
provides variable thrust from full ahead 
through zero to full astern by means of col- 
lective blade pitch control. Through cyclic 
pitch control a side thrust vector can be 
achieved to produce yaw directional control 
through 360 degrees (12). 

Such are the actual and proposed devices 
that propel submersibles; in addition, the 
screw-type propeller is generally reversible, 
it can be varied in speed, and, as will be 
shown later, can also be oriented (trained) in 
different directions. 

While submersible propulsion systems do 
not lend themselves to logical or systematic 
classification, they can be broken down be- 
tween: Main Propulsion and Thruster. 

Main Propulsion designates those propul- 
sion devices on a submersible used primarily 
to provide forward thrust motion and for 
cruising. Main propulsion motors are usually 
more powerful than thruster motors. They 
may consist of the more classical arrange- 
ment—one or two stern-mounted propel- 
lers—or of paired port/starboard propellers 
mounted amidships on the vehicle. The ma- 
jority of main propulsion motors are fixed; 
that is, unlike an outboard motor, they can- 
not be aimed left or right. Those that can be 
moved to vary their thrust angle are re- 
ferred to as “trainable.” 

Thrusters are those propulsion devices 
used primarily to move the vehicle left or 
right and up or down; they can provide this 
service while the vehicle is in motion or 
stationary. Thrusters are generally lower 
powered than main propulsion motors, and 
they are usually, but not always, mounted 
fore and aft. Thrusters may be so located and 
so oriented as to provide yaw or sidle motion, 


377 


heave and pitch motion or, by being rotata- 
ble through a full 360 degrees, any combina- 
tion of motions. While these terms do not 
mean exactly the same thing to all submers- 
ible builders, they are generally accepted 
throughout the industry. 


Dive Planes, Rudders, Stabilizers 

For maneuvering while underway, many 
submersibles are equipped with rudders 
(yaw control) and/or dive planes (pitch con- 
trol), or both. A great number have neither 
dive planes nor rudders, but rely on propul- 
sion motors to perform these maneuvers. To 
stabilize the moving vehicle a fixed fin or 
dive plane is sometimes attached or molded 
into the fairing. 

Rudders produce force as follows: When 
the rudder is deflected to an angle of attack 
to the flow a force results. This resultant 
force may be broken into two components, 
one of which is parallel and the other normal 
to the direction of flow. Planes produce force 
in a similar manner. The parallel component 
is called the drag while the normal or effec- 
tive steering component is called the lift. The 
lift of a rudder or plane is influenced by its 
area, area orientation and rudder angle; rud- 
der configuration has less influence. Lift of 
rudders or planes varies considerably with, 
what is called, the aspect ratio. Aspect ratio 
is the ratio of the rudder’s depth (span) to its 
width (chord), the latter being the dimension 
in the direction of water flow. For rudder or 
plane shapes other than rectangular the as- 
pect ratio is the ratio of the square of the 
span to the lateral area. The turning effec- 
tiveness of rudders varies considerably with 
aspect ratio. The greater the aspect ratio, 
the higher the lift for a given rudder deflec- 
tion. However, with a larger aspect ratio, the 
rudder will “stall” (lose lift) at a smaller 
angle. 

The size and configuration of rudders and 
planes on submersibles is determined mainly 
by trial and error. Mr. Frank Cunningham, 
Design Engineer for Perry Submarine Build- 
ers, uses a rule-of-thumb that the rudder 
area should be at least as large as the area of 
the main propeller (about 2 ft?), with the 
dive planes equal to the rudder in size and 
shape (rectangular). Earlier Perry vehicles 
had the planes leading the bow, but because 


of the flow of water around the bow they 
were not fully effective and subsequently 
were moved aft where they provided better 
control. While this trial-and-error approach 
may appear somewhat unsophisticated, 
there are no better guidelines available and 
Mr. Cunningham’s concluding statement 
fairly well sums up the pragmatic approach 
private builders have taken in an area void 
of precedent: “It works!” 

The shape and location of rudders and 
planes, and combinations thereof, vary from 
vehicle-to-vehicle, but a sampling of the dif- 
ferent approaches can be obtained from the 
following examples: 

PC-3B (Fig. 8.9) is equipped with a rectan- 
gular rudder which is manually turned left 
or right. Plexiglass bow planes, similar to 
those on DEEP DIVER (Fig. 8.10), control 
pitch. 

Martine’s SUBMANAUT (Fig. 8.11) com- 
bines both rudder and planes into a stern- 
mounted arrangement whereby yaw and 
pitch are obtained. 

SEA OTTER (Fig. 8.12) had a rudder ar- 
rangement similar to Perry’s PC-3B, but 
both rudder and propeller were shielded for 


protection. This is now replaced by a Kort 
nozzle. 

DEEP QUEST (Fig. 8.13) obtains yaw and 
pitch motion with hydraulically actuated 
rudder and stern planes. An automatic pilot 
system with integrated controls (discussed in 
Chap. 2) can “fly” the vehicle on a predeter- 
mined course, pitch angle and altitude. 

The DSRV submersibles (Fig. 8.14) employ 
a unique pitch and yaw system. In this sys- 
tem a stern-mounted shroud encircles the 
main propeller which may be tilted fore and 
aft from the vertical and left and right, thus, 
combining a rudder/plane system in one unit. 
The shroud is not designed to redirect the 
propeller’s thrust, but to orient lines to flow 
as does a rudder. Figure 8.15 shows the 
variation of shroud lift conditions with angle 
of attack for various aspect ratios as calcu- 
lated by Lockheed during design of the 
DSRV’s. 

There is another system of pitch control 
which many vehicles with cylindrically- 
shaped hulls obtain by virtue of their small 
metacentric height. This consists merely of 
the occupants leaning or moving fore or aft 
within the vehicle. While such tenderness 


Fig. 8.9 The PC-3B is provided yaw motion by its stern rudder and pitch by plexiglass bow planes not visible here. (NAVOCEANO) 


Fig 8.10 Plexiglass bow planes on DEEP RIVER provide pitch motion. The central 
duct encloses a reversible screw propeller which can be rotated 360 degrees to 
obtain propulsion in any vertical plane. (NAVOCEANO) 


can make piloting difficult, it can be used to 
advantage in surmounting sudden, vertical 
obstacles in the vehicle’s path. A number of 
vehicles have fixed (non-moving) fins or sails 
for stabilization at higher speeds. At the 
very low speeds at which submersibles work 
and transit, the need for such stabilizing 
surfaces is sometimes debatable. Indeed, as 
related in Chapter 5, Mr. Edwin Link and 
others go to the other extreme—decrying 
even the need for fairings to streamline the 
vehicle. Whether they are necessary or not, 
they are still on the vehicle where they as- 
sume a variety of shapes and sizes. Two 
arrangements of stern-mounted stabilizers 
are shown in Figures 8.16 a & b on STAR III 
and BEAVER, respectively. Supporting the 
non-stabilizer faction, PISCES II and III 
originally had tail fins; experience showed 
that these were more a hindrance than a 


Fig. 8.11 Martine’s SUBMANAUT obtains yaw and pitch motion from stern-mounted 


rudder and planes 


379 


Fig. 8.12 Both propeller and rudder are ducted in SEA OTTER for protection and 
greater efficiency. 


Fig. 8.13 The sophisticated DEEP QUEST uses hydraulic actuators to orient its rudder and dive planes. (LMSC) 


i Pe Ac 


Fig. 8.14 DSAV-2's stern shroud tilts fore and aft, and left and right, to provide yaw and pitch motion. The fore and aft circular ducts house lateral (yaw and sidle) thrusters. (U.S. 
Navy) 


380 


help and the later PISCES vehicles IV & V) 
abandoned the fins (Fig. 8.17) for easier ac- 
cess to the aft machinery sphere, improved 
handling and because they were of little 
control value anyway. The fins were taken 
off PISCES II and III when purchased by 
Vickers. Ironically, had the fins been left on 
the III vehicle, the entanglement and subse- 
quent flooding of the machinery sphere 
which led to its sinking could not have oc- 
curred (see Chap. 15). 


MANEUVERING 


The widest divergence of design philosophy 
in manned submersibles is found in the ap- 
proaches taken to maneuvering and, based 
on current submersibles employment rec- 
ords, there seems to be no best and no worst 
approach. About the only way to categorize 


GENERAL pynay, 
Electric Bast p, “SS 


ASPECT _ 
RATIO 


DIAMETER 
CHORD 


os 


LIFT COEFFICIENT C, 


04 


0 1 1 


20 


ANGLE OF ATTACK a (DEG) 


Fig. 8.15 Variation of shroud lift coefficient with angle of attack for various aspect 
ratios 


Fig. 8.16 STAR //l and BEAVER. Showing two different configurations of fixed stern stabilizers. (Gen. Dyn. and North American Rockwell) 


381 


Amencan Rockwell 


A OCKWELL CORPORATION ’ 


ee RR 


Fig. 8.16 BEAVER. 


Fig. 8.17 Tail fin stabilizers on PISCES // & II (left background) were discontinued on later vehicles of the PISCES /V variety (right). (International Hydrodynamics) 


382 


the means of maneuvering is between vehi- 
cles that rely solely on motors and those that 
use motors in combination with planes and a 
rudder. In each case the location and versa- 
tility of motors and the shape and location of 
the planes and rudders all vary widely and 
defy categorization. In an attempt to impose 
some order into an area dominated by the 
“free spirit,” the following discussion pro- 
ceeds along the lines of degrees of freedom 
obtained by the “motors only group” versus 
the “motor and rudder/planes group.” 

To hold this narrative to manageable pro- 
portions, only the motions obtained by mo- 
tors, planes and rudder are discussed. As 
was shown in Chapter 6, submersibles have 
the ability to gain pitch and roll by virtue of 
variable ballast tanks, battery shifts, mer- 
cury transfer and what-not. A discussion of 
these is not repeated here. Similarly, most 
submersibles can obtain heave motion by 
virtue of ballasting or deballasting. Previ- 
ously mentioned is the control the operator 
has on motion by merely shifting his weight. 
Discussed later in this chapter, but directly 
related to maneuvering capability, is the 
ability of most vehicles to run their motors 
at variable speeds independently of each 
other and in opposing directions. This fea- 
ture provides a great deal of the yawing 
capability on vehicles where two motors are 
used for main propulsion. 

A variety of other maneuvering options 
are available. For example, DEEP QUEST 
can attain a high upward pitch angle while 
stationary on the bottom by transferring 
mercury from forward to aft, ALUMINAUT 
used its manipulators to climb hand-over- 
hand up the side of ALVIN in 1969 to insert a 
toggle in ALVIN’s hull, and NEMO can attain 
heave by reeling its anchor in or out in a yo- 
yo-like fashion. In actual operations, these 
and other options are brought into play to 
provide virtually any motion or maneuver 
desired. These options must be added to the 
basic degrees of freedom motions discussed 
below. 


Propulsive Control 
Thrust and Yaw: 

The most basic of motions, to move forward 
(or backward) and change heading (under- 
way or bottomed), are obtained by: 


383 


a) Two port/starboard reversible propellers 
fixed in a horizontal position and 
mounted either amidships or on the 
stern. By slowing down or reversing one 
propeller the vehicle can be made to 
yaw. Submersibles in this category are 
DS-4000 (Fig. 8.18a), PISCES I, IT, IIT, 
IV and V, SP-3000, SDL-1, FNRS-2 & 3 
and SNOOPER. 

b) Two reversible stern propellers with a 
lateral bow thruster for additional help 
in changing heading. TRIESTE II (Fig. 
8.18b) uses this method. 


Thrust, Yaw, Heave: 

Adding the ability to maneuver vertically 
up or down to that of traversing and chang- 
ing course, the following procedures are fol- 
lowed: 

a) Two port/starboard fixed, reversible pro- 
pellers capable of being rotated 360 de- 
grees in the vertical plane. NEMO (Fig. 
8.18c) used this arrangement (its shape 
and low center of gravity held it in a 
vertical position) in addition to an an- 
chor and winch for heave motions. 

b) One (ARCHIMEDE) or two (DEEP 
VIEW) stern-mounted, reversible propel- 
lers, one lateral thruster and one verti- 
cal thruster (Fig. 8.18d). 


Thrust, Yaw and Sidle: 

Two vehicles can be found with this capa- 
bility, MERMAID (Fig. 8.18e), which uses a 
reversible stern propeller and two lateral 
thrusters (one fore, one aft), and NEREID 
which uses a trainable, reversible, stern pro- 
peller in conjunction with a fixed, reversible 
lateral thruster mounted forward. 


Thrust, Yaw, Heave, Pitch: 

The greatest number of submersibles us- 
ing only motors for maneuvering fall into 
this group, and the ways to achieve these 
motions are quite varied: 

a) Two reversible propellers mounted port 
and starboard amidships and capable of 
rotating 360 degrees in the vertical 
plane. Vehicles using this system are all 
small and consist of the All Ocean In- 
dustries’ vehicle, GUPPY, K-250 (Fig. 
8.18f), STAR I, ASHERAH, BENTHOS 
V, SURV and TOURS 64 & 66. A roll 
motion can be placed on these vehicles 
by directing one propeller’s thrust up- 


o 


ANCHOR 


| wince 
c) NEMO 
360° 
4077) a 
———_—_  ———— 


f) K-250 


(aaa 
d) ARCHIMEDE e) MERMAID I 
= 


360° 
ROTATION 
g) ALVIN i) SEA RANGER 


360° 
a a ROTATION a : 
an’ | | ee 
= 3 
1) KUMUKAHI 


k) SHINKAI 
=I —— 


j) SP-350 
BA7> Oy 


! | <= 


(igs =| THRUST HEAVE 
EM fom =: 
| Ol 


, ee 
YAW SIDLE 
LL 
n) DS-2000 0) BEAVER aS 


m) JOHNSON SEA LINK 
Fig. 8.18 Maneuvering by propulsion. 


384 


ward and the opposing one downward. 
Laterally trainable, stern-mounted pro- 
peller with port/starboard, 360-degree 
rotating thrusters amidships. ALVIN 
(Fig. 8.18g), SEA CLIFF and TURTLE 
fall into this group. 

Two reversible, fixed and ducted stern 
propellers (pointing 15° outboard) and 
two fixed, reversible, vertical thrusters 
fore and aft. DOWB (Fig. 8.18h) can 
obtain pitch by operating the thrusters 
in opposition. 

d) Two fixed, reversible stern propellers 
and one fixed reversible, vertical stern 
thruster. SEA RANGER (Fig. 8.18i) em- 
ploys this system. The vertical thruster 
provides pitch and, it is believed, with 
proper vehicle trim can also provide 
heave. 

Two variable-speed, port/starboard 
water jets mounted on the bow and ¢ca- 
pable of rotating 270 degrees in the ver- 
tical plane. SP-350 (Fig. 8.18j) and SP- 
500 use this system. 

One fixed, reversible stern propeller and 
two port/starboard, reversible thrusters 
capable of 360 degrees of rotation in the 
vertical plane. SHINKAIT (Fig. 8.18k) 
uses this approach. 


Thrust, Yaw, Heave, Sidle: 

In this group are two submersibles, each 

with a different means to the same end. 

a) The Navy’s MAKAKAI uses two pi-pitch 
eycloidal propellers, which were de- 
scribed earlier. 

b) KUMUKAHI employs four reversible, 
fixed, port/starboard thrusters, and one 
vertical and one lateral thruster, both of 
which are fixed and reversible (Fig. 
8.181) 


Thrust, Yaw, Heave, Pitch, Sidle: 

Two submersibles obtain these motions ex- 
clusively through propulsion alone: The 
JOHNSON SEA LINK and DS-2000. 

a) The JOHNSON SEA LINK (Fig. 8.18m) 
carries eight reversible propellers which 
are arranged to provide the following: 

Three trainable (90° port/starboard) 
stern-mounted propellers provide 
thrust and yaw. One bow-mounted 
and laterally oriented thruster also 
provides yaw and, in combination 


b 


a 


7 


c 


e) 


385 


with stern propellers in proper orien- 
tation, sidle. Two vertical fore and aft 
thrusters provide heave and pitch. 
Two port- and starboard-mounted, 
fore-and-aft thrusters are situated 
amidships to assist in thrust. 

b) DS-2000 employs two fixed, reversible, 
stern propellers, two fixed, reversible 
fore- and aft-mounted vertical and fore- 
and aft-mounted lateral propellers (Fig. 
8.18n). 


Thrust, Yaw, Heave, Sidle, Roll: 

BEAVER has three reversible, 360-degree 
rotatable propellers mounted in an inverted 
“Y”’ configuration amidships around its hull; 
through a variety of orientations and thrust 
combinations five degrees of freedom are 
obtained as demonstrated in Figure 8.180. 
Similar to NEMO, BEAVER also carries an 
anchor and winch which can be used to ob- 
tain a yo-yo-like heave motion and fore and 
aft transfer of meurcury provides pitch. 


Control by Motors, Rudders 


and Planes 
The greatest number of shallow diving 


submersibles is found in the group relying on 
rudders and planes, in addition to propellers, 
to maneuver. The use of planes and rudders 
has one obvious disadvantage: They are only 
effective when the vehicle is underway; 
thrusters are effective when the vehicle is at 
zero speed. 


Thrust, Yaw, Heave: 

The two General Dynamics’ submersibles 
STAR II and STAR IIT fall into this category 
and both vehicles’ rudders are hydraulically 
powered. 

a) STAR II (Fig. 8.19a) is equipped with 
two fixed, reversible, stern propellers, 
one fixed, reversible, vertical thruster 
atop the vehicle just aft of the hatch 
and enclosed within the fairing. A rud- 
der is formed from the lower trailing 
edge of a cruciform tail section. 

b) STAR III (Fig. 8.19b) utilizes one fixed, 
reversible stern propeller, a vertical 
thruster mounted similar to STAR II's, 
a fixed, reversible lateral bow thruster 
ducted within the exostructure and a 
rudder formed from the trailing edge of 
its inverted Y-shaped tail section. 


= 3 
a=) ee 


RUDDER 
Se oz 
PLANE 


a) STAR II ee STAR III c) PC-3B 


SS 
—— mK 4s a 


d) AQUARIUS | e) AUGUSTE PICCARD f) ALUMINAUT 
<r ere kO ¢ OC SX 
eit) aes at 
ce Le eee) @-\-8 
g) SURVEY SUB 1 h) BEN FRANKLIN i) VOL-LI 


=a Se a} 
ree 


j) DEEP DIVER k) HAKUYO 1) SEA OTTER 
rx { 
=p 
| 
oy Se : 
t ; 
m) SHELF DIVER n) DSRV o) DEEP QUEST 


Fig. 8.19 Maneuvering by propulsive and non-propulsive devices. 


386 


Thrust, Yaw, Pitch: 

A total of 18 vehicles obtains these three de- 
grees of freedom utilizing three different ap- 
proaches. Pitch in all cases is provided by dive 
planes; yaw is obtained in two instances with 
other than rudders. 
rudders. 

In the most general situation, maneu- 

vering consists of a fixed, reversible 

stern propeller, a rudder and dive 
planes; the only variation is in the loca- 
tion (and shape) of the dive planes. The 
following vehicles have bow planes: 

NAUTILETTE, NEKTON A, B, and C, 

PC-3Al and 2, PC-3B, PC3-X and 

SPORTSMAN 300 and 600. Aft dive 

planes are found on the MINI DIVER 

and Martine’s SUBMANAUT (Fig. 8.11) 

while the dive planes are mounted amid- 

ships on SEA-RAY. KUROSHIO IT com- 

bines both fore and aft planes with a 

rudder. While the location of planes var- 

ies, the motions obtainable are equiva- 
lent and PC-3B (Fig. 8.19c) is used to 
demonstrate this arrangement. 

In place of a rudder, AQUARIUS I has a 

trainable stern propeller (90° port/star- 

board) to provide yawing motion. This 
propeller is also reversible and a bow 
plane provides pitch motion (Fig. 8.19d). 

PAULO I had a similar system, but its 

dive planes were mounted aft in a fash- 

ion similar to Martine’s SUBMANAUT. 

AUGUSTE PICCARD has both fore and 

aft hydraulically controlled dive planes 

(called hydroplanes) to provide pitch. To 

obtain yaw, its Kort nozzle can be di- 

rected 25 degrees to port or starboard 

while its fixed, reversible stern propel- 
ler remains in one position. While the 
approach to yaw is different from those 
of PC-8 and its associates, the result is 
the same. Figure 8.19e shows only the 
motion of the Kort nozzle on AUGUSTE 

PICCARD. 

d) TOURS 64 and 66 employ a rudder and 
port and starboard mounted propellers 
amidships. Both propellers are reversi- 
ble and capable of 210 degrees of rota- 
tion in the vertical plane. 


a) 


b 


wm 


a 


(4 


Thrust, Yaw, Heave, Pitch: 
By including vertical thrusters in a propel- 


387 


ler/rudder/planes arrangement, the motion 
of heave is included in two vehicles. 

a) ALUMINAUT (Fig. 8.19f) employs two 
fixed, reversible stern propellers, a 
fixed, reversible vertical thruster top- 
side amidships, a hydraulically-powered 
rudder and aft dive planes. 

b) SURVEY SUB 1 or TS-1 (Fig. 8.19g) 
obtains similar maneuverability using 
one fixed, reversible stern propeller, one 
fixed, reversible, lateral bow thruster, 
one fixed, reversible, vertical bow thrus- 
ter, bow planes and a rudder. 

Thrust, Yaw, Heave, Pitch, Roll: 

BEN FRANKLIN (Fig. 8.19h) is equipped 
with four 360-degree, rotatable, reversible 
thrusters mounted port and starboard, fore 
and aft. Hydraulically-powered rudders as- 
sist In yaw motion. The roll motion is as- 
sumed to be obtainable by orienting the port 
and starboard pairs in vertical opposition to 
each other, though this effect is not stated 
by the manufacturers. 

Trust, Yaw, Heave, Pitch, Sidle: 

By various arrangements of thrusters, 
rudders and planes, seven vehicles obtain 
these motions, each with a system different 
from the others. 

a) VOL-L1 (Fig. 8.191) has one 180-degree 
laterally trainable, reversible, stern pro- 
peller, one fixed, reversible, lateral bow 
thruster and one vertical thruster aft 
and dive planes port and starboard 
amidships. 

b) DEEP DIVER (Fig. 8.19j) has one 180- 
degree laterally trainable, reversible, 
stern propeller, one bow thruster capa- 
ble of rotating 360 degrees in the verti- 
cal plane, one fixed, reversible, aft lat- 
eral thruster and bow dive planes. 

c) HAKUYO (Fig. 8.19k) has one 180-degree 
laterally trainable, reversible, stern pro- 
peller, two fixed, reversible, vertical 
thrusters fore and aft, one lateral thrus- 
ter forward and bow planes. 

d) SEA OTTER (Fig. 8.191) has one fixed, 
reversible, stern propeller, two fixed, re- 
versible, lateral thrusters fore and aft, 
one fixed, reversible, bow thruster and a 
rudder. 

e) SHELF DIVER (Fig. 8.19m) has one 180- 
degree laterally trainable, reversible, 
stern propeller, two fixed, reversible, 


vertical stern and bow thrusters, one 
fixed, reversible, lateral thruster fore 
and aft and bow planes. 

f) DSRV-1 & 2 (Fig. 8.19n) has one fixed, 
reversible, stern propeller, one each 
(four altogether) fixed, reversible and 
ducted, lateral and vertical thruster 
fore and aft, port and starboard traina- 
ble stern shroud. Roll is obtained by 
transfer of mercury from one side to the 
other. 

g) DEEP QUEST (Fig. 8.190) has two fixed, 
reversible, stern thrusters, two fixed, 
reversible, ducted vertical thrusters 
fore and aft, two fixed, lateral water jets 
fore and aft (to provide sidle), hydrauli- 
cally-operated stern dive planes and a 
rudder. 

The degrees of freedom described for each 
of the above vehicles were present at one 
time and may still remain. It is obvious that 
merely adding a thruster or re-orienting an 
existing unit can change these motions. Such 
changes have occurred in the past and there 
is no reason to suspect that varying missions 
might not prompt such changes again. 

While the approaches to maneuverability 
have varied, there is a growing practice 
among current builders toward laterally- 
trainable stern propulsion units. This fea- 
ture provides more responsive and controlla- 
ble yaw motion without the aid of a rudder 
and provides it at zero speed of advance. In 
combination with a lateral bow thruster, the 
180-degree trainable, stern propeller also 
provides sidle motion. 

An interesting approach to steering and 
propulsion was presented by Wozniak et al. 
(13) and termed ‘‘Wake Steering.” Wake 
steering employs a propeller in a converging- 
diverging nozzle with four slots through the 
surface which may be selectively opened to 
provide radial thrust (Fig. 8.20). Wozniak and 
his associates offer the following explanation 
behind the radial thrust producing forces. 

“The combined action of the vehicle 

forward motion and propeller induced 

flow results in a low ambient static 
pressure on the inside surface of the 
nozzle, in fact, the propeller wake 

attaches to the nozzle. By opening a 

small port in the wall of the nozzle, 


exterior fluid is induced into the main 
flow.This action results in a circum- 
ferential variation of the interior pres- 
sure and local separation of the wake 
which in turn causes a net radial 
thrust. Turning forces for various ma- 
neuvers are thus developed by opening 
one or a combination of ports. Pure 
axial thrust is obtained when all ports 
are closed.” 

The wake steering concept had only under- 
gone experimental and theoretical analysis 
at the time of their report (1972) and, as the 
authors concluded, produced more questions 
than answers. It is described herein because 
it is a fixed system which, theoretically, can 
produce thrust, yaw and pitch motions with 
only one propeller and a fixed, instead of 
trainable, nozzle. 


MOTORS 


Regardless of the propulsor type or the 


PROPELLER 
SUPPORT 


CONTROL PORT 


CONTROL 
PORT 


BASIC STEERING NOZZLE & PROPELLER 
CONFIGURATION 


Fig. 8.20 Wake steering nozzle and propeller. [From Ref. (13)] 


nature of its containment, all submersibles 
use electric motors to initiate and maintain 
motion. The motor may be directly coupled to 
a rotating shaft, or it may move the shaft 
indirectly through an intermediary hy- 
draulic pump. The nature of such motors (or 
propulsive power) depends, in part, upon the 
vehicle’s size and configuration and the de- 
sired speed. Neglecting motor horsepower 
requirements for the moment (dealt with in 
the following section), let’s turn to an exami- 
nation of the design and electrical current 
options available to the submersible de- 
signer. 


Alternating Versus Direct Current 
Motors 

The choice between a propulsion motor 
operating on alternating or direct current 
has been almost unanimously in favor of DC. 
Only 9 of the 100+ submersibles use AC 
propulsion motors; the reason is one of eco- 
nomics. While AC motors are simpler in de- 
sign and construction, and require less main- 
tenance, an inverter must be supplied to 
change DC to AC. This adds weight and will 
take away from pressure hull space if 
mounted therein. More importantly, the in- 
verter adds to both the vehicle’s cost and 
complexity. 

DC motors, on the other hand, can be oper- 
ated directly from the battery, they have 
better speed control than AC, and produce 
higher torque. Because DC motors use com- 
mutator bars and brushes they must be pro- 
tected from seawater; additionally, they re- 
quire more frequent maintenance, which 
may be every 40 to 50 hours of service. This 
latter feature has not been a great disadvan- 
tage because most vehicles are taken out of 
the water after each dive when such mainte- 
nance may be performed. 

Before examining the design of present 
electric motors, a basic problem should be 
identified. A screw-type propeller turns on a 
shaft which in turn is rotated by an electric 
motor. Somewhere in this scheme the compo- 
nents of the motor must be protected from 
seawater. The most obvious solution is to 
place the motor inside the pressure hull or 
inside a pressure-resistant case, but the fact 
that the shaft must both penetrate the case 


389 


and rotate within this penetration presents 
severe problems. From earlier chapters it 
was seen that thru-hull shaft penetrations 
which are watertight and pressure resistant 
are common, but when the shaft must main- 
tain these two features and rotate at the 
same time a new set of problems is con- 
fronted. In essence, a dynamic seal capable 
of limiting the leakage of seawater into a 1- 
atmosphere motor container is not available 
for great depths. In some shallow vehicles, 
e.g., the NEKTON series and the Perry vehi- 
cles, the pressure at their operating depth 
can be overcome by a pseudo-packing gland. 
In these vehicles the motor is contained in a 
separate, pressure-resistant compartment 
either outside or inside the hull. The only 
relatively deep submersible in which the 
drive shaft penetrates the pressure hull and 
the motor is not sealed off from the hull in a 
separate compartment is the 2,500-foot AU- 
GUSTE PICCARD. The water-tightness of 
AUGUSTE PICCARD’s propeller shaft is ob- 
tained by a graphite joint inside of which is a 
packing gland. An inflatable rubber ring 
serves as a security fitting between shaft 
bearing and the hull. A variety of contact 
seals of this nature is presented in reference 
(14), and this report concludes that all con- 
tact-type seal configurations are, in effect, 
bearings whose generated pressure and 
clearance are utilized to restrict leakage. 
Design of such seals is, according to Sasdelli 
and Spargo (ibid), a trade-off between wear 
and leakage, and in the military submarine 
where large, powerful propulsion plants are 
required and must be protected from both 
nature and man, the problem is severly com- 
plicated. In manned submersibles, propul- 
sion power requirements are minute in com- 
parison and nature, through formidable is 
the only adversary. 

A state-of-the-art summary of propulsion 
motors for submersibles was presented by 
Mr. L. A. Thomas of Franklin Electric Com- 
pany in 1968 (15). Though modifications have 
taken place since this summary, the motor 
categorizations and the design principles 
Thomas outlined are still applicable. 

Thomas presented three different design 
concepts in electric motors for outboard (vs. 
in-hull) propulsion in seawater: Open- 


winding, Water-filled; Open-winding, Oil- 
filled; and Hermetically sealed motors. 


Open-Winding, Water-Filled Motors: 

In this design the machinery is open to the 
sea and operates within the ambient sea- 
water environment where circulating sea- 
water both cools and lubricates the motor. 
The stator coils are magnet wire insulated 
with a heavy-duty waterproof coating, such 
as polyviny! chloride (PVC). The advantages 
to this system are that no dynamic seals are 
required and a supply of machinery fluid is 
always available. On the debit side, the poor 
lubricating, electrical and corrosive proper- 
ties of seawater call for a very high degree 
of reliability in components (standard ball or 
roller bearings would have a limited life- 
span). To restrict the introduction of large 
particles and organic materials, a shaft seal 
can be installed and internal water compen- 
sated to ambient pressure, but, as Thomas 
points out, some biological growth and corro- 
sion is still likely. 


Open-Winding, Oil-Filled Motors: 
The stator coils of this motor are wound of 


standard varnish insulated magnet wire. 
The machinery system may be filled with a 
dielectric fluid which provides protection 
against corrosion, and also cools and lubri- 
cates. Also, the entrained fluid acts as a 
pressure-compensation system where a shaft 
seal keeps water out and the pressure differ- 
ential across the seal can be minimal. This 
system is one of the more popular types used 
in submersibles with DC motors. Its reliabil- 
ity is strongly influenced by the effective- 
ness of the seal. The simplest system uses 
one seal and one pressure compensator to 
maintain the machinery compartment at am- 
bient pressure or slightly higher. The major- 
ity of seal systems on electric drives uses two 
axial face seals at the machinery-shaft-sea 
interface and two pressure compensators. An 
example of this type of seal design in asystem 
is shown in Figure 8.21. If seawater leaks into 
the system the motor may fail quickly by 
short circuiting. However, DOT studies of 
such seals concluded (6 Feb. 1973) that no 
serious problems with these seals have been 
reported to date, and tests they performed 
substantiated this observation. Statice leak- 
age immediately after assembly has been re- 


SEAL CAVITY COMPENSATOR 


MACHINERY CAVITY COMPENSATOR 


MACHINERY CAVITY 


SIMPLE ELASTOMER DIAPHRAGM 


SEA 


CC 
ee 


INBOARD SEAL 


OUTBOARD SEAL SLINGER 


Fig. 8.21 Double seal, redundant arrangement (AP Nominally Zero). (From Ref. (14)] 


390 


ported and found to be due to contaminants 
between seal faces introduced at the assem- 
bly stage. 


Hermetically Sealed Motors: 

In this design (Fig. 8.22) the electrical sys- 
tem is completely isolated from seawater by 
impregnating the stator windings in an 
epoxy resin and sealing the component in- 
side a welded, corrosion-resistant metal case. 
The design may incorporate either oil or 
water as a lubricant and a shaft seal and 
pressure-compensation system can be em- 
ployed. According to Thomas, hermetically 
sealed motors have successfully performed 
as deep as 11,500 feet and can, with minor 
modifications, operate successfully to 20,000 
feet. He further states that this design pro- 
vides maximum reliability in seawater. 


STAINLESS 
CONSTRUCTION 


OIL FILLED BORE 


The variety of commercially available elec- 
tric motors is manifold and submersible 
builders do not appear to favor any particu- 
lar brand over the other (See individual list- 
ings in Chap. 4). In a few instances they have 
modified the design of an off-the-shelf item 
to fit their own requirements, e.g., Perry 
Submarine Builders. In other cases, such as 
HYCO, they manufacture their own. The 
shallow diving, smaller vehicles have a 
greater range of options than their deep- 
diving counterparts because of the small 
power requirements and reduced pressures. 
In the case of KUMUKAH I, a trolling motor 
from Sears & Roebuck suited the task. 


A few vehicles employ electro-hydraulic 
motors to provide propulsive power; an ex- 
ample of this arrangement for MAKAKAI is 


PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE 


ANT! - FRICTION 
BALL BEARINGS 


WATER BLOCK 
CONNECTOR 


HERMETICALLY SEALED - 
ENCASULATED STATOR WINDINGS 


DYNAMICALLY 
BALANCED ROTOR 


COMPENSATING BELLOWS WITH 
POSITIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE 


LABYRINTH SHAFT 
SEAL 


RUNNING FACE 
SEAL 


Fig. 8.22 Cutaway of Franklin Electric's hermetically sealed motor with pressure compensation. (Franklin Elec. Co.) 


391 


shown in Figure 8.23. A scheme using hyd- 
raulic motors in liew of direct electrical drive 
in MAKAKAI was because only one electronic 
control circuit would be required to control 
both motors; hence, simplicity. In NEMO, 
because the anchor winch only operated with 
hydraulic power, it was considered expedient 
to operate the remaining components with 
the same hydraulic motor. Use of hydraulic 
motors for propulsion is not common in past 
or present submersibles, and their employ- 
ment is generally based on design or space 
constraints peculiar to a specific vehicle. 


DRAG FORCES 


So far, only the forces that move a sub- 
mersible have been discussed. In order to 


FLUID 
RESERVOIR 


E> 


i- HYD PUMP 
PRESS COMP 


FOUR-WAY 
CONTROL VALVE 


ELECTRIC MOTOR 
120 VDC 
10 SHP 


SHAFT POSITION 
ENCODER 


derive the propulsive power required to 
move a particular vehicle, the forces acting 
to resist movement must also be considered. 

Two forces act to restrain a submersible’s 
movement underwater: Form drag and fric- 
tion drag between the water and its skin. 
Quite simply, form drag is created as the 
water is moved outward to make room for 
the body and is a function of cross-sectional 
area and shape. Friction drag is created by 
the frictional forces between the skin (fair- 
ings and appurtenances) and the water. 


Form Drag 

The ideal hydrodynamic shape for an un- 
derwater vehicle is a streamlined body of 
revolution with a single screw on the center- 
line as shown in the ALBACORE-type hull 


Ba Es 


THRUST DIRECTION 
ACTUATOR 


| 
| 
| 
| 
el 


POWER OUT TO 
SPEED REDUCER 


HYD MTR 


CAM PLATE 
SHAFT ENCODER 
(SPEED FEEDBACK) 


Se eee 
HYD MTR - POWER OUT TO 
4-HP SPEED REDUCER 
1 


THRUST DIRECTION 
ACTUATOR 


Fig. 8.23 MAKAKAI's electro-hydraulic propulsion system. 


392 


(Fig. 8.24). In this type of body there is low 
drag, very little wake and what drag does 
exist is largely that of skin friction. As is 
evident from Figure 8.24, the drag coefficient 
(C,) of such streamlined bodies of revolution 
is governed primarily by the length to diame- 
ter ratio, sometimes referred to as the ‘“‘fine- 
ness”? ratio and secondarily by Reynolds 
number of the flow. 

A review of the submersible configurations 
in Figures 8.18 and 8.19 reveals no parallels 
to the ALBACORE hull; the closest similarity 
being perhaps that of the DSRV. Submers- 
ibles range between bluff (non-streamlined) 
to somewhere approaching streamlined bod- 
ies; the majority congregating towards the 
lower middle or bluff end of this broad cate- 
gory. Consequently, high form drag is preva- 
lent. 


Skin Friction Drag 

Skin friction drag is due to the viscosity of 
the water. Its effects are exhibited in the 
adjacent, thin layers of fluid in contact with 
the vehicle’s surface—i.e., the boundary 
layer. The boundary layer begins at the sur- 
face of the submersible where the water is in 
immediate contact with the surface and is at 
zero velocity relative to the surface. The 
outer edge of the boundary layer is at water- 
stream velocity. Consequently, within this 
layer is a velocity gradient and shearing 
stresses produced between the thin layers 
adjacent to each other. The skin friction drag 
is the result of stresses produced within the 
boundary layer. Initial flow within the 
boundary layer is laminar (regular, continu- 
ous movement of individual water particles 
in a specific direction) and then abruptly 
terminates into a transition region where 
the flow is turbulent and the layer increases 
in thickness. To obtain high vehicle speed, 
the design must be towards retaining lami- 
nar flow as long as possible, for the drag in 
the laminar layer is much less than that 
within the turbulent layer. 

An important factor determining the con- 
dition of flow about a body and the relative 
effect of fluid viscosity is the ‘‘Reynolds num- 
ber.”’ This number was evolved from work of 
the Englishman Osborne Reynolds in the 
1880’s who observed that what might have 
begun as laminar flow became abruptly tur- 


393 


bulent when a particular value of the prod- 
uct of the distance along a tube and the 
velocity divided by the viscosity was reached. 
The Reynolds number expresses in non-di- 
mensional form a ratio between inertia 
forces and viscous forces on the particle, and 
the transition from the laminar to the turbu- 
lent area occurs at a critical Reynolds num- 
ber value. This critical Reynolds number 
value is lowered by the effects of surface 
imperfections and regions of increasing pres- 
sure. In some circumstances, sufficient ki- 
netic energy of the flow may be lost from the 
boundary layer such that the flow separates 
from the body and produces large pressure 
or form drag. 

The Reynolds number can be calculated by 
the following: 


ALBACORE Type Hull 


3X VOLUME ) = 
4X7 


BASED ON 7 ( 


THE CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA OF A 
SPHERE OF THE SAME VOLUME 


DRAG COEFFICIENT Cp 


LENGTH TO DIAMETER (FINENESS) RATIO 


Fig. 8.24 Drag coefficient of streamline bodies of revolution 


Re 
REYNOLDS 
NUMBER 


108 


10° 


0.2 


0.1 


SPEED 


1 


V 
Vv 
KINEMATIC 
REFERENCE ViSCOSIN 
LINE / 
LENGTH (cent) 
(IN) (FT) STOKES / (FT?/SEC) 
80 1,000 80 80 8 
60 800 60 60 6 
600 
5 oN 40 40 4 
a 400 
TE Air 
Line A i 
20 Bae ee oC 
_— iP ° 
=10 Neg 10 19 io¢ OF 
8 100 8 8 
6 ae 80 6 6 
60 
4 4 4 4 
LINE A AND 7 SEAWATER 
LINE B PASS LM ee i 
2 THROUGH SAME 2 =e 0b 
POINT ON 20 NS ee i 
REFERENCE LINE ; ae 
0.6 8+ o6 0.6 6 
6 
0.4 0.4 0.4 4 
4 
0.2 0.2 0.2 2 
2 
0.1 0.1 0.1 ane 


To find the Reynolds number, find the crossing point on the reference line for the product of the 
given speed and length; for example, line A for a velocity of 10 ft/sec and a 30-ft length. Then, 
using this reference point, find the quotient for the given viscosity; for example, line B for a 
viscosity of 1.2 X 10 °° (seawater at 60°F). 
intersection of line B and the Reynolds scale—2.5 X 10’ for the example. 


Fig. 8.25 Nomogram for finding Reynolds Number. 


394 


The resulting Reynolds number is given by the 


where p = density of fluid (Slugs/ft*) 

V = velocity of flow (ft/sec) 

m = coefficient of viscosity (lb-sec/ 
fit) 

v = m/p = kinematic viscosity (ft?/ 
sec) 

1 = a characteristic length of the 
body (ft) 


The Reynolds number can also be obtained 
from the nomogram in Figure 8.25. 

An additional factor is roughness of the 
body surface which will increase frictional 
drag. Naval architects generally add a 
roughness-drag coefficient to the friction- 
drag coefficient value for average conditions. 

Because a submersible rarely travels at 
constant speed, forces must be considered 
that arise from the acceleration of a mass of 
fluid entrained by the body or fairings. The 
added mass is determined by the mass den- 
sity of the fluid and size, shape and motion of 
the body. Likewise, there is a moment of 
inertia accompanying angular acceleration 
which is also added (16). Both the former 
force (called virtual or induced mass) and the 
latter, moment of inertia, are treated under 
unsteady flow in hydrodynamic considera- 
tions. 

While such considerations are of extreme 
importance to the military submarine— 
where high speed, among other factors, is 
desired—they are less important to submers- 
ibles where 2 or 3 knots generally will suf- 
fice. More important than the shape of a 
submersible are considerations of pressure 
hull size, component arrangement, maneu- 
verability, weight saving and surface sea- 
keeping. Furthermore, while a particular 
hull shape may be hydrodynamically satisfy- 
ing, the external instruments and equipment 
attached from dive to dive will frustrate any 
attempts by the hydrodynamicist to main- 
tain a low drag coefficient. A number of the 
large corporations and academic institutions 
have derived the drag forces operating on 
their vehicle. One such case is ALVIN, for 
which Mavor et al. (8) present a moderately 
detailed but fully referenced account of the 
procedures and results. Resistance data for 
bodies of ALVIN’s shape (described as ocu- 
lina) were not available at the time of its 
design; consequently, a one-twelfth scale 
model was constructed at the Massachusetts 


Institute of Technology and towed by a 
pusher sting dynamometer. A drag coeffi- 
cient of 0.027 based on its wetted-surface 
area was indicated. A second test on a one- 
quarter scale model at the Illinois Institute 
of Technology confirmed the 0.027 drag coef- 
ficient. For comparison purposes, a total 
drag coefficient for the ALBACORE-type hull 
was calculated at 0.0033. While ALVIN is not 
the most streamlined of submersibles, it is 
not the worst, and it might serve as a gen- 
eral comparison for the drag coefficient of 
contemporary submersibles (with a spherical 
bow) against a streamlined body of revolu- 
tion. Interestingly, ALVIN’s resistance is ap- 
proximately equal to that of a sphere having 
the same cross-sectional diameter as the 
hull, and the hull shape in this range of 
fineness ratio may not have important ef- 
fects on resistance. 


PROPULSION POWER 
REQUIREMENTS 


To derive the horsepower required of a 
submersible’s motor two factors must be de- 
cided: What is the desired speed, and what 
resistance must be overcome? In most cases 
the designer will have fairly firm notions 
concerning speed, but the resistance or drag 
of the vehicle is not always known. 

Model testing and the engineering talents 
required for drag and dimensional analyses, 
such as those performed on ALVIN, are ex- 
pensive and far beyond the resources of the 
so-called “backyard builder.” Furthermore, if 
the model tests were to show an optimum 
horsepower which was not available off-the- 
shelf, few, if any, of the smaller builders 
would be able to afford the cost of a specially 
built motor. The approach taken by the small 
builder to motor selection is based, in the 
final analysis, on availability and trial and 
error. 

An example of the above approach is found 
in the NEKTON vehicles. According to Mr. 
Douglas Privitt of General Oceanographics, 
the procedure followed in selecting a propul- 
sion motor for those vehicles was based on 
the following constraints: The motor had to 
be DC, series wound, small and light weight. 
It had to provide a speed of 2 knots at an 
economical current drain and be available 


off-the-shelf. These constraints left very few 
candidates from which to select. A golf cart 
motor of 3.5 horsepower mounted in a pres- 
sure-resistant housing designed by General 
Oceanographics was selected and has been 
quite successful. The power for this motor 
was provided by golf cart batteries. Addi- 
tional guidance was provided by assaying 
the field to see what other similarly sized 
vehicles were using. This approach is just as 
successful for the NEKTON vehicles of Gen- 
eral Oceanographics as the more sophisti- 
cated approach taken by the giant Aerospace 
Corporation for their vehicles. 

The common unit for expressing the power 
delivered by a motor is horsepower (hp) (one 
horsepower is defined as 550 ft-lb/sec). In 
both submersibles and surface ships the 
power delivered by the engine to the propel- 
ler is called shaft horsepower (SHP), and is 


4 
3 
2 
x 2 
wn 
(a) 
Zz 
=) 
[e) 
ee 
1o) 
z 1 
cc 
a 
0) 
0 1 2 3 


the product of the torque and revolutions per 
minute of the shaft. Another definition of 
SHP deducts shaft seal and bearing losses 
from the engine output to derive actual 
power delivered to the propeller (2). The 
power required to propel a submersible 
through the water is expressed as effective 
horsepower (EHP) and is equal to the prod- 
uct of the resistance in pounds and the speed 
(ft-lb/sec) divided by 550. 

In the ALVIN model tests (8), the total drag 
(Rt) was measured by a dynamometer at 
varying speeds. By performing the calcula- 
tions defining EHP, the horsepower needed 
to propel ALVIN through a range of speeds 
was found. A plot of these values, including 
EHP, is shown in Figure 8.26. 

Another example of deriving required 
horsepower was given by Daubin (18) for 
General Motor’s DOWB. In these calcula- 


5 

4 
m 
nn 
Sai! 
o 

3 4 
< 
m 
at 
(e) 
0) 
mn 

2 
s) 
= 
m 
a 

1 

0 


SPEED—FEET PER SECOND 


Fig. 8.26 EHP curves for ALVIN. [From Ref. (17)] 


396 


tions DOWB’s similarities to ALVIN in fine- 
ness ratio, Reynolds number and shape were 
considered close enough to justify using the 
same drag coefficient of 0.027, from this was 
caleulated: Drag, EHP and SHP. 

A first approximation of SHP required to 
drive a submersible is presented by Rechnit- 
zer and Gorman (19) as 


SHP = 0.005 V2 As 
where V = Speed in knots 
ANS propelled displacement. An ap- 

proximation of the weight in- 
cluding water confined within 
the fairing: LBD/60 in. long 
tons (2,240 lb); L = length, B = 
breadth, D = depth in feet. 

From these examples it is apparent that 
there are several ways to determine and 
obtain the required SHP for a submersible: 
The first involves off-the-shelf availability of 
candidate motors and intuition, the second 
encompasses model testing and a variety of 
calculations from model tests of similarly 
configured vehicles. In addition there are 
other means proprietary to various manufac- 
turers. Perry Submarine Builders uses a 
method based on past vehicle performance 
with various propulsion plants and, in some 
manner, observes drag on the vehicle itself 
instead of a model. (Personal communication 
with F. Cunningham, Perry Submarine 
Builders.) 

Regardless of the method used to derive 
required SHP, the results are fairly consist- 
ent: Low SHP is the rule. Where rated horse- 
power data is available (58 submersibles), the 
following groupings are found: 1-5 hp = 50%; 
5-10 hp = 35%; 10-15 hp = 9%; 15-20 hp 
2%; the remaining 4%, AUGUSTE PICCARD 
and BEN FRANKLIN, use 75 hp and 100 hp, 
respectively. (These values are for main pro- 
pulsion only and do not include thruster 
values.) The low horsepower reflects not only 
the undesirability of high speed, but also the 
quite limited supply of electrical power 
which is the only power source for a variety 
of other tasks. 

The term V® in the above equation is a 
paramount consideration when high speed is 
desired, because it represents a heavy toll 
one must pay in power for merely a small 
increase in speed. 


397 


Consider the following for the submersible 
BEAVER which, from reference (20), has a 
A2/s 15. If BEAVER is to cruise at 2 knots 
then by the formula: 

SHP = 0.005 V* A2/s = 0.005 (2)? (15) 
SHE = 0:60 


If a 50 percent increase in speed (38 knots) is 
desired, then the SHP required increases to 
2.03, over a three-fold increase. Let us now 
consider what this requires in the form of 
electrical power. A 0.60-hp requirement is 
equal to 0.45 kWh (hp x 0.745), while 2.03 hp is 
equal to 1.51 kWh. An increase in speed, 
therefore, calls for electrical power which is 
in competition with other tasks equal to, or 
exceeding, the importance of higher speed. 


CONTROL DEVICES 


The means of controlling a submersible’s 
Maneuvering devices are as varied as the 
devices themselves. At one end of the spec- 
trum the control is entirely manual; at the 
other end the necessary controls are so com- 
plex that computer assistance is necessary. 
Between these two extremes are combina- 
tions of manual, manual-hydraulic, electro- 
hydraulic and electrical. Instead of listing 
each and every means used on individual 
vehicles, which would be exhaustive, a repre- 
sentative selection of vehicles is described. 

There is one area of commonality through- 
out the field: All vehicles can be controlled 
by one person. While several of the larger, 
more complex vehicles have a co-pilot, the 
second person is not required for basic con- 
trol of the vehicle. The co-pilot serves mainly 
to relieve the pilot and assist in special ma- 
neuvers or functions. The similarity in tasks 
between an aircraft crew and the crew of a 
large submersible is, in many respects, very 
close. 

While the major control functions occupy- 
ing the operator are those when submerged, 
there are certain functions some operators 
must perform during launch and retrieval. 
The great majority of vehicles place no re- 
sponsibility on the pilot during launch or 
retrieval other than to secure the hatch and 
wait until the vehicle is in the water. Once it 
is in the water and free of steadying lines 
and lift cable, the operator’s work and con- 


trol functions begin. In the case of both 
ALVIN and DEEP QUEST, however, coordi- 
nation is required between the operator and 
support ship during both launch and re- 
trieval. An explanation of submerged con- 
trol, however, describes the same control 
available on the surface. 


ALL OCEAN INDUSTRIES: 

The All Ocean Industries vehicle and the 
K-250 series obtain all propulsion and ma- 
neuverability from four 1/2-hp, 6 and 12 VDC 
electric motors mounted in pairs port and 
starboard amidships. A selector switch is 
provided for each motor which can be set at 
low, medium or high speed. Control or orien- 
tation of the motors, which rotate together 
or individually 360 degrees in the vertical, is 
quite simple: The operator merely pushes or 
pulls a crank-like bar connected to the mo- 
tors which rotates within a thru-hull pene- 
tration (Fig. 8.27). The motors are pressure- 
compensated to 150 feet and produced by 
Phantom Motors, Kansas City, Mo. Because 
there are no slip rings in the rotating sys- 
tem, the operator must be careful not to 


rotate the motors beyond 360 degrees or else 
he runs the risk of breaking the wires. 

SDL-1: 

The SDL-1 is propelled by two independ- 
ently controlled motors which are mounted 
in the horizontal plane port and starboard. 
Each motor is compound wound, 120 VDC, 5 
hp, reversible and drives a screw-type pro- 
peller. A 4:1 planetary reduction gear is cou- 
pled to each motor armature. Both motor 
casing and reduction gear housing are indi- 
vidually pressure-compensated. Control of 
each motor is obtained from a Wismer and 
Rawlings 50-amp, 60- and 120-VDC, 3-step 
reversing control unit. The throttle box is 
portable and may be moved about in the 
control (forward) pressure sphere. Two 7-step 
rotary switches are mounted on opposite 
sides of the throttlebox, providing three 
speeds forward, three speeds aft and neutral 
or OFF. The propulsion motors may be oper- 
ated together or independently at any combi- 
nation of speeds and in opposition. Rheostats 
on the motor starters provide speed adjust- 
ment over a small range to equalize propul- 
sive thrust of both motors. Ammeters are 
provided to monitor currents. Schematics of 
SDL-1 showing these systems were not 


Fig. 8.27 Manual propulsion control on the K-250 series. 


398 


available. Instead Figure 8.28 presents the 
PISCES series control and propulsion system 
which is similar. 

PC-14: 

The Perry built PC-14 (belonging to Texas 
A&M Univ.) (now TECHDIVER) is propelled 
by a 386-VDC, 7.8-amp, reversible General 
Electric motor. Motor speed control is by a 
selector switch on a portable control box 
which provides three speeds forward and 
three reverse (Fig. 8.29). The rudder and bow 
planes are controlled by port (for dive planes) 
and starboard (for rudder) levers which are 
manually operated and are linked by a rod 
and cable to the plane and rudder, respec- 


AHEAD ASTERN 


PORT 
MOTOR 


tively. The cable controlling rudder move- 
ments (manufactured by Controex Corp. of 
America, Croton Falls, New York) is made of 
stainless steel and consists of a flexible hous- 
ing in which a flat rod rides on ball bearings. 
Control mechanisms for the larger Perry- 
built vehicles consist of hand-held portable 
units (Fig. 8.30) which control all motor 
speeds, direction and position (for trainable 
units), the planes and rudder. The portable 
control box may also include an automatic 
piloting feature. 

STAR ITI: 

STAR III receives thrust power from a 7!/2- 
hp electric motor (110 VDC) and vertical and 


Fig. 8.28 PISCES’ control propulsion system. (HYCO) 


Fig. 8.29 Motor control unit for PC-14. 


lateral propulsion from two thruster motors 
of 2 hp each. All motors are pressure com- 
pensated and reversible, and speed control is 
continuously variable throughout its range. 
An electrically-powered rudder may be 
moved 35 degrees left or right by a 20-rpm, 
reversible gear motor enclosed in a pressure- 
compensated box. To control these devices 
STAR III has both fixed and portable con- 
trols. The fixed controls (Fig. 8.31) and push- 
buttons are mounted on the starboard side. 
To operate the thrusters the buttons must be 
constantly depressed, if not, they return to 
stop (so-called ‘““deadman” control). There are 
no provisions for rudder maneuvering on the 
fixed controls. The portable control box has a 
joystick for forward-reverse and left-right 
control, a separate lever for vertical thruster 
control and two toggle switches for left/right 
rudder control. The thruster controls provide 
for continuously-variable speed and must be 
reset to neutral or stop. A rudder angle 
indicator is incorporated into the portable 
control box. It may seem a small matter 
whether or not a button remains in when it’s 
been pushed or returns to its “stop” position 


when released, but it must be remembered 
that if a deadman-type control is used then 
the operator can do nothing else with his 
hands while pushing the button. In a small 
submersible, where the crew consists of one 
or two people, a multitude of recurring and 
concurrent tasks is required of these limited 
resources. Such demands on the occupants 
must be considered in designing control de- 
vices. 

BEAVER: 

International Underwater Contractors’ 
BEAVER receives all maneuvering capabil- 
ity from three, 5-hp each, reversible, pres- 
sure-compensated, DC motors. Control of 
these motors, which are rotatable through 
360 degrees in the vertical, is through a 
primary and backup system, both of which 
are hand-operated and fixed. BEAVER’s pri- 
mary control system possibly typifies the 
most one can do with one hand in vehicle 
maneuvering, without requiring the assist- 
ance of a computer. Both control system 
components are shown in Figure 8.32, and 
the primary control system is shown in Fig- 
ure 8.33. At operating depth with the joy- 
stick neutralized and motors stopped, the 
ballast control buttons bring BEAVER to 
neutral trim. Forward or reverse motion is 
obtained by pushing the joystick forward or 


Fig. 8.30 The portable control box for VOL-L1. Designed and built by Perry 
Submarine Builders. (Perry Submarine Builders, Inc.) 


SYSTEM 


, FIXED 
| THRUSTER | 
CONTROLS | 


: RUDDER ANGLE 
INDICATOR 


z RUDDER CONTROL 
FORWARD 


VERTICAL o. 
THRUSTER |S x, LEFT 
z DOWN , 


RIGHT 


STERN AND / 
Bow THRUSTER 


/ 


Fig. 8.31 STAR Iil's portable and fixed controls (NAVOCEANO) 


BACK UP 


MANUAL 
THRUSTER POD & PROP 
CONTROLLER MOTOR VEHICLE 
DRIVER DYNAMICS 


ELECTRONICS 


DISPLAYS OPERATOR 


PRIMARY 
CONTROL 
ELECTRONICS 


SENSORS 


Fig. 8.32 Primary and backup control components of BEAVER. 


JOY STICK 
CONTROLLER 


401 


FORWARD STARBOARD 


a ek REVERSE 


HEAVE 
CONTROL 


PROPELLER 
STOP 


NON-PROPULSIVE 
CONTROLS 


Fig. 8.33 Primary motor and variable ballast and pitch/trim control on BEAVER. 


pulling back. Side motion is effected by push- 
ing the joystick in the desired direction of 
movement. Directional changes are effected 
by twisting the joystick. Depth and attitude 
changes are commanded by rotating the trim 
wheels. For emergencies, the propellers can 
be stopped or reversed by pressing override 
buttons. 

An unusual aspect of this control system is 
the incorporation of the variable ballast con- 
trol in the same component with the motor 
controllers. The majority of vehicles locate 
ballasting controls completely separate from 
the motor controller. The backup control sys- 
tem is adjacent to the primary system and 
allows independent pod rotation and motor 


402 


rpm control. Control in the backup mode 
permits most maneuvers with the primary 
system but requires more operator attention. 

ALUMINAUT: 

Vehicles as large as ALUMINAUT, AU- 
GUSTE PICCARD and BEN FRANKLIN are 
generally operated by both pilot and co-pilot. 
In the first two vehicles a third crewman 
acts as engineer or, more precisely, elec- 
tronic technician. AUGUSTE PICCARD had 
all controls in the bow hemi-head where both 
pilot and co-pilot were stationed. BEN 
FRANKLIN’s control station was slightly aft 
of the bow on the port side and, when cruis- 
ing near the bottom, the co-pilot operated 
the controls on voice command from the pilot 
who maintained visual contact with the bot- 
tom from one of the forward viewports. ALU- 
MINAUT operated similarly to BEN FRANK- 
LIN, except that the pilot had the option of 
controlling the vehicle from his forward posi- 
tion with a portable control unit. ALUMI- 
NAUT received thrust and yaw from two 
reversible, 115- and 230-VDC motors of 5 hp 
each and heave from a motor mounted atop 
the vehicle with similar characteristics. 
Stern planes and rudder were moved by a 1/4- 
hp electric motor. The primary control panel 
(Fig. 8.34) contains individual controls for all 
thrusters, planes and the rudder, in addition 
to motor monitoring devices (amperage, 
rpm’s, etc.). Motor speed for both forward 
and reverse movement is ?/s, 2/s and full. 
Pitch control, by transfer of water fore or aft, 
is also incorporated in this panel’s trim pump 
control. The portable control box (Fig. 8.35) 
incorporates all features of the primary con- 
trol panel except monitoring devices and 
trim control. 

DSRV-1 & 2: 

The U.S. Navy’s rescue vehicles have the 
most sophisticated control system in manned 
submersibles. Called ICAD (Integrated Con- 
trol and Display) it is likened to the control 
and navigation system used in the APOLLO 
spacecraft system (Fig. 8.36). The ICAD sys- 
tem is complex and its research and develop- 
ment cost is reckoned in the millions of dol- 
lars. An ICAD simulator is located at San 
Diego where candidate DSRV operators 
undergo a several-week course to learn of its 
operation before they are confronted with 
the actual DSRV’s themselves. A description 


* 


RUDDER/PLANES 
Seen 


“PORT. “@JSTBD 
» vee. 


FWD 


REV DOWN 
LATERAL ge VERTICAL 
THRUSTERS THRUSTER 

a. 


Fig. 8.34 ALUMINAUTs primary control panel. (NAVOCEANO) 


403 


PORT 


DIVE 


YS) ste 
RISE 


Fig. 8.35 ALUMINAUT's portable control unit and forward gyro-repeater. (NAVOCEANO) 


of the ICAD is not merely the subject of a 
book itself, it is the subject of three large 
volumes which cover installation, operation, 
troubleshooting and maintenance. Hence, 
the description herein will merely acquaint 
the reader with ICAD’s existence. 

The heart of the ICAD is a digital com- 
puter which integrates signals from the 
DSRV’s sonars and from the other data-gath- 
ering and producing devices, including a 
miniature precision inertial platform. The 
computer serves as a central processer which 
displays pertinent information to the DSRV 
operators. 

With the aid of visual and aural displays 
from the ICAD, the operators make the nec- 
essary command decisions and activate the 
vehicle’s controls. Two hand controllers con- 
trol vehicle maneuverability with the ICAD 
translating the operator’s commands into 
the proper signals to the various propulsion 
and control mechanisms to provide the pre- 
cise reaction. 


404 


The development of ICAD was undertaken 
to minimize work and assist the operator 
during the intricate DSRV mission. A typical 
rescue mission cycle for a DSRV is graphi- 
cally outlined in Chapter 15 and under cer- 
tain conditions—e.g., where a stricken sub- 
marine is listing with an up or down bow 
angle and high currents and low visibility 
prevail—the ability of a human to direct the 
DSRV and respond to the environmental dy- 
namics is exceeded. By integrating the con- 
trols and displays, the ICAD system reduces 
the situation to within the limits of human 
capabilities. 

The operator’s console shown at the top of 
Figure 8.36 is too complex to be shown in 
detail, hence the major panel components 
are presented at the bottom of the figure. 
DSRV maneuvering is realized through the 
operation of the two joysticks in the ship 
control panel; translational motions (thrust, 
heave, sidle) are obtained from the left stick 
and rotational motions (yaw, roll, pitch) from 


OVERHEAD TRAPEZO10 


CONTROL AND DISPLAY 
POWER SWITCHING 


PANEL 


TRIANGLE 


POWER PANEL 


@e#teesteoeeaese 


S eeeeQ" | 5 eeeeQ®™ 


Fig. 8.36 The integrated control and display system on the DSRV's. (U.S. Navy) 


ENTRAL 


JUNCTIONS 


CENTRAL 


PROCESSING 
COMPUTER 


GRAPHIC 
RECORDER 


GRAPHIC RECORDER 
ELECTRONICS 


SHROUD ANGLE 


METER PANEL 


ELECTRONICS 


EXTERNAL FLOOD LIGHTS 
CONTROL PANEL 


CONTROL SPHERE 
INTERIOR 
COMMUNICATION 


ALARM PANEL 


TRANSPONOER 
RELEASE PANEL 


ure 
SUPPORT 
PANEL 


FILM CAMERA 
CONTROL PANEL 


+ 


TELEVISION 
MONITOR 
PANEL 


DATA 
PLOTTER 


OVERHEAD TRAPEZOID 


RACK EQUIPMENT 
POWER SWITCHING 
PANEL 


CONTROL AND DISPLAY 
LIGHTING CONTROL. PANEL 


INTERROGATION SONAR 
TRANSCEIVER 


ALTITUDE/DEFTH, 
TRANSCEIVER 


ia) 
ELECTRONICS 


SHORT RANGE 
SONAR TRANSCEIVER 


| 


SONAR MONITOR CONTROL INDICATES 


TV AND PAN [AND TILT) CONTROLS 


PANEL 


CENTRAL PROCESSING 
COMPUTER CONTROL 
AND 


PANEL 


DISPLAY PANEL 


EMERGENCY | 


JETTISON PANEL 


SHIP CONTROL 


MODE PANEL 


UNDERWATER 
COMMUNICATION TRANSCEIVER 


KEY 
PANEL 


TRANSLATION HAND CONTROLLER 


ROTATIONAL HAND CONTROLLER 


[== | 


aK TELEVISION MONITOR CONTROL AND 
PAN AND TILT DISPLAYS 


405 


DOPPLER 
TRANSCEIVER 


J - —-—-~ 4 


MORIZONTAL OBSTACLE 
SONAR TRANSCEIVER 


COORDINATOR 


OATA RECORDER 
REPRODUCER | 


S OVERRIDE SwTCHING PANE 


FORWARO RACK 


the right stick. The information shown on 
the ICAD can be seen from the labels on the 
general component layout. 

Of the seven control systems described, 
combinations thereof may be found in sister 
submersibles. It has been emphasized re- 
peatedly that a number of options are availa- 
ble to the operator to gain more motions 
than the control system alone provides. 
While the ICAD system is a wonder of tech- 
nology, it is unnecessary for the kind of 
maneuverability required of most submers- 
ibles. Indeed, an ICAD system wouldn’t fit in 
the majority of vehicles, and its cost alone 
exceeds many times that of all but one or two 
government-owned submersibles. 

With operational experience many of the 
propulsion and control devices listed in this 
chapter were found unnecessary on some 
vehicles and inadequate on others. STAR IIT, 
for example, eventually discontinued using 
its rudder because it was awkward and slow 
to react and adequate control could be ob- 
tained by the thrusters alone. Because the 
majority of submersibles were one-of-a-kind 
prototype models, they reflected the design- 
ers’ best initial thoughts on propulsion and 
control and the then state-of-the-art in avail- 
able hardware. Because few vehicles are sim- 
ilar in design and mission, there are only 
broad precedents on which to draw, and, in 
many instances, the operating life of the 
vehicle was too short to evolve the “best” 
approach to maneuvering and control. 

The benefits a submersible may gain under 
an extended operational life is related by 
Goudge (21). In this example the submersible 
PISCES IT had worked for some time in the 
areas off Victoria, B.C., where strong cur- 
rents were not a severe operational consider- 
ation, but with its transfer to the North Sea, 
that harsh environment brought to light de- 
ficiencies theretofore unappreciated. 


“A speed of some four knots was 
expected for PISCES II, but the craft 
was so unstreamlined and the appen- 
dages caused so much drag, that 11/4 
knots only was achieved. This and the 
fact that three steps of speed control 
only was provided, which meant that 
steering by differential use of the 
screws was very imprecise, caused 


406 


great difficulties in maneuvering in 
strong currents which are common 
round Britain and even in the middle 
of the North Sea. The first stage was to 
measure the bollard pull and, by 
spring balance, the towing pull needed 
to produce I1'/4 knots. From this, the 
overall efficiency was found to be 14 
percent. By fitting cowling extensions 
and flow straighteners this was raised 
to 28 percent. A false buoyant nose 
was fitted forward, Thyristor controls 
were provided to give stepless speed 
control and the motor windings al- 
tered from compound to series, with 
higher ratio gear box between motors 
and propellers. 

The net result of all these has been 
to push the top speed up to 4.1 knots 
on the log with an overall efficiency of 
some 60 percent. Water tunnel tests at 
Newcastle University have also showed 
the way to still further improvements 
should these become economic. The 
costs of the greater streamlining that 
would be needed are quite heavy. 

During the above improvements, op- 
portunity was taken to try improved 
brushes, gear and operating fluid (the 
motors run at ambient sea pressure in 
a special oil). Taken all together, the 
above measures have reduced a heavy 
maintenance load to almost nil, mean 
time between failures having changed 
from a few hours to a still unknown 
but very large number. (The only fail- 
ure since, in several hundred hours of 
running, has been a cable fault.)” 


Such modifications and improvements are 
commonplace in submersibles, and more can 
be expected as they find wider ranging and 
longer undersea employment. 


REFERENCES 

1. Strasburg, D. W. 1965 A submarine for 
research in fisheries and oceanography. 
Trans. Mar. Tech. Soc. and Amer. Soc. 
Limnology and Oceanog., 14-17 June 
1965, Wash., D.C., v. 1, p. 568-571. 

. Taggert, R. 1969 Marine Propulsion. 
Gulf Pub. Co., Houston, Tex., 368 pp. 


10. 


IRIE 


12. 


. Abkowitz, M. A. 1969 Stability and Mo- 


tion Control of Ocean Vehicles. M.1.T. 
Press, Cambridge, Mass., 190 pp., 6 ap- 
pendices. 


. Mandel, P. 1969 Water, Air and Inter- 


face Vehicles. M.1.T. Press, Cambridge, 
Mass. 


. Principles of Naval Architecture 1967 


edited by J. P. Comstock. Pub. by The 
Society of Naval Architects and Marine 
Engineers, N. Y., 827 pp. 


. Taggert, R. 1968 Dynamic positioning 


for small submersibles. Ocean Ind., v. 3, 
n. 8, p. 44-49. 


. Miller, R. T. 1969 Vessels and floating 


platforms. in, Handbook of Ocean and 


Underwater Engineering. McGraw-Hill 
Book Co., N. Y., p. 920-963. 


. Mavor, J. W., Froehlich, H. E., Marquet, 


W. M. & Rainnie, W. O. 1966 ALVIN, 
6000-ft. submergence research vehicle. 
Paper presented at the Ann. Meeting, 
N. Y., Nov. 10-11, 1966 of The Soe. of 
Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, 
Nes, o2) pps 


. Johnson, V. E. & Barr, R. A. 1965 Propul- 


sion of deep diving submarines. Tech. 
Paper presented at the 5-7 May 1965 
ASME Underwater Tech. Conf., New 
London, Conn., 29 pp. 

Talkington, H. R. & Murphy, D. W. 1972 
Transparent Submersibles and the 
MAKAKAIT. U.S. Naval Undersea Center, 
Rept. NUC TP 283, 24 pp. 

Greenert, W. Ocean Engineering Support 
Division, Naval Materials Command. 
(Personal communication). 

Pritzlaff, J. A. 1970 DEEPSTAR 20,000. 
Preprints 6th Ann. Conf. & Exhibition, 
Mar. Tech. Soc., 29 June-July 1, 1970, 


407 


13. 


14. 


15. 


16. 


WG 


18. 


9: 


20. 


ai. 


Wash., D.C., v. 2, p. 817-836. 

Wozniak, J., Taft, C. K. & Alperi, R. W. 
1972 ‘‘Wake Steering’? A new approach 
to propulsion and control. Preprints 8th 
Ann. Conf. & Expo., Mar. Tech. Soc., 11- 
13 Sept. 1972, Wash., D.C., p. 681-696. 
Sasdelli, K. R. & Spargo, J. D. 1971 Ro- 
tary Shaft Seal Selection Handbook for 
Pressure-Equalized, Deep Ocean Equip- 
ment. U.S. Naval Ship Research and De- 
velopment Center, Wash., D.C., 71 pp. 
Thomas, L. A. 1968 Designing propulsion 
motors for undersea craft. Undersea 
Tech., Feb. 1968, p. 24-47; 52. 

King, D. A. 1969 Basic hydrodynamics. 
in, Handbook of Ocean and Underwater 
Engineering. McGraw-Hill Book Co., 
N. Y., p. 2-1 through 2-32. 

Torda, T. P. & Hermann, W. 1964 Stability 
and Drag Experiments With a Quarter- 
Scale Model of the ALVIN Oceano- 
graphic Submarine. Illinois Institute of 
Tech. Rept. (in ref. (5) above). 

Daubin, S. C. 1967 The Deep Ocean Work 
Boat (DOWB) An Advanced Deep Sub- 
mergence Vehicle. TR67-33; AC Elec- 
tronics-Defense Research Laboratories, 
Santa Barbara, Calif., 14 pp. 

Rechnitzer, A. B. & Gorman, F. T. 1969 
Submersibles. in, Handbook of Ocean 
and Underwater Engineering. McGraw- 
Hill Book Co., N. Y., p. 9-63 through 9-80. 
Bodey, C. E. & Friedland, N. 1966 Naval 
Architecture of Submarine Work Boats 
for Offshore Work. Proc. of Offshore Ex- 
ploration Conf., p. 105-121. 

Goudge, K. A. 1972 Operational Experi- 
ence with PISCES-Submersibles. Conf. 
Papers Oceanology International 72, 
Brighton, England, p. 270-273. 


LIFE SUPPORT AND HABITABILITY 


In order to survive and function efficiently 
within their sealed chamber, the submers- 
ible’s occupants require a supply of food and 
oxygen and removal or storage of toxic 
gasses which they and their equipment gen- 
erate. Survival, however, is only the first 
requirement; the second is the ability to 
work efficiently and comfortably. The first 
requirement is termed life support and the 
second may be referred to as habitability. 

While there is overlapping between life 
support and habitability, a distinction is 
made between the requirements and proce- 
dures to support life versus the quality of 
life. In engineering circles, the latter subject 
is termed “Human Factors” and it not only 


409 


embodies comfort, but safety and efficiency 
as well. 


LIFE SUPPORT 


In designing a submersible life support 
system a “Standard Man” may be used ; the 
characteristics of this hypothetical human 
are presented in Table 9.1. According to the 
Marine Technology Society’s Undersea Vehi- 
cle Committee (1), the values are conserva- 
tive and their use in designing a life support 
system will usually result in a system with 
satisfactory performance. The standard 
man’s values are predicated on the assump- 
tion that he will be engaged in very light 


TABLE 9.1 


THE “STANDARD MAN” FOR LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM DESIGN COMPUTATIONS 


[FROM REF. (1)] 


Item Quantity 

Oxygen Consumption 0.9 
Respired Air 18. 
Drinking Water 6 
Food, Dry 1.4 
Respiration Quotient 85 
CO. Produced a) 
Water Vapor Produced 4 
Urine 4 
Feces 0.4 
Flatus 0.1 
Heat Output 

Sensible 250 

Latent 220 

Total 470 


work; this does not take into account the 
likelihood of increased oxygen consumption 
and carbon dioxide production under stress 
conditions. 

While a healthy individual’s survival re- 
quirements and metabolism may vary quan- 
titatively from those of the standard man, 
they do not vary qualitatively, and because 
of the biological commonality from person-to- 
person, all submersible life support systems 
supply the following: Oxygen replenishment 
and carbon dioxide removal. Some vehicles 
have the means to remove atmospheric con- 
taminants other than carbon dioxide, such as 
carbon monoxide and other gasses which fall 
under the category of trace contaminants. 
Only a few have the means to control tem- 
perature and humidity within the pressure 
hull. On the other hand, all can accommodate 
a lunch bag and thermos to supply food and 
water, and all have some means of storing 


410 


Units 
Ft?/hr at 760 mm Hg 
Ft?/hr at 760 mm Hg 
Pounds/day 
Pounds/day 
Volume of CO, produced to 05 consumed 
Ft?/hr at 760 mm Hg 
Lb/day 
Lbs/day 
Lb/day 


Ft? /day 


Btu/hr 
Btu/hr 


Btu/hr 


human wastes. If these requirements are 
tabulated, the following is necessary to 


maintain a viable environment in a submers- 
ible: 


Replenishment: Oxygen 

Food/Water 
Emergency Air 
Carbon Dioxide 
Trace Contaminants 


Human Wastes 


Removal: 


Control: Temperature* 
Humidity* 
Monitoring Devices 

The emergency air supply in submersibles 
is dealt with in Chapter 14 and is not dis- 
cussed further here. Preliminary, however, 
to a discussion of the above factors is the 
length of submergence, and Table 9.2 shows 
that the build-up of atmospheric contami- 
nants which can be tolerated is directly re- 


TABLE 9.2 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE CONCENTRATION OF SOME 
SUBSTANCES IN SUBMERSIBLES [FROM: REF (3)] 


Compound aie ar 1-Hr Limit 24-Hr Limit 90-Day Limit 
Acetylene C,H, 6000 PPM 6000 PPM 6000 PPM 
Acrolein CH,CHCHO Cooking * 0.1 PPM ze 
Arsine AsH, Battery Gassing # 0.1 PPM 0.01 PPM 

Scrubbers 
Ammonia NH, (Metabolic) 400 PPM 50 PPM 25 PPM 
Benzene CoH, Solvents = 100 PPM 1.0 PPM 
Carbon Dioxide co, Metabolic 19 mm Hg 7.6 mm Hg 3.8 mm Hg 
Smoking 
Carbon Monoxide co (Metabolic) 200 PPM 200 PPM 25 PPM 
Chlorine Cl, (Chlorate Candles) x 1.0 PPM 0.1 PPM 
Polyethylene 
Ethylene C,H, Decomposition < * 3 
Cooking 
Formaldehyde HCHO Combustion 5 PPM 5 PPM 5 PPM 
Freon 12 CCI,F, Air 2000 PPM 1000 PPM 200 PPM 
Conditioning 
Freon 11 CCI,F Air 50 PPM 20 PPM 5 PPM 
Conditioning 
Freon 114 CCIF,CCIF, Air 2000 PPM 1000 PPM 200 PPM 
Conditioning 
Hydrocarbons Total Aromatic Paints & 2 x 10 mg/m? 
(Less Benzene) Solvents 
Total Aliphatic Paints & Be * 60 mg/m? 
(Less Methane) Solvents 
Hydrogen H, Battery Gassing 1000 PPM 1000 PPM 1000 PPM 
Hydrogen Chloride HCI Freon 10 PPM 4 PPM 1.0 PPM 
Decomposition 
Hydrogen Fluoride HF Freon 8 PPM 1.0 PPM 0.1 PPM 
Decomposition 
Mercury Hg Instruments 3 2.0 mg/m? 0.01 mg/m? 
Methane CH, Sanitary Tanks 13,000 PPM 13,000 PPM 13,000 PPM 
Methyalcohol CH30H Cigarette Smoke * 200 PPM 10 PPM 
Methy! Chloroform CH,Cl; Adhesives & 25 PPM 10 PPM 2.5 PPM 
Solvents 
Monethanolamine HOCH,CH,NH, co, 50 PPM 3.0 PPM 0.5 PPM 
Scrubbers 
Nitrogen N, Air As Required As Required As Required 
Nitrogen Dioxide NO, Contaminant or 10 PPM 1.0 PPM 0.5 PPM 
Hot Surfaces 
Nitricoxide NO Contaminant or 10 PPM 1.0 PPM 0.5 PPM 
Hot Surfaces 
Oxygen 0, 130 mm Hg Min. 130 mm Hg Min. 130 mm Hg Min. 
Ozone 0; Precipitators 1.0 PPM 0.1 PPM 0.02 PPM 
Commutators Etc. 
Phosgene cocl, Freon 1.0 PPM 0.1 PPM 0.05 PPM 
Decomposition 
Stibine SbH; Battery Gassing * 0.05 PPM 0.01 PPM 
Sulfur Dioxide so, Oxidation Sanitary 10 PPM 5.0 PPM 1.0 PPM 
Tank Gases 
Triary Phosphate Compressors 3 50 mg/m°> 1.0 mg/m? 


*No value has been assigned 


411 


lated to time of exposure. For this reason 
there are widely varying approaches con- 
cerning what should be replenished, removed 
or measured during a dive. On one end of the 
spectrum is the K-250 series in which the 
builder relies upon hourly surfacing to re- 
fresh cabin air. On the other end is BEN 
FRANKLIN which supplies virtually every 
means to monitor and control cabin air and 
store waste products. Both of these ap- 
proaches are discussed more fully in a later 
section; however, the majority of vehicles 
fall somewhere between these two extremes. 


Replenishment 

Within this category are consumables 
which the occupants require during submer- 
gence to survive and perform their tasks. 
The first of these, oxygen, is required during 
any submergence longer than an hour or two 
{depending on pressure hull volume); the sec- 
ond, food and water, may or may not be 
required on a routine dive of one or more 
hours duration, but they are generally car- 
ried. 


Oxygen: 

At atmospheric pressure, the recom- 
mended oxygen concentration within a pres- 
sure hull varies according to the following 
sources: 


Marine Technology Society (1): 18-24% 
U.S. Navy Material Command (2): 17-23% 
American Bureau of 

Shipping (3): 18.4-23.6% 


While there seems to be no clear dividing line 
between a normal oxygen content and one 
which represents an excessive fire hazard, 
MTS and ABS both point out that 25 percent 
concentration produces noticeable differ- 
ences in combustible materials. The Navy, on 
the other hand, clearly states that the sub- 
mersible should immediately surface and 
ventilate the hull whenever oxygen exceeds 
25 percent. Conversely, as oxygen concentra- 
tion (partial pressure) decreases, the effects 
on occupants of the pressure hull are shown 
in Table 9.3. 

According to the Standard Man’s require- 
ments, 0.9 cubic foot of oxygen per hour is 
consumed. The MTS and ABS suggest speci- 
fying oxygen storage duration on the basis of 
1.0 cubic foot/hour of submergence. Because 
of the small internal volume of present sub- 
mersibles, a supply of oxygen is virtually a 
universal requirement. All but two vehicles 
carry compressed, gaseous oxygen in flasks 
either inside or outside the pressure hull; K- 
250 and BEN FRANKLIN are the two excep- 
tions. The former carries no additional oxy- 
gen other than what is in the cabin air, and 
the latter carries liquid oxygen. 

The location of the oxygen storage flask 
inside or outside the pressure hull is a trade- 
off decision on shallow-diving vehicles. Ex- 
ternal storage saves internal pressure hull 
volume, reduces total vehicle submerged 
weight and is somewhat easier to replenish. 
Additionally, ABS requires that if the filled 
oxygen storage system contains a volume of 


TABLE 9.3 EFFECTS OF VARIOUS OXYGEN CONCENTRATIONS [FROM REF. (2)] 


05 Concentration 


Partial Pressure Atmospheres 


Effect 


Easily tired; easily upset emotionally; possible loss of pain or injury; abnormal fatigue from 


Lethargic; apathetic; confused thinking; physical collapse; possible unconsciousness, nausea and 


.21-0.18 Normal sea-level conditions 
0.16—.12 Increased breathing rate, lack of coordination 
0.14—.10 
exertion 
0.10—.06 
vomiting 
0.06 or less 


412 


Convulsive movements, gasping, cessation of breathing 


oxygen which exceeds 100 percent (+10%) of 
the floodable volume of the pressure hull, 
then it must be stored in an independent 
subsystem. Locating the oxygen flask out- 
board of the pressure hull apparently satis- 
fies this ABS requirement. Approximately 
one-third of all submersibles (for which such 
information is available) stores oxygen ex- 
ternally; correspondingly, all of these vehi- 
cles have operating depths of 2,000 feet or 
less. A number of Perry-built vehicles in- 
clude this feature (Fig. 9.1). 

Arguments against internal storage de- 
crease with operating depth, for at some 


point the oxygen flask must be made resist- 
ant to external pressure (as its internal pres- 
sure decreases with oxygen consumption), 
and the necessary strengthening adds 
weight. Other advantages of internal storage 
include the reduction of thru-hull penetra- 
tions and the security of having the entire 
system inside where it runs no risk of dam- 
age from external agents. In the final analy- 
sis, however, there appears to be no recom- 
mended location (inside vs. outside), for not 
MTS, ABS or the Navy addresses the subject 
as such. There is, however, a requirement in 
the 1974 ABS manual that the flask be lo- 


Fig. 9.1 Perry Submarine’s DEEP DIVER carries four oxygen flasks topside between the diver lock-out chamber and helium sphere. (NAVOCEANO) 


cated at a distance from the hull or other 
critical pressure-resistant components such 
that the flask’s implosion will not damage 
other items. (See Chap. 13 for “stand-off dis- 
tance.”) 

There are ABS regulations on the storage 
flasks themselves: Storage pressure of 5,000 
psi cannot be exceeded; the containers must 
comply with Department of Transportation 
(DOT) specifications (Part 78, Sub-part C; 
Sects. 78.36 to 78.68 inclusive) or any recog- 
nized standards; and on small cubmersibles 
(less than 60 meters LOA) the containers 
must be proof-tested and marked in accord- 
ance with DOT procedures approximately 
once every year, but not exceeding 18 
months. 


It is not the intent of this discussion to 
recommend what life support systems should 
be, but merely to relate what they are. The 
reader should be aware, however, that both 
the Navy and ABS quite explicitly state cer- 
tain material requirements for: Piping, fit- 
tings and valves; operating pressures for 
control and monitoring devices; cleaning and 
storing; and testing and maintenance of the 
entire system. 

Control of the flow of oxygen into the pres- 
sure hull is approached in three ways: The 
simplest is by periodically opening the flow 
valves; the most common is by continually 
bleeding the oxygen through a flow control 
valve and flow indicator; and the least com- 
mon is by automatically admitting oxygen by 


FLOW CONTROL 
VALVE 
CYLINDER VALVES guyt-ofe PRESSURE 
VALVE RELIEF 
VALVE 
FILLING 
SHUT-OFF 
= VALVE 
CYLINDER NO. 1 =e SS 
1,000 CU. IN. FILLING CONNECTION 
CYLINDER NO. 2 ral iim 
1,000 CU. IN. — I p= = = BLOWER 
Z s 
! ! 7 ( eer 
. cs — ~<___ AIR MIXING 
SS ee SF DUCT 
EMERGENCY BYPASS <= MIFEUGER 
FOR 
STORAGE MAIN OXYGEN CONTROL @ DEFOGGING 
PRESSURE = 
GAGE if H } 
+1 _j} VIEW PORT 
SHUT-OFF FLOW CONTROL FLOW 
VALVE VALVE INDICATOR 
PRESSURE 
REGULATOR 


Fig. 9.2 Oxygen supply system schematic. [From Ref. (10)] 


virtue of a mechanism which senses varia- 
tions in cabin atmospheric pressure. 

In a few vehicles the first approach is 
taken and, although not recommended by 
ABS or MTS, has worked satisfactorily with 
no reported accidents. The procedure is quite 
simple: A timer (quite frequently a kitchen 
alarm clock) is set to ring every half hour or 
so; when it does, the operator resets it, takes 
a reading of oxygen or cabin pressure and 
then, if necessary, opens the tank to admit a 
certain amount of oxygen. 

In the second approach, the supply of oxy- 
gen is fed through a flow control valve, 
thence through a flow indicator and finally 
into the cabin. In this procedure the oxygen 
is continually bled into the cabin at a rate 
somewhere near 0.85 SCFH for each person. 


ae 


Fig. 9.3 Ducts above DEEPSTAR 2000's viewports blow cabin air mixed with oxygen across the viewports to remove condensed moisture and prevent fogging. The small viewport 


The system still requires periodic monitoring 
to assure steady flow as internal tank pres- 
sure decreases or as cabin temperature var- 
ies. The system shown in Figure 9.2 is DS- 
4000's, and it includes a pressure regulator 
which maintains a downstream pressure of 
80 psi +10 psi) from a 3,000 psi tank as long 
as the storage pressure exceeds 80 psi. A 
further feature of this system is the air 
mixing duct, which mixes oxygen with cabin 
air and then blows the mixed air downward 
and across the viewport (Fig. 9.3). Whereas 
the steel pressure hull cools in accordance 
with ambient water temperature, fogging 
and drippage of condensed water on the 
viewport is common. With the modification 
shown, the forced air keeps the viewport dry. 
Ehot (4) cautions that the air flow should be 


between the larger two is for photography. 


415 


directed downward, because when this de- 
vice was initially used in DS-4000 the flow 
was upward and the occupants emerged from 
a 6- or 8-hour dive with bloodshot eyes and 
dry nasal passages caused by the air blowing 
into their faces when at the viewport. 

Automatic systems are not common on 
submersibles but can be found on the more 
sophisticated vehicles, such as DEEP 
QUEST and DSRV. Because life support con- 
trol is so critical, the operator is still re- 
quired periodically to monitor cabin oxygen. 
It only takes a little more time to check and 
regulate a flowmeter while performing the 
monitoring functions. If such checks are not 
routine, then a warning system is impera- 
tive, and, while this does add to the complex- 
ity and cost of the vehicle, it frees the opera- 
tor for other tasks. 

The quantity of oxygen carried varies from 
vehicle-to-vehicle. A comparison is shown in 
Table 9.4. The MTS recommends that the 
oxygen capacity of a system should be stated 
in cubic feet of oxygen at 70°F and 760 mm 
Hg, but this procedure is frequently not fol- 
lowed, hence, many of the values shown are 
approximate and were calculated from the 
barest of details. 

From an efficiency point of view, Beving 
and Duddleston (5) point out that a typical 
cylindrical steel tank holds approximately 15 
pounds of usable oxygen at 2,200 psi. The 
cylinder plus oxygen weighs about 150 
pounds. With a usable weight ratio of 1-to-10, 
a considerable weight penalty is encountered 
if many tanks have to be carried. A more 
efficient solution, according to these authors, 
is to carry oxygen in liquid form. In a typical 
double-walled liquid oxygen tank, a pound of 
oxygen can be carried for each pound of tank 
with corresponding savings in volume. While 
Beving and Duddleston’s efficiency figures 
for liquid vs. gaseous oxygen are impressive, 
the cost, complexity and logistic problems 
are unacceptable to most of today’s commer- 
cial vehicle owners. Furthermore, it is not 
life support endurance which restricts pres- 
ent vehicles to short dives; rather, it is elec- 
trical endurance. 


Food and Water: 
There is no submersible now operating 


416 


that routinely remains submerged for more 
than 8 or 10 hours; consequently, food and 
water are generally provided in the form of 
sandwiches, fruit, candy and thermos jars of 
coffee, tea or whatever. Exceptions to this 
are BEN FRANKLIN (now inactive) and NR- 
1. The latter, in view of its size, mission 
endurance and nuclear electrical generating 
plant, presumably uses freeze-dried foods or 
prepackaged “TV” trays which are prepared 
and heated in a kitchen. 

While such a casual approach to suste- 
nance, at first glance, may seem alarming, it 
has produced no ill effects. Indeed, in most 
vehicles the support ship cook errs, if at all, 
in favor of quantity, for more often than not 
a portion of the lunch is returned uneaten. 
This procedure works well as long as the dive 
is routine. All have not been routine (see 
Chap. 15), however, and then emergency ra- 
tions became a consideration; in this respect 
most are deficient. 

In case retrieval is impossible or the sub- 
mersible is lost from its support ship, 
emergency food and water could be a critical 
factor in survival. A wide variety of nutriti- 
ous foods which can serve as emergency ra- 
tions are available at sporting goods stores 
and have a shelf like of many months. Such 
fare is not necessarily a gourmet’s delight, 
but survival, not comfort, is the order of busi- 
ness. The amount of emergency food and 
water required is difficult to ascertain, but 
little space is required for storage of these 
foods and a minimum of 72 hours of 
emergency supply does not appear unreason- 
able. Freeze-dried foods would be ideal, but in 
the small confines of a submersible their pre- 
paration is awkward and, without hot water, 
they are difficult to mix. 

The recent JOHNSON SEA LINK and 
PISCES III incidents have increased the 
submersible community’s awareness of life 
support, and a number of vehicles have in- 
creased their supply of oxygen and carbon 
dioxide removal compounds to extend support 
to 72 hours/oceupant and longer. The Na- 
tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra- 
tion (NOAA) requires at least 72 
hours/occupant before it will allow its emp- 
loyees to dive in the vehicle. Oddly, no one has 
addressed the possibility of decreased human 


TABLE 9.4 MANNED SUBMERSIBLE 
LIFE SUPPORT CHARACTERISTICS AND INSTRUMENTATION 


Endurance Oxygen co, Monitoring De- Trace 
(Man-Hrs) Supply Scrubbing vices Aboard Contaminant Temp. Humidity 
Submersible Crew! Total? (SCF) Compound 0, CO, Pressure® Control Control Control 
All Ocean Ind. 2 12 40 KO, NP* NP NP NP NP NP 
ALUMINAUT 6 432 127 LiOH e e e NP Heaters, Hull NP 
Insulation 
ALVIN 3 216 NA LiOH e e e Activated Carbon NP NP 
AQUARIUS | 3 108 140 LiOH e e e Activated Charcoal NP NP 
ARCHIMEDE 3 108 NA° Soda Lime e ° ° NP NP Silica Gel 
ARGYRONETE 10 1920 163° NA e e e NP Heaters/AC” AC 
ARIES | 4 108 140 LiOH e e e Activated Charcoal NP NP 
ASHERAH 2 48 NA Soda Sorb e e NP NP NP NP 
AUGUSTE PICCARD 44 2112 NA Soda Lime NP NP NP NP NP NP 
BEAVER 4 360 250° Baralyme ° ° ° NP NP NP 
BEN FRANKLIN 6 6048 922\b LiOH ° ° ° Activated Charcoal NP Silica Gel 
DEEP DIVER 4 32 356° Baralyme e e ° NP NP NP 
DEEP JEEP 2 104 NA Soda Lime NA NA NA NP NP NP 
DEEP QUEST 4 204 200 LiOH ° ° ° Activated Charcoal Heaters AC 
DS-2000 3 144 169 LiOH ° e e NP NP NP 
Ds-4000 3 144 169 LiOH e e e NP NP NP 
DS-20000 3 144 169 LiOH e ° ° NP NP NP 
DSRV-1 & 2 27 204 NA LiOH ° e e NA AC AC 
DEEP VIEW 2 38 36 LiOH e ° e NP Ice Tray _ Silica Gel 
DOSTAL & HAIR 2 80 80  MolecularSieve NA NA NA NA NP NP 
DOWB 3 195 160 LiOH e e ° NP NP Desiccant 
FNRS-2 2 100 NA Soda Lime NA NA e NP NP Silica-Gel 
GRIFFON 3 100 NA Soda Lime e e NA NA NA NA 
GUPPY 2 72 NA Baralyme ° e ° NP NA NA 
HAKUYO 4 144 NA Baralyme e ° NA Activated Charcoal NP Silica Gel 
HIKINO 2 48 36 LiOH ° e ° NP NP Silica Gel 
JOHNSON SEA LINK 4 72 660° Baralyme e e e NA AC AC 
JIM 1 16 NA Soda Lime e =6NP ° NP NP NP 
K-250 1 6 NP NP NP NP NP NP NP NP 
KUMUKAHI 2 32 NA Soda Lime ° e e NP NP Silica Gel 
MAKAKAI 2 72 NA Baralyme e e NA NP Ice Tray _ Silica Gel 
MERMAID | 2 120 167 NA e ° NP NP NP NP 
NEKTON A, B, C 2 48 75 Baralyme e NA e NP NP NP 
NEMO 2 64 100 Baralyme ) e ° NP Ice Tray _— Silica Gel 
NEREID 330 3 96 NA NA e e . NP NP NP 
OPSUB 2 50 NA Baralyme e e e NP NP NP 
PC-3A1& 2 2 20 70 Baralyme NP NP ° NP NP NP 


1 Maximum Normal Complement 

2Normal and Emergency Combined 

3Cabin Pressure 

4NP: No Provisions Aboard 

SNA: Information Not Available 

© Hydrogen and Compressed Air Also Available 
7AC: Air Contitioner 


417 


TABLE 9.4 MANNED SUBMERSIBLE 
LIFE SUPPORT CHARACTERISTICS AND INSTRUMENTATION (Cont.) 


Endurance Oxygen co, Monitoring De- Trace 

(Man-Hrs) Supply Scrubbing vices Aboard Contaminent Temp. Humidity 
Submersible Crew! ‘Total? (SCF) Compound 0, CO, Pressure? Control Control Control 
PC-3B 2 20 70 Baralyme NP NP ° NP NP NP 
PC5C 3 180 100 Baralyme NP NP ° NP NP NP 
PC-8 2 48 288 LiOH ° e ° NP NP NP 
PC-14 2 48 66 LiOH e e ° NP NP NP 
PISCES | 2 200 50 LiOH e e e NP NP Desiccant 
PISCES II & Ill 3 200 50 LiOH e e ° NP NP NA 
PISCES IV&V 3 216 NA LiOH e e e NP NP Desiccant 
PS-2 2 48 288 LiOH e e e NP NP NP 
SDL-1 6 204 870 Soda Sorb ° e NP NP NP NP 
SEA CLIFF/TURTLE 3 105 123 LiOH e e e Activated Charcoal NP NP 
SEA OTTER 3 200 192 LiOH e ° e NP NP NP 
SEA-RAY 2 24 NA Soda Lime NA e NA NA NA Silica Gel 
SHELF DIVER 4 172 338 LiOH NP NP e NP NP NP 
SNOOPER 2 24 NA Baraiyme NA NA NA NA NA NA 
SP-350 2 96 40 Baralyme e e NP NP NP NP 
SP-500 1 12 NA Baralyme NP e e NP NP NP 
SP-3000 3 144 NA IR8 NP e e NP NP CoCl, 
SPORTSMAN 300/600 2 16 15 Baralyme NP NP NP NP NP NP 
STAR | 1 18 18 Soda Sorb e NA NA NP NP NP 
STAR Il 2 48 NA Soda Sorb e e NP NP NP NP 
STAR III 2 120 110 Soda Sorb e e NP NP NP NP 
SUBMANAUT (HELLE) 2 24 60 NA NP NP NP NP NP Desiccant 
SUBMANAUT 6 300 20 Soda Lime NP NP NP NP NP NP 
SUBMARAY 2 32 50 Baralyme NP NP e NP NP NP 
SURV 2 100 80 Soda Lime ) e e NP NP NP 
SURVEY SUB | 4 240 240 LiOH NA NA NA NA NA NA 
TOURS 64/66 2 60 NA Soda Lime e e e NP NP NP 
TRIESTE Il 3 72 NA LiOH e ° Activated Charcoal NP NP 
VOL-L1 4 192 288 LiOH e ° e NA NP NP 
YOMIURI 6 492 NA LiOH NA NA NA NA NA NA 


‘Maximum Normal Complement 

2Normal and Emergency Combined 

3 Cabin Pressure 

4NP: No Provisions Aboard 

SNA: Information Not Available 

© Hydrogen and Compressed Air Also Available 
7AC: Air Conditioner 


capabilities or even death because of the lack 
of food or water. Humans’ existence without 
food or water varies considerably, and there 
are incredible tales of individuals existing 
under extremely trying conditions for long 


418 


periods of time. But in a submersible more 
than mere existence may be required of the 
occupants; they may have to perform some 
function to bring rescuers to their aid. In a 
situation where the hull temperature is high, 


water will become the most critical factor; 
where the temperature is low, food will be- 
come critical. As mentioned, storage of food is 
easy and requires little space; water, on the 
other hand, requires much more volume and 
can become nonpotable. Whereas both food 
and water are required, a compromise solu- 
tion might be found in one of the diet supple- 
ments (Metrecal, Nutriment, etc.) which pro- 
vide both food and water. Such liquid supple- 
ments require little space, they are nutritious 
and have a long shelf life. Regardless of the 
liquid and solid sustenance supplied, it ap- 
pears rather paradoxical to supply a 3- or 
5-day supply of oxygen and carbon dioxide 
remover when the occupants might well 
perish from lack of food and water before 
these critical components run out. 


Removal 

Certain products of human and non-human 
origin must be removed from or stored 
within the cabin environment. These are: 
Carbon dioxide, trace contaminants and solid 
and liquid human waste products. The re- 
moval of the first two products is necessary 
for survival. Other metabolic wastes are held 
in sealed or chemical storage. Although gas- 
eous by-products may become noxious, if not 
properly stored, they are not necessarily 
toxic. 


Carbon Dioxide: 

The major source of carbon dioxide in a 
submersible is human respiration. According 
to reference (2), an average consumption of 
1.0 SCFH of oxygen per person will generate 
an average of 0.80 to 0.85 SCFH of carbon 
dioxide (depending on dietary considera- 
tions), an equivalent of 0.1 pound/man-hour. 
To derive the rate of carbon dioxide buildup, 
the Respiratory Quotient (RQ) is required, 
and it is equal to the volume of carbon diox- 
ide produced for each volume of oxygen con- 
sumed, or: 

Volume of CO, Produced _ 0.85 


ee eS S085 
Volume of O, Consumed 1 


RQ= 


In a closed submersible, carbon dioxide will 
increase in accordance with: 


%CO, = 0.03 + vin 


(ees On Consump ion mate) xo 


where: T = Time in hours 
V/N = Floodable Volume per per- 
: son 
RQ = Respiratory Quotient 


0.03 = % of CO, in “Clean” Air 


Using this formula and the “standard 
man” in the 3-man submersible DOWB (140 
ft? floodable volume) the following buildup 
could be expected on an 8-hour dive where 
there is no carbon dioxide removal system: 


(0.85) (1.0) (8) 
140 


%CO, = 0.03 + 
%CO, = 0.18 


The U.S. Navy recommends that 0.014 at- 
mosphere of partial pressure (1.5%) be the 
exposure limit of carbon dioxide, while 0.02 
atmosphere (2%) indicates a dire emergency. 
ABS recommends a maximum of one percent 
for long term exposure and MTS agrees with 
this maximum, but notes that a maximum 
carbon dioxide level of 0.5 percent should be 
the design goal for 60- to 90-day missions. 

The effects of various carbon dioxide levels 
on humans as a function of time is shown in 
Figure 9.4. The bar graph to the right of this 
figure is for exposure of 40 days and shows 
that concentrations of carbon dioxide in air 
of less than 0.5 ATA (atmospheres) (Zone A) 
cause no biochemical or other effects, con- 
centrations between 0.5 and 3.0 percent 
(Zone B) cause adaptive biochemical 
changes, which may be considered a mild 
physiological strain, and concentrations 
above 3.0 percent (Zone C) cause pathological 
changes in basic physiological functions. For 
normal operations, the Navy recommends 
that carbon dioxide removal rates should be 
provided that result in carbon dioxide partial 
pressures corresponding to Zones I and II for 
short-term exposures, and to Zones A and B 
for long-term exposures. 

It is obvious, therefore, that a means 
should be available to reduce excess carbon 
dioxide or control it at a level where it will 
not affect the occupant’s judgement or physi- 
cal abilities on a routine dive—and especially 
if the vehicle may be unable to surface or 
open the hatch. 

In order of decreasing usage, four chemical 
substances are used to remove carbon diox- 


0.12 


5 
010 & 
Oo 
oc 
= 
F : 
| O08 oe 
ao w 
> ae 
a 
Me 7) 
z = 
© 006+ 2 
of < 
- = 
fe < 
< 004F & 
~ <x 
3 Zz 
9 = 
o.02-L & 

0.00 


TIME, MINUTES 


40 DAYS 


Fig. 9.4 Relation of physiological effects to carbon dioxide concentration and exposure period. [From Ref. (2)] 


ide within submersibles: Lithium hydroxide 
(LiOH), a strong alkali; Baralyme (a weak 
alkali); Soda Sorb (similar to Baralyme, but 
contains small amounts of sodium hydroxide 
and potassium hydroxide as an “activator’’); 
Soda lime (a low moisture Soda Sorb) and 
potassium superoxide (KO,). The last of these 
compounds, KO,, performs the dual role of 
supplying oxygen as well as removing carbon 
dioxide. 

The carbon dioxide “scrubber” system is 
quite simple: A blower assembly forces cabin 
air through one of the above compounds 
which, in turn, removes carbon dioxide from 
the air as it passes through. There is no 
conformity vehicle-to-vehicle on the type of 
fan, power of the fan motor, or volume or 
configuration of the chemical bed. In the All 
Ocean Industries vehicle an automobile vac- 
uum cleaner is packed with KO, and the 
vacuum cleaner motor operates directly off 
the 12-volt battery. In DS-4000 a 1/50-hp 
electric motor works directly from a 120-volt 
supply to turn a drum type impeller which 
forces air through a cannister containing 
LiOH. In BEN FRANKLIN, 13 thin rectangu- 


420 


lar panels containing LiOH were hung 
throughout the vehicle and natural convec- 
tion currents in the cabin served to pass air 
through the panels. 


As far as certification or classification is 
concerned, the system used to force cabin air 
through the absorbent chemicals is left more 
or less up to the individual. The ABS states 
that the system should be designed with a 20 
percent safety factor (i.e., 0.10 lb CO, per 
man-hr X 120% = 0.12 lb per man-hr mini- 
mum). The MTS states that it is preferable to 
use an AC induction motor rather than a 
brush type DC motor to eliminate arcing 
from the brush type motors. 


Probably the best and undoubtedly the 
most recent summation of carbon dioxide 
removal chemicals and their characteristics 
is presented in the report of the JOHNSON 
SEA LINK incident (6) in which two occu- 
pants of the lock-out cylinder perished of 
respiratory acidosis as a consequence of car- 
bon dioxide poisoning. The following summa- 
tion was written by one of the investigating 
panel members, W. M. Nicholson, and is 


taken from Appendix 16 of reference (6); it is 
only changed insofar as references and table 
numbers are concerned to make them com- 
patible with the numbering herein: 


‘Review of life support systems indi- 
cates wide variance in certification 
standards with reference to the time 
requirements. 


An extensive survey (G. E., NRL, 
Westinghouse, Navy Sup-Dive, etc.) 
also indicates that basic performance 
data are not available for all condi- 
tions—particularly conditions of low 
temperature and high pressure. Test 
programs have been proposed by NRL 
to accomplish this work but the pro- 
grams have never been funded. Basic 
characteristics of the commonly used 
materials are shown in Table 9.5 
(taken from ref. 6). It can be inferred 
from ref. (8) that LiOH performance 
would have been operating in a near 
optimum condition at the low temper- 
atures encountered, and that it has a 
relatively flat performance curve in 
terms of temperature variation. It 
should be noted, however, that the 


actual tests (8) did not use gas input 
temperatures below 77°F. 

It is significant that the most de- 
tailed investigations have been per- 
formed in connection with develop- 
ment of closed circuit breathing rigs. 
These investigations have universally 
noted sensitivity of the removal proc- 
ess to temperature, to moisture, to the 
precision of packing the cannisters 
and to the configuration of the cannis- 
ters. Effectiveness of removal is en- 
hanced in the closed circuit design by 
the diver breathing warm air directly 
into the cannister, a process which is 
not used in submersibles. They have 
also noted marked deterioration, par- 
ticularly in low temperature perfor- 
mance, which appears to be the result 
of water condensing in the cannister, 
as well as possible temperature vari- 
ance in the rate of reaction. 

Serious deterioration in perfor- 
mance was noted for baralyme stored 
in standard waxed containers. These 
conditioners are intended for use in 
hospitals where storage conditions are 
controlled and 2-year life is expected. 


TABLE 9.5 CHARACTERISTICS OF THREE CARBON DIOXIDE ABSORBENTS [FROM REF. (6)] 


Absorbent 

Characteristic Baralyme Lithium hydroxide Soda Sorb 
Absorbent density, Ib/ft? 65.4 28.0 55.4 
Theoretical CO, absorption, |b CO>/Ib 0.39 0.92 0.49 
Theor. water generated, !b/Ib CO, 0.41 0.41 0.41 
Theor. heat of absorption, Btu/Ib CO, 670° 875° 670° 
Useful CO, absorption, |b CO>/Ib (based on 50 percent efficiency) 0.195 0.46 0.245 
Absorbent weight, Ib per diver hr (0.71 Ib CO.) 3.65 1.55 2.90 
Absorbent volume, ft® per diver hour 0.0558 0.0552 0.0533 
Relative cost, $/diver hr (1968) $1.75 $6.20 $0.75 


Based on generating gaseous HO 


DBased on calcium hydroxide reaction only 


421 


This packaging, while convenient in 
size, is not suited to the severe han- 
dling and storage in the marine envi- 
ronment. Five-gallon (40 lbs) plastic 
sealed containers are available and 
can be expected to give better quality 
assurance. 

A check of the National Oceano- 
graphic Data Center records on the I- 
degree square in which this incident 
took place produced the curve pro- 
vided on Figure 9.5. It will be noted 
that the lowest temperature to be ex- 
pected in this area is about 59°F, At 
this temperature, using Navy Diving 
Operations Manual performance fig- 
ures, the load (24 lbs) carried in the 
diving chamber should have lasted for 
21 hours. The forward chamber (16 
lbs) should have lasted 20 hours, as- 
suming 70°F in that sphere and good 
baralyme. The variation in actual per- 
formance from that predicted here is 
not readily explainable but could 
have been the result of defective bara- 
lyme packaging, improper packing of 
the cannister, or spreading by the 
crew when the cannisters were emp- 
tied,—probably a combination of 
these. 

I feel we (the expert panel) should 
consider the following recommenda- 
tions for inclusion in the final report 
relating to CO, removal systems: 

a. Submersibles should carry at least 
a 48-hour supply of absorbent (this is 
consistent with ref. 1). 

b. Lithium hydroxide is to be pre- 
ferred wherever low temperatures are 
encountered. 

c. Only absorbents which are her- 
metically sealed should be carried. 

d. Such seals must be periodically 
checked. 

e. Uniform chemical packing is vital 
and steps should be taken to insure 
this for both pre-packaged cannisters 
and those re-loaded on scene. 

f. A program to develop accurate 
performance parameters for absorb- 
ents under the full range of antici- 
pated pressures and temperatures 
should be undertaken and the results 


422 


made available to the entire diving 
community.”’ 


Enclosure 2 to Nicholson’s summation and 
recommendations discussed the effects of 
temperature, humidity and absorbent bed- 
configuration on carbon dioxide removal. 
The following is extracted from that enclo- 
sure: 

‘‘The rate at which carbon dioxide is 
absorbed in absorbents is influenced 
by temperature, and is considerably 
lower at 40°F than at 70°F. In some 
scrubbers sized for adequate perfor- 
mance at 70°F, absorbing capacity at 
40°F may be as little as ‘/3 that at 
70°F. This effect is strongly dependent 
upon the cannister design and the rate 
of carbon dioxide absorption, being 
most evident in absorbers working at 
peak flow rates, and least evident in 
oversized scrubbers and those used in- 
termittently. 

It appears highly desirable to pro- 
vide external insulation and heating 
of scrubbers for use in cold water as a 
means of minimizing size and assuring 
that the design absorbent capacity can 
be obtained. This is also advisable as 
a means of avoiding moisture conden- 
sation. A possible alternative is to 
design for about three times the ab- 
sorbent capacity needed at 70°F. 

The efficiency of absorbents is influ- 
enced by relative humidity. The ab- 
sorbing capacity quoted for Baralyme 
and Soda Lime absorbents is obtained 
only when relative humidity is above 
70 percent. Lower humidity levels re- 
sult in less absorbent capacity. 
Breathing-gas humidity would usually 
be well above 70 percent unless the 
scrubber is preceded by a dehumidi- 
fier. 

Under conditions of high gas humid- 
ity and low scrubber surface tempera- 
ture it is possible to condense water on 
the cannister walls or in the absorb- 
ent. This is undesirable because wet 
absorbent is inactive and impervious 
to air flow, reducing absorptive capac- 
ity and increasing pressure drop 
through the cannister. Scrubbers for 


TEMPERATURE 
50° 68° 86° °F 
10 20 30 2c 


Depth 
FT M 
20 SOURCE: N.O.D.C. 7/6/63 
MAX/MIN TEMPERATURES OBSERVED 
IN MONTH OF JUNE 
IN 1° SQUARE 
LAT. 24-25 N 
LONG. 81-82 W 
40 
X (20-25 CASTS 
ALL YEARS—MONTH OF JUNE) 
© POINTS FROM ONE CAST 
IN JUNE 
LAT. 24-26.5N 
197 60 LONG. 81- Ww 
80 
328 100 
394 120 
140 


Fig. 9.5 June temperatures — Key West area. [From Ref. (6)] 


423 


use in cold water can be designed to 

minimize moisture condensation by in- 

corporating thermal insulation or by 
heating of the cannister. 

A variety of absorbent-bed configu- 
rations are in use, and none seem to 
have advantages that make them uni- 
versally applicable. The principal de- 
sign requirements are to provide an 
adequate amount of absorbent, very 
uniform distribution of gas flow 
through the absorbent bed, and suffi- 
cient time for the absorption reactions 
to occur. 

The total weight of the absorbent 
can be selected on the basis of the 
total weight of carbon dioxide to be 
absorbed. The volume of a tightly 
packed absorbent bed will then de- 
pend upon the absorbent density, and 
the residence time will be the same for 
any configuration of this volume. 

The pressure drop through an ab- 
sorbent bed will depend upon the rela- 
tion of flow cross section and bed 
depth for a fixed bed volume. A large 
cross section and small depth will 
result in low pressure drop. However, 
flow distribution over the cross section 
depends upon uniformity of pressure 
drop, and may be difficult to control 
if the bed is too thin. This difficulty 
can be minimized by using a perfo- 
rated plate at the inlet of the bed to 
provide controlled pressure drop and 
flow distribution. 

If bed volume is selected on the 
basis of absorbent weight, then the 
residence time of gas in the bed will be 
proportional to the rate of ventilation 
through the absorber. As a general 
rule the volume flow rate through the 
scrubber should be the same at all 
depths, matching respiratory volume 
characteristics.” 

Reference (6) did not discuss potassium 
superoxide as a carbon dioxide absorbent, 
but Presti et al. (9) provided the results of a 
design, development and testing program of 
commercially available KO, for submersible 
life support. The All Ocean Industries vehi- 
cle is the only one known to use KO, al- 


424 


though its application was tested and found 
successful by the General Dynamics investi- 
gators for STAR Ii. Mentioned earlier was 
the ability of KO, to both supply oxygen and 
absorb carbon dioxide. In brief, when cabin 
air passes through the KO, bed the moisture 
in the air reacts with the KO, to produce 
oxygen and potassium hydroxide (KOH). The 
KOH, a strong alkali, then absorbs carbon 
dioxide. 

According to the authors, a KO, system 
offers the following advantages: 

—It weighs less and occupies a smaller 

volume 

—It costs less to operate 

—Stored properly, it has an indefinite shelf 

life 

—It removes water from the atmosphere 

—lIts color change (canary-to-white) can be 

used as a depletion indicator 

—It will remove odors and trace contami- 

nants and kill micro-organisms. 

On the other hand, Presti and his co-inves- 
tigators admit to several disadvantages of 
KO,: 

—An initial over production of oxygen can 

occur 

—Caking or ‘‘mushing”’ and subsequent 

plugging of the KO, bed can take place 

—KO, emits an irritating dust 

—It is a strong oxidizer and therefore 

must be handled and used with care 

—It reacts very readily with water to pro- 

duce oxygen and heat; with sufficient 
heat, combustible materials can ignite. 

The authors, however, describe design and 
handling methods to overcome the disadvan- 
tages and offer test results to show KO,’s 
practical application in small submersibles. 

Another system, using a molecular sieve 
solid absorbent which can be regenerated, is 
planned for use in a submersible under con- 
struction by Messrs. P. Dostal and J. Hair of 
Alvin, Texas. In a personal communication 
Mr. Dostal sketched the system shown in 
Figure 9.6 and cautioned that it is only in the 
design stage and, because of its complexity, 
its use is speculative. The philosophy leading 
to this system and its operation is described 
by Mr. Dostal as follows: 


“Originally, we had planned to use 
LiOH in the scrubber, which was caus- 


DIST. DUCT. 


12V DC 
BLOWER 
(120 SCFM) 
MECHANICAL H,0 
SEPARATOR 
(COLD TRAP) 


REGULATING : 


po“ H,O LIQUID 


SILICA GEL 


SCRUBBER 


DRY AIR LESS CO, &O, 


SIEVE 


PURGE LINES 
Ape 


Fig. 9.6 Schematic of the molecular sieve carbon dioxide scrubbing system for a manned 


submersible. (Mr. P. Dostal, Alvin, Texas) 


tic, hard to store, cost $5.00 a pound 
and had to be thrown away when 
expired. We then decided to try a 
product of Linde Division of Union 
Carbide called molecular sieves. This 
substance was originally manufac- 
tured for use in water vapor removal 
for industrial gas processes, but using 
the right size (5 angstrom pores) it can 
remove CO from an airstream. It does 
this by absorption, which is not a 
chemical process; therefore, you can 
purge the system with a dry gas at 
about 800°F and use it over and over 
again. To use it as a CO, scrubber, the 
entering airstream must be free of any 
water vapor. This is because the water 
molecule is a much more polar mole- 
cule than CO,, and the sieve has a 
preference for polar molecules. We 
are therefore designing a water sepa- 
rator (cold trap) to be used upstream 
of the scrubber; this mechanism will 
condense out the water vapor which 
will be collected and redistributed 
downstream of the scrubber. Since the 
air coming out of the scrubber will be 
100 percent dry, by adjusting the 
amount of water redistributed we can 
control our humidity. We will also 


425 


have a small container of Silica Gel 
upstream to assure that the air will be 
dry before entering the scrubber. The 
whole system should be a fairly small 
and light-weight package. We will 
leave the system in the submarine, and 
have our purge lines running to fit- 
tings in the hull. Our purge system, of 
course, will be external, and the cost 
of the purge gas (N,) will be the only 
expense of our system.” 


The final selection of a carbon dioxide 
scrubbing system and compounds should be 
made only after very careful deliberation. 
Not only should the approach take into con- 
sideration the more obvious factors of cost, 
scrubbing efficiency, packaging, handling, 
etc., which can be gained from the foregoing 
discussion, but, to the extent possible, the 
less obvious factors which may be external to 
the vehicle. According to reference (6), it was 
known that the effectiveness of Baralyme 
(the scrubbing compound used in JOHNSON 
SEA LINK) decreased markedly as tempera- 
ture decreased. However, the operators an- 
ticipated that all dives would be in warm 
waters (65°F or higher), but the data pre- 
sented in Figure 9.5 show that the seawater 


temperature at the dive location varies 
widely about the 65°F value. The last am- 
bient temperature measurement taken by 
the vehicle’s occupants (38 minutes prior to 
entanglement) showed 51.8°F, and the com- 
munications log showed 45°F temperature 
within the aluminum lock-out cylinder some 
8 hours later. At this unexpected tempera- 
ture the Baralyme’s effectiveness was se- 
verely curtailed. Indeed, no indication of 
such low water temperatures was indicated 
even from historical data. Another consider- 
ation became evident in the characteristics 
of the different pressure hull materials used 
for the aluminum lock-out chamber and the 
forward acrylic sphere. Unlike aluminum, 
acrylic plastic has a low heat transfer coeffi- 
cient and the operation of equipment therein 
maintained a temperature of 70°F at which 
the Baralyme functioned adequately. At the 
very least, the JOHNSON SEA LINK tragedy 
demonstrated how paltry our knowledge of 
the ocean is. While there is much we can 
predict about it generally, there are few 
areas that we can predict specifically, and it 
is within this broad host of unknowns that 
the submersible dives. 


Trace Contaminants: 

The broad spectrum of trace contaminants 
generally includes all atmospheric contami- 
nants, other than carbon dioxide, produced 
by the human occupants, the electronic or 
mechanical machinery, paints and solvents 
and, in some vehicles, batteries within the 
pressure hull. Referring back to Table 9.2, it 
is obvious that a wide variety of such con- 
taminants can evolve. The critical factor in 
this category is time of exposure, and most 
vehicles do not have a submerged endurance 
which allows these contaminants to reach 
toxic levels. This is not to imply that the 
evolution of trace contaminants may be ig- 
nored, but their detection and removal have 
been a secondary consideration by most de- 
signers because of the short diving time. 
But, as the JOHNSON SEA LINK and the 
PISCES III incidents demonstrated, life sup- 
port for routine diving is not a difficult prop- 
osition; it is the non-routine dive that intro- 
duces the moment of truth. 


426 


The ABS has divided trace contaminants 
into ‘‘unavoidable” and ‘‘avoidable’’—the for- 
mer being those produced by the human 
body in its normal functions (e.g., H,, CO,, 
NH,, H,S, SO,, CH, and forms of aldehydes 
and alcohols) and the latter being those pro- 
duced by equipment for cooking. Under 
avoidable contaminants they caution that all 
instruments should be carefully selected to 
avoid contaminant production. Mercury 
thermometers should be avoided and non- 
reactive protecting and insulating electronic 
materials should be used. 

Both the ABS and the U.S. Navy require 
that a sample of cabin air, obtained under 
simulated closed hatch operations, be ana- 
lyzed by chromatography. Such analyses 
must be performed for initial certification/ 
classification, and thereafter when major 
overhauls are conducted. The Navy further 
requires these analyses whenever the inte- 
rior is repainted or cleaned with solvents 
that contain hydrocarbons or other toxi- 
eants. 

Removal of trace contaminants can be per- 
formed by absorption, adsorption or oxida- 
tion, and the following compounds may be 
used either actively (by incorporating them 
in the scrubber system) or passively (by plac- 
ing them in panels or devices into which 
cabin air can circulate under natural convec- 
tion currents or circulating fans): Activated 
charcoals, LiOH, soda lime or other alkaline 
earths and Purafil (activated alumina im- 
pregnated with potassium permanganate). 
In the few submersibles that take specific 
measures to remove trace contaminants, ac- 
tivated charcoal or carbon is preferred. Ia- 
nuzzi (10), in discussing the role of activated 
charcoal in odor removal, relates that the 
occupants of DS-4000 reported no discom- 
forting effects from the cabin aroma whether 
charcoal was used or not used; consequently, 
its addition to the LiOH cannister was dis- 
continued. 

In those submersibles where the batteries 
are stored in the pressure hull, the role of 
Hydrocaps in recombining the hydrogen gen- 
erated with oxygen into water was discussed 
in Chapter 7. It will suffice to mention that a 
number of submersibles with in-hull battery 
arrangements also include hydrogen detec- 
tors to monitor cabin air. 


Human Wastes: 

For long duration missions the nature and 
source of human wastes which must be con- 
sidered are shown in Table 9.6. The Bioas- 
tronautics Data Book (11) provides quanti- 
tative information on all of these products. 
Because of the short dive duration, today’s 
submersibles generally only consider urine, 
feces and vomitus for their waste storage/ 
control system. No known submersible de- 
sign incorporates a means of ejecting such 
wastes into the sea; consequently, all ap- 
proaches eventually lead to storing them 
until the dive is terminated. The exception, 
as noted previously, is the BEN FRANKLIN’s 
system of waste tanks for long duration stor- 
age. 

The solution to storage of human wastes is 
inordinately simple: A plastic, sealable bag 
takes care of vomitus, and a jar or chemical 
toilet takes care of urine and feces. Figure 
9.7 shows DS-2000’s approach to urine stor- 
age and it typifizs the approach in most 
vehicles—it is a polyethylene container made 
for the light aircraft industry and has a 
liquid capacity of one quart. 

A temporary solution to urine and feces 
storage is to fast for some period before the 
dive commences and to use the support ship 
facilities just prior to embarking on the sub- 
mersible. While the topic does have its hu- 
morous aspects, there is nothing humorous 


Fig. 9.7 DEEPSTAR 2000's human element range extender (HERE). 


as far as one’s fellow occupants are con- 
cerned. In view of the normal discomfort 
within small submersibles, consideration in 
this vein is not only courteous, but in the 
final analysis, the by-product gasses might 


TABLE 9.6 HUMAN WASTE PRODUCTS [FROM REF. (1)] 


Waste Source Examples 

Solid Metabolic Feces 
Debris Hair, Nail Clippings, Toilet Paper, Metal Cans, Bottles, Paper, Plastic Packages 
Other Waste Food, Vomitus 

Liquid Metabolic Urine, Respiration, Perspiration 
Other Wash Water, Waste Foods (Coffee, Tea, Milk, etc.), Chemicals 

Gaseous Metabolic 


Flatus, Ammonia, CO», co 


Other Material Outgassing, Bacterial Metabolism 


very well nauseate the occupants and be 
quite detrimental to the mission. Dr. R. C. 
Bornmann, Captain, USN, (personal commu- 
nication) states that for a short duration 
exposure and with human occupants in good 
health, there is no danger to their health 
from the gasses evolved, other than their 
noxious effects. 


Temperature-Humidity Control 

Aspects of the cabin environment that 
have a direct effect on both occupants and 
electronic equipment are temperature and 
humidity. Only a handful of submersibles 
provide control of these variables and the 
results, as we saw from the JOHNSON SEA 
LINK, can be fatal in the extreme. For the 
most part, however, high and low tempera- 
tures and high humidity are inconveniences 
that are tolerated until the dive is finished. 
But in some instances, the lack of control can 
seriously alter the mission. For example, it 
was planned to conduct periodic 24-hour bot- 
tom excursions during BEN FRANKLIN’s 30- 
day Gulf Stream Drift, but none of these 
excursions lasted more than 9 hours because 
the temperature in the cabin dropped into 
the low 50’s (°F). While this temperature was 
tolerable, the correspondingly high humidity 
(82%) produced a bone-chilling cold that left 
little more on the occupant’s mind than to 
get warm (Fig. 9.8). Concentration on any- 
thing else was all but impossible. The situa- 
tion was corrected by ascending into shal- 
lower, warmer waters. 

On the opposite end are the effects of high 
temperature and high humidity. During 
tropical operations with DS-4000, Merrifield 
(12) reports cabin temperatures of 100°F and 
100 percent humidity when operating at less 
than 600 feet—with the result that the occu- 
pants’ effectiveness was seriously impaired. 

The enervating effects of high tempera- 
ture and humidity can begin long before the 
vehicle submerges. In the tropics and sub- 
tropics between-dive maintenance aboard 
ship requires the support personnel to work 
in the vehicle where conditions can become 
almost unbearable unless some form of air- 
conditioning is provided. Many support ships 
are equipped to blow cool air into the cabin 
to maintain a habitable environment. 

Large vehicles of the ALUMINAUT variety 
produced some unusually trying cabin condi- 


428 


Fig. 9.8 Just prior to an aborted bottom excursion during BEN FRANKLIN's Gulf 

Stream Drift the author, wrapped in a blanket and wearing a foam-rubber pad to 

cushion contact between his head and the steel-rimmed viewport, stares balefully ata 

fellow passenger. An LiIOH panel and several 5-Ib bags of silica gel can be seen in 
the background. (Grumman Aerospace Corp.) 


tions when operating in the tropics. ALUMI- 
NAUT?’s general operating procedure was to 
cast off the towline and transfer the observ- 
ers by rubber raft from support ship to sub- 
mersible. The observers were instructed to 
wear long pants and sweaters, because the 
cabin temperature would get quite chilly 
after a few hours in the 40° to 50°F bottom 
waters. When the passengers embarked, the 
interior of the vehicle had almost unbearably 
high temperature and humidity. Perspira- 
tion before the vehicle dived produced 
soaked clothing. When the vehicle reached 
operating depth and temperatures dropped, 
the wet clothing only served to aggravate 
the situation. The final solution was to em- 
bark in shorts, towel off at depth when the 
vehicle cooled and then change to heavier 
clothing which was kept dry within a plastic 
refuse bag. 


Although submersible occupants have 
learned to cope with such conditions, there is 
still much to be desired in the way of perma- 
nent solutions that do not consume an inor- 
dinate share of the limited electrical power 


supply. 


Temperature Control: 

Ambient seawater is the major influence 
on temperature within the pressure hull. 
The length of time it takes to transfer heat 
either into or out of the pressure hull de- 
pends upon the hull material. Figure 9.9 
shows the temperature variations within the 
steel-hulled BEN FRANKLIN during its 30- 
day drift. Comparing this with ambient 
water temperature reveals a very close cor- 
relation. An examination of this plot shows 
another major temperature influence: Dur- 
ing day 11 the propulsion motors were 


TEMP °F 


RELATIVE HUMIDITY % 


JULY foes 


turned on in an attempt to regain the Gulf 
Stream’s central core, the four propulsion 
motors were activated and the effects of heat 
generated by their operation is shown by the 
wide variance between cabin and ambient 
temperature on that day. Electronic equip- 
ment is a positive heat source which can be 
an advantage during a deep dive in cold 
waters but a disadvantage on shallow dives 
in warm waters. Other sources of heat are 
the metabolic activities of the occupants 
themselves and the chemical reaction in the 
carbon dioxide scrubber compounds, which is 
exothermic. These contributions are also ap- 
parent in Figure 9.9 midday between days 12 
and 13 when the vehicle was being towed 
back into the central core and all electronic 
equipment, except for the underwater tele- 
phone and a few scientific instruments, was 
turned off. 


SEAWATER & CABIN TEMPERATURES) | 


SEAWATER TEMP 


BOTTOM SURVEY 
DEEP DIVE 
SURFACE 


PROPULSION MOTORS ON 


AUG 1969 


MISSION DURATION, DAYS 


Fig. 9.9 Log of temperature and relative humidity for 30 days aboard BEN FRANKLIN. [From Ref. (16)] 


429 


Several approaches are taken to control 
cabin temperature: Hull insulation to retain 
heat; electric heaters to produce heat; air 
conditioners to remove heat; and circulation 
of cabin air along the colder pressure hull to 
cool it or across a block of ice to achieve the 
same result. 

Insulating the hull is a practice in a few 
vehicles and is adequate as long as sufficient 
heat is being produced. Electric heaters are 
effective if the power they require can be 
spared. 

Air conditioning serves both a cooling and 
humidity control function. Its use, however, 
is governed by available electric power. On 
JOHNSON SEA LINK the air conditioner’s 
motor and compressor are housed externally 
in a pressure-resistant container and the 
condensers consist of tubular frames behind 
the acrylic sphere. Liquid freon enters the 
sphere through a penetration with a ball 
valve acting as a hullstop. Passing through 
the evaporator the gasses pass out of the 
sphere to the condenser via a return line 
with a check valve hullstop. 

Because acrylic plastic has a low heat 
transfer coefficient, the air inside traps solar 
radiation and can produce extremely high 
temperatures. Operators within NEMO expe- 
rienced temperatures of 120°F and 85 per- 
cent relative humidity (13); consequently, a 
system was designed for both NEMO and its 
successor, MAKAKAT, to reduce such temper- 
ature extremes and maintain a low relative 
humidity as well. 

MAKAKAI’s systems (14) consist of 25 
pounds of ice stored in cannisters (under the 
operators’ seats) over which air is circulated 
by fans. If the hull is covered until just prior 
to the dive the cabin temperature can be 
held at 82°F for 6 hours. The cooling system 
also removes water vapor from the atmos- 
phere by causing it to condense on the cool 
ice containers. Various components of this 
system are shown aboard NEMO in Figure 
9.10. 


Humidity Control: 

The major sources of water vapor in a 
submersible are the cabin air when the 
hatch is closed and respiration and perspira- 
tion of the occupants. Except for those vehi- 
cles with air conditioning, the control or low- 


430 


ering of humidity is accomplished by adding 
a desiccant to the carbon dioxide scrubbing 
compound, or by distributing small parcels of 
desiccant throughout the vehicle. From all 
available information, the only desiccant 
used is silica gel, and its effectiveness can be 
seen in Figure 9.9 which shows an immediate 
decrease in relative humidity following de- 
ployment of additional 5-pound, cloth-bound 
packages. Many of the random fluctuations 
in this figure correlate with temperature 
variations. Other variations (decreases) may 
be attributed to non-periodic but occasional 
massaging and shaking of the packets. By 
deployment of some 3,600 pounds of silica gel 
throughout the 30-day mission the humidity 
level was maintained at a comfortable level. 

The effects of high humidity are more criti- 
cal on equipment than on humans, especially 
when the internal temperature drops to a 
level where condensation occurs with subse- 
quent drippage or collection of water on and 
within electrical components. 


Atmospheric Monitoring Devices 

The one area where the submersible com- 
munity does not lack off-the-shelf instrumen- 
tation is in the means available to monitor 
the cabin atmosphere. A wide variety of com- 
pact, portable and inexpensive monitoring 
devices is available from the mining and 
aircraft industries, among others, which is 
more than adequate for submersible opera- 
tions. There is no doubt that improvements 
can be made, but, for the present, progress in 
deep submergence is not thwarted by lack of 
atmospheric monitors. The variety of instru- 
ments from which to choose is reflected on 
the individual vehicles where few use the 
same devices. Consequently, only one or two 
instruments from each category are de- 
scribed. 


Oxygen: 

Two factors need be known with regards to 
oxygen: How much is in the flasks, and how 
much is in the atmosphere? 

The simplest answer to the first question is 
the pressure gage arrangement shown in 
Figure 9.11. This system attaches directly to 
the oxygen flasks and is manufactured by 
National Cylinder Gas Corporation. The 
main components are a gage to show pres- 


BARALYME | 
CANNISTER ¢§ 


a 


Be SCRUBBER 
Ry BLOWER 


— al 
Fig. 9.10 Various components of NEMO’s life support system. (U.S. Navy) 


431 


FLOW METER} 


| 


FLOWMETER 


Pes 


=) ON/OFF CONTROL 


FLASK REDUCTION 
GUAGE 


| 

ht j As: . 
ave SLOMY EMP I (CEA JIFLASK CONNECTION 
Pp’ ry e : i =a a ate i ie 
i a IN USE Sp 


Fig. 9.11 


sure in the flask (0-4,000 psig), a valve to 
reduce the pressure as it comes out of the 
flask (0-100 psi) and a flow meter (0-15 lpm) 
to indicate and control the rate of oxygen 
released to the cabin. 

A second arrangement is shown in Figure 
9.12. In this Scott device the oxygen is intro- 
duced at one of the fittings at the top and 
circulates through the system, during which 
time flask pressure is measured (0-2,000 psi). 
Flow rate is controlled and monitored (SCFH 
at 10 psig and 70°F), and oxygen is fed into 
the cabin via the companion top fitting or 


432 


Oxygen flasks and control/monitoring devices aboard PC-14 


routed through piping elsewhere if desired. 
Quite frequently the readout portion of such 
systems is incorporated into the monitoring 
panel which is in easy view of the operator 
and does not require his moving about to 
check the gages. 

Several portable devices are available to 
monitor the oxygen content in the atmos- 
phere. Invariably these are polarographic 
sensors which indicate by means of a voltme- 
ter. 

Both the JOHNSON SEA LINK and SDL-1 
use the Biomarine oxygen monitoring sys- 


INPUT/OUTPUT FITTINGS 


FLOW METER 


= 


Fig. 9.12 A flow meter and flask pressure indicator once used aboard ALVIN, but now replaced (WHOI) 


tem shown in Figure 9.13. This unit (model 
202) reads from 0-100 percent oxygen or 0-1.0 
absolute atmosphere of partial pressure. The 
oxygen is sensed directly by a galvanic cell 
containing a gold cathode and a lead anode 
in a basic electrolyte. Oxygen diffusing 
through the cell face initiates redox reac- 
tions which generate a minute current pro- 
portional to the oxygen’s partial pressure. A 
remote sensor in the diver chamber allows 
the pilot to monitor either sphere or diver 
chamber oxygen concentrations. 

The oxygen sensor in DS-4000 was de- 
signed by Mr. Alan Krasberg in 1962 and 


433 


operates on the principle of a fuel cell. When 
molecules of oxygen impinge on the sensing 
element, a voltage is generated which is pro- 
portional to the partial pressure of the local 
oxygen concentration. This device indicates 
continuously on a 0-50 percent dial where a 
green ring spans the desired 17 to 25 percent 
range. The unit operates routinely off the 
main power supply (28 VDC drawing 0.1 
amp), but in a power failure it has its own 
batteries which are kept charged by the 
main supply. The device is shown in Figure 
9.14. Its accuracy is within the order of its 
readability, +0.2 percent. 


Fig. 9.13 Bio Marine Industries’ automatic oxygen flow control and sensor unit (Bio 
Marine, Ind.) 


Fig. 9.14 Westinghouse-Krasberg oxygen monitor. (Mr. A. P. lanuzzi, Naval Facili- 
ties Eng. Comm.) 


434 


Other oxygen analyzing devices are com- 
mercially available from Beckman, Teledyne 
Analytical Instruments, Johnson-Williams 
and others. In some vehicles a second device 
is sometimes carried as a backup in the 
event of a malfunction in the primary device. 


Carbon Dioxide: 

Monitors for detecting carbon dioxide 
range from the complex to the very simple. 
The U.S. Navy’s SEA CLIFF and TURTLE 
carry both a fixed and a portable carbon 
dioxide monitoring device. The fixed moni- 
toring device is manufactured by Interna- 
tional Gas Detector Ltd. and reads from 0-5 
percent with an accuracy of +0.25 percent. 
The analyzer contains two sealed chambers, 
each connected to one end of a nonspillable 
liquid manometer tube. One of the chambers 
contains a cartridge of soda lime, the other 
contains a dummy, or inert, cartridge. At- 
mosphere diffuses into the chambers 
through porous rings. The soda lime absorbs 
carbon dioxide creating a lower pressure in 
its side of the manometer and drawing the 
liquid up in that leg of the tube. The percent 
of carbon dioxide in the sample is read di- 
rectly on a 0-to-5 percent scale behind the 
tube. A knob on the top of the unit is used to 
move the scale up and down behind the tube 
to zero the unit before use. Each chamber 
contains a small cartridge of cotton wool 
soaked with water to maintain equal vapor 
pressures in each side of the unit, thereby 
making it impervious to changes in humid- 
ity. 

The portable analyzer is shown in Figure 
9.15. It uses a liquid absorbent to remove 
carbon dioxide and indicates concentration 
by volume change. The unit is manufactured 
by F. W. Dwyer Company and is found in a 
number of submersibles. In operation, an 
aspirator bulb is used to force the air sample 
into the water saturation chamber through 
the sample line. The plunger valve is de- 
pressed while the aspirator pumps the sam- 
ple in, thereby allowing the sample to pass 
down through the sample intake tube, out 
through the cross bores at the bottom of the 
intake tube, up through the distilled water in 
the water saturation chamber and over into 
the sample chamber. The sample is vented 
off to the atmosphere through a float on one 


a : 
—— = 


Fig. 9.15 The Dwyer portable carbon dioxide monitor. (Mr. A. P. lanuzzi, Naval 
Facilities Eng. Comm.) 


Fig. 9.16 A Kitagawa CO> detection kit used as a backup system aboard DS-2000. 


435 


side of the plunger valve. After the sample is 
pumped through the unit, the plunger valve 
is released, closing off both the atmospheric 
vent and the connection to the water satura- 
tion chamber. The CO, is absorbed by slowly 
raising and lowering the absorption basket 
four times. The indicating tube is then 
vented to the atmosphere by depressing the 
vent valve until the fluid level comes to rest, 
then releasing it. The percent CO, is read 
directly from the position of the fluid level on 
the calibrated scale. The instrument is reset 
for a new measurement by depressing both 
the plunger valve and the vent valve until 
the fluid is balanced. The unit is zeroed by 
sliding the scale vertically by means of the 
zero adjusting nut. 

Several other portable and hand-held de- 
vices can be used, not only for carbon dioxide 
monitoring, but for other atmospheric con- 
taminants as well. DS-2000 carries both a 
Kitagawa and a Mine Safety Appliances car- 
bon dioxide testing kit as backup for its 
primary Dwyer monitoring system. 

Using the pump shown in Figure 9.16, a 
sample of atmosphere is drawn into a glass 
phial within which a granular reagent shows 
concentration of carbon dioxide by color 
change. Similar in design is a Drager Multi- 
Gas Detector which, by inserting the proper 
phials, can measure a wide variety of atmos- 
pheric trace contaminants. 


Temperature and Humidity: 

In order to avoid the possibility of contami- 
nation from spilled mercury, only bimetallic 
temperature sensors are acceptable. A num- 
ber of vehicles use a relative humidity indi- 
cator manufactured by the Bacharach In- 
strument Co. of Pittsburgh, Pa. Both temper- 
ature and humidity measurements have 
been combined by Bacharach into one instru- 
ment with a readout for both variables. In 
the model used aboard SEA CLIFF and TUR- 
TLE (Bach. Code 22-4529) temperature is 
indicated from 0° to 130°F (41°F accuracy 
from 32°-130°F) and relative humidity from 0 
to 100 percent (+3% accuracy from 15 to 90% 
RH 32° to 130°F). The design of the tempera- 
ture sensing element is based on a conven- 
tional spiral-wound, bimetallic spring con- 
nected to a pointer. The humidity sensing 
element consists of a hygroscopic animal 


\ \ | 
eave ly 

| 

1 
rs 
PRE 


Sn 1 
ae 


URE 13--O7 
SED 


1& a 
ABS _ _UTE 
9 1 


Fig. 9.17 Cabin pressure indicator (Altimeter). (Mr. A. P. lanuzzi, Naval Facilities 
Eng. Comm.) 


membrane clamped between a pair of alumi- 
num retaining rings. A spring-loaded linkage 
assembly is connected with the center of the 
diaphragm, pulling it into a conical shape. 
The other end of the linkage is connected to 
the indicating pointer. Since the diaphragm 
is sensitive to moisture in the surrounding 
air, changes in humidity cause proportional 
changes in its dimensions. Movement of the 
apex of the diaphragm is transmitted to the 
pointer through mechanical linkage. The 
unit does not require maintenance or adjust- 
ments. 


Cabin Pressure: 

Ascertaining the atmospheric pressure 
within the cabin is important for crew com- 
fort (a sudden decrease in pressure when the 
hatch is opened may be quite painful) and 
safety (undetected buildup of pressure might 
reach proportions requiring decompression). 
Additionally, the oxygen flow rate in many 
vehicles is usually adjusted by noting 
changes in cabin pressure. There are a num- 
ber of devices which can be used to measure 
pressure changes, but the one most widely 


436 


employed is a sensitive aircraft altimeter 
(Fig. 9.17). A regular barometer is limited in 
range. Altitude (pressure) changes are 
caused by variations in oxygen or carbon 
dioxide within the cabin; in DOWB (140 ft? 
internal volume) a one percent increase in 
either will cause a decrease in altitude of 277 
feet (15). Unfortunately, temperature and 
relative humidity changes are also reflected 
on the altimeter and a means for correcting 
the altimeter for these changes must be pro- 
vided if concentration of gasses is desired. 
Inadvertent or accidental pressure buildup 
to the point where decompression would 
have been required has never been reported; 
in most cases the buildup is slight, but suffi- 
cient to be noticed on the ear drums when 
the hatch is opened following a 6- or 8-hour 
dive. The possibility that such a buildup 
might occur can bear on the methods used to 


Ty a 


we bas 


HOOP RRO RDO ROD OY’ 


f 


ae 


Fig. 9.18 Two different methods of securing a hatch cover. a) DS-2000, b) 
AQUARIUS |. (a. Westinghouse Corp.) 


secure the hatch cover. On a number of 
vehicles the hatch cover is secured to the 
hull by metal clips which extend from the 
hatch cover into and tangential to the pres- 
sure hull. An example of this type of ar- 
rangement is shown in Figure 9.18a. With 
this method pressure could build to a point 
where, when the vehicle is surfaced and free 
of hydrostatic pressure, the hatch cover 
could be forced upward sufficiently to inhibit 
retraction of the securing clips. An alternate 
solution might be to undog the hatch when 
submerged, but this may lead to explosive 
depressurization when nearing the surface. 
To overcome the problem where the hatch 
could not be undogged due to high cabin 
pressure, International Hydrodynamics has 
derived an alternative securing method 
which is shown in Figure 9.18b and is used 
on AQUARIUS I. This method consists of a 
thick rubber strap affixed into a clip inside 
the pressure hull. The philosophy here is 
that the only time the hatch cover needs to 
be held secure is when the vehicle is on the 
surface (the strap provides this function) and 
that ambient pressure will keep it closed 
when the vehicle is submerged. 


To solve the pressure problem a number of 
vehicles provide a thru-hull pressure relief 
valve which allows the operator to relieve 
the pressure when surfaced without opening 
the hatch and at a desired rate. BEN 


437 


FRANKLIN, for one, had such an arrange- 
ment which could be used to “burp’’ the 
pressure hull if so desired. 

While submersible diving history shows no 
evidence of internal pressure buildup to dan- 
gerous proportions, there is always the possi- 
bility that it can occur and the seemingly 
simple task of securing a hatch cover may 
have important repercussions. 


Philosophical Approach; Two 
Examples 

The duration, control and monitoring of 
life support systems is finalized, not only on 
the basis of the number of occupants, volume 
of the cabin and length of dives, but also on 
the operator’s philosophy concerning safe 
diving practices. Most operators agree on the 
following: A supply of oxygen, a carbon diox- 
ide removal system and monitors for atmos- 
pheric pressure, oxygen and carbon dioxide. 
But there are extremes on both sides—e.g., 
the K-250 and BEN FRANKLIN. The former 
relies on nothing but air within the cabin; 
the latter supplies virtually every need for 
life support. Before examining these two ex- 
amples, attention is directed to a paper by 
Mr. A. P. Ianuzzi (10) who describes the 
philosophical and technical considerations 
that went into the design of DS-4000’s life 
support system. Ianuzzi’s report is an excel- 
lent example of the considerations and trade- 
offs a submersible designer must confront in 
life support design and is recommended as a 
practical primer for the neophyte. 

Most submersibles provide a life support 
system paralleling that of the DS-4000, but 
on both sides of this system are extremes 
which are derived by virtue of the dive time. 
K-250 has a 1'/2-hour dive duration; BEN 
FRANKLIN has a 30-day duration. BEN 
FRANKLIN remained under longer than any 
other submersible and its life support system 
is described because it was highly successful 
and required virtually no electrical power. 
Additionally, the results of the system’s ef- 
fect on the crew members were exhaustively 
examined and documented; hence, there may 
be one or more features of this proven sys- 
tem which may be of value to future design- 
ers and present operators. K-250 is dis- 
cussed primarily because it represents a rad- 
ical variation from every other design and 
the designer states why in detail. 


The designer and builder of these 1-man, 
250-foot vehicles is Captain George Kit- 
tredge, USN (Ret.) of Kittredge Industries, 
Warren, Maine. Several K-250’s have been 
built and sold, and Captain Kittredge offers a 
15-page brochure (for a nominal fee) which 
relates the vehicle’s design, his history as a 
builder and his personal philosophy as re- 
gards design of various submarine systems. 
Kittredge’s naval experiences included a 
tour of duty as commanding officer of a Navy 
submarine, so he comes into the submersible 
field with credentials as appropriate as any. 
For this reason it is interesting to examine 
an approach to life support which is radically 
different from those of all of his associates in 
deep submergence; the following quote is 
from his brochure entitled K-250. 


‘From time to time, people ask us 
what we do about air for breathing in 
our submarines. The answer is that we 
use the same method that was used in 
U.S. Navy submarines during World 
War II: namely, we breath the atmos- 
phere inside the submarine. Theoreti- 
cally, there is sufficient oxygen in the 
atmosphere inside the submarine to 
last six hours; however, in actual 
practice we recommend surfacing and 
reventilating every hour. This takes 
less than five minutes and is the easi- 
est, simplest, and safest thing to do. 

We do not recommend carrying com- 
pressed oxygen in the submarine for 
two reasons. A leak in the oxygen 
system would build up an internal 
pressure in the submarine and could 
prove toxic to the operator. Secondly, 
an oxygen enriched atmosphere could 
result in a fire hazard. While oxygen 
itself will not burn, it supports com- 
bustion. The space capsule fire that 
took the lives of three astronauts is a 
good example of what can happen 
when you have an oxygen enriched 
atmosphere in a confined space. Nor 
do we recommend the use of CO, ab- 
sorbent in our submarines. CO, ab- 
sorbent can defeat the only means a 
human body has of detecting ‘‘bad 
air.”’ Almost everyone has, at one time 
or another, been in a crowded room 


438 


and heard someone say, “It’s getting 
stuffy in here. Let’s open a window.’’ 
What actually happened in such a 
case, was that the level of CO, in the 
room had built up and increased the 
acidity of the blood. That part of the 
brain known as the ‘‘obligata med- 
ulla”’ detects an increase in the acid- 
ity of the blood. Thus, the human body 
can detect a high concentration of CO, 
but it cannot detect a deficiency of 
oxygen. The most dangerous thing that 
could be done in the above example of 
the crowded room, would be to use CO, 
absorbent. 


So this is the system we recommend. 
Surface and ventilate the submarine 
every hour or more often if you 


“think”? the air in the submarine is 
getting foul. This is the safest, sim- 
plest, and least expensive procedure to 


follow.”’ 


From a technical point of view Kittredge’s 
philosophy is unassailable. The medulla ob- 
longata will indeed warn of excess carbon 
dioxide, but if one reviews the incidents re- 
lated in Chapter 15, there are times when 
the window in the submersible’s “stuffy 
room” cannot be opened. Captain Kittredge’s 
approach to life support stands alone in the 
field of deep submergence. 


BEN FRANKLIN: 

Relative to military submarines, which can 
stay routinely submerged for 60 days, BEN 
FRANKLIN’s 30-day submergence was no re- 
cord-breaker. However, a nuclear submarine, 
in regards to life support, differs from BEN 
FRANKLIN in the following: It extracts oxy- 
gen from seawater; it removes carbon diox- 
ide through a process not requiring vast 
stores of scrubbing compound; trace contam- 
inants are automatically monitored and con- 
trolled; heaters and air conditioning control 
the atmosphere; food is stored and prepared 
as it is on surface ships; water is manufac- 
tured onboard; metabolic wastes are stored 
and then dumped overboard; and space, 
though not overexcessive, is in greater abun- 
dance. The reason for these differences re- 
sides in a nuclear submarine’s abundant 
electrical power and great size relative to 
the 750-kwh, 49-foot-long BEN FRANKLIN. 


The operation and success of BEN FRANK- 
LIN’s life support and a variety of other 
human aspects in deep submergence are 
analyzed in detail in a five-volume report 
prepared by Grumman Aerospace for NASA; 


the following information and figures were 
extracted from these (ref. 16 and ref. 17) and 
from personal experiences of the author. A 
collection of photographs showing various 
features and activities during the drift is 


Fig. 9.19 Assorted activities aboard BEN FRANKLIN during and prior to its 30-day drift in July-August 1969. 
a) Interior view looking forward from the aft hemi-head. (Grumman Aerospace Corp.) 


439 


b) Co-pilot Erwin Abersold at work in the forward hemi-head (wardroom). 
Also shown is the LOH panel and bags of silica gel. (NAVOCEANO) 


d) NASA crewman Chester May with a Drager tube. (NAVOCEANO) 


440 


e) Venting off liquid oxygen at West Palm Beach, Fla. (NAVOCEANO) 


a 


f) Crewman at the forward viewports during a bottom excursion. (NAVOCEANO) 


441 


g) Hot water tanks and galley area. (Grumman Aerospace Corp.) 


442 


h) Oceanographer Kenneth Haigh in scientific area. Silica gel bags hang overhead. (NAVOCEANO) 


443 


— 


|) Jacques Piccard and Abersold with a hollow glass sphere filled with biological samples and locked out of the vehicle for retrieval by the support ship. (NAVOCEANO) 


presented in Figure 9.19. A list of the atmos- 
pheric monitoring and instruments and their 
application is shown in Table 9.7, and the 
interior layout of the vehicle is in Figure 
9.20. 


Carbon Dioxide Removal 

Carbon dioxide removal was performed 
without electric power by absorption on 
LiOH panels strategically located through- 
out the vehicle. Diffusive and natural con- 
vection currents circulated the atmosphere 
through the panels. Three portable blowers 
were included as part of the system to be 
used to aid in circulation during those pe- 
riods in which natural convection was not 
adequate. 

Once the vessel was sealed, carbon dioxide 
readings were taken every 4 hours with a 


444 


Dwyer Analyzer. This instrument failed and 
a Fyrite Analyzer and a CO, Drager tube 
were used instead. 


Oxygen Supply and Regulation 

Oxygen was stored as a cryogenic liquid in 
two standard Linde LC-8GL cylinders, each 
holding up to 250 pounds. Operation of the 
system required that oxygen consumption be 
greater than normal oxygen boiloff to pre- 
vent a hazardous buildup in oxygen partial 
pressure. Normal boiloff is approximately 
3.75 pounds/tank/day. 


Temperature Control 

Because of moderate Gulfstream tempera- 
tures (average water temperature 59°F), 
temperature control for the mission was pas- 
sive. Using the sea as a heat sink, bare 
sections of the hull’s interior surface con- 
ducted heat out of the vessel. Internal tem- 


TABLE 9.7 ENVIRONMENTAL MEASUREMENTS [FROM REF.(16)] 


Power 
Item Reading Freq Instrument Operation Watts 
Oxygen Percent 2 hrs Teledyne 0, Sensor Continuous 0 
Carbon Dioxide Percent 4 hrs Fyrite CO, Analyzer Manual 0 
Pressure Atmosphere 4 hrs Pressure Gage Continuous 0 
Temperature 
Internal ° Fahrenheit 4 hrs Abeon-Gage Continuous 0 
External ° Centigrade 4 hrs Trub, Tauber, Cie Gage Continuous 0 
Relative Humidity Percent 4 hrs Abeon-Gage Continuous 0 
Trace Contaminants 
°Metabolic *PPM 24 hrs Drager Gas Detector Tubes Manual 0 
° Other *PPM 1 wk Drager Gas Detector Tubes Manual 0 
Oxygen 
Nitrogen 
Carbon Dioxide 
Carbon Monoxide *PPM 72 hrs UNICO-PGC-Series/O Gas Chromatograph Manual 200 (1 hr) 


Methane 
Hydrogen Sulfide 


Hydrogen 


*Parts per million 


peratures during the mission were shown in 
Figure 9.9, and the effectiveness of the tem- 
perature control method has been discussed. 


Humidity Control 

Humidity control was accomplished pas- 
sively by allowing moisture to condense on 
the bare sections of the hull’s interior. As the 
moisture was condensed on the hull it ran 
into a catch trough which carried it into the 
waste water storage tank. A small dehumidi- 
fier was available but was not used. A 3,600- 
pound supply of silica gel in 5-pound bags 


445 


served to absorb moisture. The results of this 
method were also discussed and graphed on 
Figure 9.9. 


Atmospheric Pressure 

Under normal operating conditions, the in- 
ternal pressure of BEN FRANKLIN varied 
from a low of 13.5 psia to a high of 16 psia. 
These changes can be expected when the sea 
level temperature varies greatly from vehi- 
cle interior temperature. Slight pressure 
changes of 10 to 25 mmHg can be incurred by 
normal variations in O, CO,, and H,O partial 


oa HATCH TRANSFER/LOCK-OUT 
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a FORWARD HATCH 
PORTABLE LADDER COGKENIIA 


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TRIM TANK wae BUNK DISTRIBUTION 
WASTE TANKS PANEL 


TRIM TANK 


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REMOVABLE LOCKERS | | guip oxycen Tanks 'NYERTERS | Quip OxYGEN TANK 


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SHOWER OBSERVATION AREA 
AND MESS 


Fig. 9.20 Interior layout of BEN FRANKLIN. [From Ref. (16)] 


pressure. Pressure was indicated by a heli- —Periodie active removal by the portable 
coid compound pressure gage. contaminant removal system (operated 
as needed) containing Kalite, Hopcalite 

Contaminant Removal and Acamite cannisters. 

Contaminant removal was accomplished in Contaminants removed by each of the above 

the following manner: are the following: 

—Continuous passive removal of contami- —LiOH—In addition to its primary func- 
nants by LiOH and activated charcoal, tion of removing CO,, LiOH also removed 
both of which are provided in the CO, acid fumes such as hydrochloric acid and 
removal panels. hydrogen sulfide. 

—Intermittent active removal of contami- —Activated charcoal—A small quantity of 
nants by the odor removal (Purafil) car- activated charcoal was provided along 
tridge in the toilet. with the LiOH in the CO, scrubbing 


446 


panel and in each of the portable con- 
taminant removal system cannisters. It 
absorbed organic vapors, odors and am- 
monia. 

—Purafil—This material is pelletized acti- 
vated alumina impregnated with potas- 
sium permanganate. Purafil removed 
odors, organic vapors, organic acids, 
phenols, sulfides, and nitrogen oxides. 

—Hopcalite—A catalyst with the primary 
function of oxidizing carbon monoxide to 
carbon dioxide (also handled aldehydes, 
alcohols, etc.). 

—Acamite—Absorbed alkaline fumes (NH;) 
and also acted as a drier. 

—Kalite—Absorbed acid fumes (HCl, H,S, 
etc.). 


Waste Management System 

The waste management system chemically 
treated and stored metabolic wastes onboard 
the vessel. As the toilet flushed, germicide 
was automatically metered into the exit 
stream. The wastes then entered a macera- 
tor where they were simultaneously pulver- 
ized and thoroughly mixed with the germi- 
cide. The treated wastes were held in the 
macerator between toilet uses. It was during 
this period that biological organisms were 
inactivated. Wastes were then pumped from 
the macerator into the waste storage tank 
where they remained. 

Toilet odors were handled by a blower 
which drew air through a cannister filled 
with Purafil. Storage tank odors were han- 
dled by a vent line that fed into the odor 
removal cannister. Two waste tanks were 
installed—a “‘mini waste”’ tank and a “waste 
storage” tank. The mini waste tank collected 
water from the three sinks and shower. This 
tank stowed the water for use in flushing the 
toilet. 


Contaminant Detection 

Trace contaminant detection was accom- 
plished with Drager type gas detector tubes, 
a method requiring no power. Forty different 
tubes, many of which detect more than one 
contaminant, were available. Measurements 
were made by breaking the tops off of the 
tubes and inserting the tubes into a hand 
operated bellows pump. 


447 


Atmosphere Exchange System 
The function of the atmosphere exchange 
system was to purge the vehicle’s atmos- 
phere and replenish it with fresh air. The 
system consisted of a portable blower at- 
tached to approximately 30 feet of flexible 
ducting. The system was to be used when: 
—Smoke due to a fire or insulation break- 
down filled the vehicle. 
—The carbon dioxide level reached 3.0 per- 
cent. 
—The oxygen partial pressure reached a 
hazardous level. 
—A trace contaminant level built up and 
could not be removed by the contami- 
nant removal system. 


Potable Water System 

The potable water supply consisted of both 
hot and cold water (Fig. 9.21). The cold water 
was stored in four saddle tanks each of which 
held approximately 95 gallons and the hot 
water was stored in four super insulated 
tanks each of which held 50 gallons. The 
tanks were initially filled with cold fresh 
water from dockside. Two inline filters re- 
moved gross particles and bacteria. A second 
bacterial filtering was performed as water 
was drawn from the cold water tanks by 
another filter on the cold water discharge 
line. Hot water was prepared by using the 
electric immersion heaters in the insulated 
tanks. 


Food 

The food supply on BEN FRANKLIN con- 
sisted of commercially obtained freeze-dried 
meals, the preparation of which entailed 
mixing with water. Five different menus for 


COLD WATER COLD WATER RESERVE 


HOT WATER 


TOILET GALLEY 
@ BACTERIAL FILTER 


Fig. 9.21 Water management system on BEN FRANKLIN. [From Ref. (16)] 


breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks were 


provided. A sample for each is shown below. 


The results of BEN FRANKLIN’s life sup- 
port system, as mentioned, are thoroughly 
and exhaustively discussed in reference (16), 
and the reader is referred to these analyses 
for detailed information. Therefore, only 
highlights of the various life support fea- 
tures follow. 

A plot of oxygen level, carbon dioxide and 
cabin pressure throughout the mission (Fig. 
9.22) shows that the oxygen level remained 
between 19.5 and 22 percent. All adjustments 
were made manually with the flowmeter. 
The automatic control, originally part of the 
system, was disconnected to eliminate the 
need for an inverter and thus conserve elec- 
trical energy. 

The carbon dioxide level was maintained 
between 0.4 and 1.5 percent. The anticipated 
buildup rate scheduled that the LiOH panels 
be changed every 2.5 days; but, the actual 


need was closer to every 3 days. Subsequent 
analysis yielded a carbon dioxide generation 
rate of approximately 1.7 pounds per man 
day. 

Atmospheric pressure ranged between a 
low of 1.01 atmospheres at the start of the 
mission to a high of 1.12 atmospheres. The 
highs occurred twice, once when the boat 
surfaced and was under tow, and again at 
the end of the mission. After the first day, a 
slight air leak in the pressure regulator from 
the variable ballast tanks was detected and 
corrected. Cabin pressure then increased to 
1.025 atmospheres. Subsequent variations 
were due to temperature changes which cor- 
relate with ambient temperature at various 
depths. 

Temperature and humidity variations 
have been discussed. It is significant that 
the data evaluators recommended insulation 
and heaters for cold water work. 

Throughout the mission, contaminants 
were checked on a daily and a weekly basis. 
After some 5 days, carbon monoxide started 


1.12 1.12 ATA 
< al 
< 1.08 
ee AIR LEAK AIR PRESSURE zal 
D CORRECTED 

1.04 
= al 
oe 

1.01 ATA 

1.00 

15 1.5% 
: sere 
ea 
S 1.0 
7) 050 
8 Ae 
oO 

0 
22 ' 22% 
: : ia Seneene 
a 21 / 
Oo 
: le \ 
a 20 A ~ 
eS 
19 
iF 2/3 4/5 6/7 8] 9 10/11.12]13 eer 19 20] 21 22/23 24|25 26| 27 28 
18 


MISSION DURATION, DAYS 


Fig. 9.22 Log of air pressure, CO and O2 inside BEN FRANKLIN. [From Ref. (16)] 


448 


to show up (8 ppm). The carbon monoxide 
level continued to rise and when it reached 
20 ppm the active contaminant removal sys- 
tem was operated, but with no effect. The 
level continued to build up and by mission 
end it was 40 ppm. The carbon monoxide 
level projected for the 6-man, 30-day mission 
was approximately 34 ppm. In the first full 
contaminant check (Day 8) a trace (0.2 ppm) 
of ammonia and 200 ppm of acetone were 
detected. Periodic rechecking of these two 
items throughout the mission showed little 
change. 

Cold water was used primarily for personal 
hygiene and for washing dishes (1 gal/day). 
Very little cold water was consumed in drink 
or food preparation primarily due to the cool 
temperature of the vessel and the repugnant 
taste of the iodine-treated water. In fact, 
cold water consumption was so low that it 
was necessary to run it periodically just to 
keep the mini waste tank from going dry. 

The mission was started with two of the 
four hot water tanks not working properly, 
in that the vacuum had been lost, and the 
tanks cooled rapidly. Water was drawn from 
one of the defective tanks on the first day, 
after which it was necessary to switch to the 
two good tanks. Approximately 20 to 22 days 
later the hot water was depleted and it was 
necessary to reheat water for food prepara- 
tion. 

Acceptance of the food by the crew was 
varied. Many items were not enjoyed be- 
cause the water was not hot enough to pre- 
pare the food properly. A few of the items 
were totally rejected on the basis of flavor or 
consistency (biscuits, milk shakes, chocolate 
bars). The overall consumption by the crew 
was less than planned (about 2,300 calories 
per day) and four of the six crew members 
lost an average of 11 pounds each, while two 
showed no change. Of the four who lost 
weight, one used the mission as an opportu- 
nity to diet and two others drew heavily from 
their personal cache of dried fruit and nuts, 
using the freeze-dried foods for dinner only. 

The 30-day drift of BEN FRANKLIN pro- 
vides the only data available for long-term 
life support in a contemporary submersible. 
While this submersible’s life support system 
may not be the ultimate, it did provide all 
requirements for the crew who emerged in 


449 


good health and good spirits. For this reason 
one might consider utilizing various life 
support features of BEN FRANKLIN in pres- 
ent or future vehicles. 


HABIT rABILITY 


Mr. Wesley Blair of Lockheed Corporation 
presented a comparison of the space availa- 
ble (free volume) per occupant in several 
submersibles versus the space available in a 
variety of other familiar human habitations 
(18). Blair’s comparison is reprinted in Fig- 
ure 9.23 and shows, for example, that a com- 
mercial coffin offers more free volume than 
the bathyscaph TRIESTE; the other sub- 
mersibles in this figure barely exceed the 
coffin’s volume. 

Of the small contemporary vehicles, Texas 
A&M’s PC-14 is more or less representative 
of volume available, and a glance at the 
observer’s position in Figure 9.24 reveals 
that space is at a premium. Shifting our 
attention to the interior of PC-8 (Fig. 9.25), 
which is similar in diameter to PC-14, a wide 
variety of hard, sharp projections are seen 
from which the occupants will undoubtedly 
receive several whacks, bumps, pricks and 
jolts before the dive is over. The Perry vehi- 
cles are not unique, however, in their poten- 
tial for discomfort, for all small submersibles 
offer similar jarring possibilities. 

Rather surprising is the fact that even the 
large vehicles offer little in the way of hu- 
man comfort. BEN FRANKLIN, for example, 
had a metal escape trunk in the stern that 
projected some 2 to 3 feet down into the 
pressure hull when in a stored condition. The 
hard, unforgiving nature of the trunk’s rim 
was sorely researched and evaluated on the 
head and shoulders of the occupants until 
relief, in part, arrived in the form of foam 
rubber padding. 

In the very small vehicles, such as TECH- 
DIVER (PC-3B), head-bumping, knee-crack- 
ing and shoulder-whacking are much re- 
duced, because the internal volume is so 
small that the occupants are forced to sit 
still until the need to stretch becomes almost 
unbearable. 

The point being made, unfortunately, is 
that manned submersibles are not designed 
for comfort, and the smaller the vehicle, the 


1000 


ie 

uw 

2 

<x 

=) ) too 

5 VOSTOK 
ie) 

> 

Ww 

w MERCURY 
Te @ 


STAR III 
e 


e 
DSRV 


e 
ALVIN DEEP 


QUEST 


e 
TRIESTE 


NAVY RECOMMENDATION FOR SHIPS 


FEDERAL PRISON CELL 
NUCLEAR SUBMARINE 


e 
APOLLO 


GEMINI IV 


@ GEMINI VII 


® 
GEMINI V 


COMMERCIAL COFFIN 


DURATION — DAYS 


Fig. 9.23 Comparison of operator free volume in various manned systems. [From Ref. (18)] 


more this fact becomes apparent. While most 
designers take great pains to sustain life, 
they have made few attempts, beyond pro- 
viding foam rubber cushions, to make life 
comfortable. 

Such considerations may seem trivial in 
view of the fact that the dive may last only 
for several hours. But, several hours may 
seem interminable when one is required to 
spend them in a position such as the ob- 
server is required to maintain in ASHERAH 
(Fig. 9.26). It is not difficult to imagine that 
the human’s ability to endure this position 
will expire far more rapidly than will the 
electrical or life support endurance. The ad- 
vent of the acrylic plastic hull and bow dome 
has gone far to alleviate the problem, but 
there is still much room for improvement. 


450 


The most reasonable approach to human 
factors design is through the use of mockups 
of the pressure hull and its equipment. With 
mockups the operator and observer can 
physically test the vehicle to determine its 
comfort and the accessibility of instruments 
and controls. One approach is in Figure 9.27, 
wherein the endostructure of STAR III is 
shown with seats and a portion of the moni- 
toring panel. This endostructure was de- 
signed to be dismantled and later reassem- 
bled within the pressure hull. The associated 
panels, equipment, etc., could, therefore, be 
mounted to simulate the exact physical ar- 
rangements within the pressure hull. An- 
other example is shown in Figure 9.28, which 
is a simulated mockup of the second JOHN- 
SON SEA LINK’s acrylic plastic hull. 


Fig. 9.26 Pilot and observer's positions as envisioned for ASHERAH. (Gen. Dyn 
Corp.) 


The mockup approach not only assures 
that the passengers will fit in the pressure 
hull, but that equipment will fit also. 
Through trial and error the final arrange- 
ments are derived. One answer not provided, 
however, is that of ambience—noise, for ex- 


Fig. 9.24 The forward section of PC-74 with bow dome removed 


4 


Fig. 9.25 Interior view of PC-8. (Perry Sub. Builders) Fig. 9.27 STAR III's endostructure in initial layout stage. (Gen. Dyn. Corp.) 


451 


Fig. 9.28 Mockup for second JOHNSON SEA LINK acrylic sphere. 


ample—during operations and the suitability 
of this arrangement in terms of sustained 
comfort. 

The only reported attempt at producing 
order out of this chaos is related by Blair in a 
paper describing some of the ‘“‘manned” con- 
siderations that went into the design of the 
DSRV and the Deep Submergence Search 
Vehicles (DSSV). 

Blair discusses DSRV’s human considera- 
tions in terms of problems peculiar to the 
rescue vehicle’s mission of the loading, seat- 
ing, restraining and disembarking of able 
and disabled rescuees. His discussion of the 
DSSV’s considerations, however, has applica- 
tion to all submersibles engaging in search, 
survey or inspection missions. 

In order to assess the search efficiency of a 
four-man crew in a 9-foot 5-inch-diameter 
sphere, a DSSV mockup was constructed and 


452 


manned for a typical 34-hour mission. Ar- 
rangements were made to simulate varia- 
tions in pitch, speed and altitude while a 
video, TV image of the ocean floor, on which 
two small targets (mines and telebuoys) were 
superimposed, was continuously presented 
at a central viewport. 

The results of this simulation are quite 
interesting. To obtain a goal of 80 percent 
detection accuracy, a 1l-hour watch at the 
viewport was found to be too long and 2 
consecutive hours of sleep between watches 
were too short. A minimum volume of 400 
cubic feet for four crewmen was adequate, 
and this allowed for inclusion of a fifth crew- 
man who was found to be necessary in order 
to realize the desired detection accuracy. 

Historical data presented by Blair is also 

germane. Based on performance studies of 
radar and asdic (sonar) operators in the late 
1940’s, a 1/2-hour watch increment was thor- 
oughly documented (19) and showed that the 
percentage of targets missed increased by 
some 15 percent at the end of a ?/2-hour 
watch while the total missed targets in- 
creased by 20 percent at the end of 2 hours. 
- The implications of Blair’s results are 
quite compelling: Under the best designed 
viewing position the observers still missed a 
significant portion of targets during a 1-hour 
watch. One can only speculate, but in the 
viewing position shown in Figure 9.26, it 
would seem that an incredibly high percent- 
age of targets would be missed on a 6- to 8- 
hour dive in this position. In view of the fact 
that many current vehicles are performing 
pipeline and cable inspections, which require 
several hours at the viewport, such degrada- 
tion in the observer’s performance must be 
taken into account. 

At this point it seems appropriate to dis- 
cuss viewport location as it pertains to habit- 
ability, not only because the greatest degree 
of discomfort is found in submersibles’ view- 
ing arrangements, but also because direct 
viewing of the environment is the raison 
d ’étre of manned submersibles. For this 
reason it is difficult to separate habitability 
from efficiency and impossible to speak of 
either without discussing viewport location. 


The Continuing Saga Of The ‘“‘Best 
View” 

In the decade of the sixties the major users 
of submersibles were scientists: The pilots 
were responsible for the safety of the scien- 
tists and for maneuvering the vehicle as 
directed by their passengers. A great deal of 
the scientific work consisted of observing or 
sampling the bottom and/or its animal life. 
When the operator was required to cruise 
within a foot or two of the bottom or poke 
around in narrow submarine canyons, he 
wanted and got the best—and sometimes the 
only—view of the very things the scientist 
was paying to see. When the dive terminated 
and the scientist was debriefed or wrote his 
critique, invariably the complaint arose, 
“The pilot always gets the best view!” This 
placed the designer on the horns of a di- 
lemma: If the operator is responsible for the 
safety of the vehicle and its occupants, then 
how can you find fault if he pre-empts the 
scientist at the viewport when maneuvering 
within and around potentially dangerous ob- 
stacles? On the other hand, the scientist was 
a paying customer; if he’s dissatisfied with 
playing second fiddle to the pilot, then he 
might take his business elsewhere. A solu- 
tion, of sorts, was found by using forward- 
looking outboard television cameras which 
the pilot monitored while the scientist used 
the viewport. But, once again, when the 
going got particularly rough the scientist 
was obliged to yield the viewport. 


The questions to be resolved, then, are: 
What is the best view and how do you pro- 
vide it for both operator and scientist? The 
answers depend upon the vehicle’s tasks, its 
operating depth and its pressure hull dimen- 
sions. 


One basic flaw in most early vehicles was 
that they were envisioned to be all things to 
all men. When they weren’t carrying scien- 
tific passengers they would carry engineers, 
and when they carried neither of these, the 
operator himself would be the data-gather- 
ing or task-conducting human element. In all 
cases the operator must have as good a view 
as possible to maneuver safely. In midwater 
the problem is fairly simple, by monitoring 
the obstacle avoidance sonar the pilot can 


453 


relinquish direct viewing to the passengers. 
But, near the bottom, complications arise. 
When moving forward, the best view is for- 
ward and down; when ascending upward 
along the face of a cliff, the best view is 
forward and upward. In a narrow canyon the 
best view is forward, upward, left and right. 

It is apparent then, that viewports are 
really needed everywhere, but this is not 
feasible for several reasons, the most impor- 
tant being that the structural integrity of 
the pressure hull must be maintained. In 
Chapter 5 we saw that if a viewport penetra- 
tion is cut, the material taken out has to be 
replaced by an equal amount of reinforce- 
ment; furthermore, there is a dimensional 
limit controlling the proximity of viewports 
to each other while still maintaining hull 
integrity. One solution is to make the hull 
thicker and larger, but the penalty is extra 
weight and cost. Another solution is to de- 
crease operating depth, not always accepta- 
ble if the market shows a need for greater 
depth. Such trade-offs accompany every solu- 
tion. Finally, the problem resolved itself by 
virtue of operating depth and technology. 
Let us start with the deeper (6,000-ft) vehi- 
cles and work our way upward. 

ALVIN’s viewport locations (Fig. 9.29a) are 
fairly typical of its deep diving counterparts: 
One looks forward, two look obliquely left 
and right at a slight down angle and one 
looks directly down. Another, much smaller, 
viewport is in the hatch cover and looks 
directly upward. The viewing effectiveness 
in this arrangement depends upon the mis- 
sion. If the task is to search for an object, the 
pilot while piloting can perform this by look- 
ing forward while the occupants look out to 
the side. On the other hand, if geological 
observations are required, then the best 
view is generally forward and this introduces 
competition between pilot and scientist. The 
scientist can always use the downward view- 
port, but he does so by sticking his head 
between the pilot’s feet. Fortunately, there 
are at least several viewing options and 
though they may not be considered first-rate 
by the scientist, TRIESTE I’s single view- 
port was abysmal by comparison. 

Proceeding upward in depth takes us to 
the DEEPSTAR series and all Cousteau-de- 


Fig. 9.29 Viewport arrangements on; a) ALVIN and b) DS-4000. (WHOI; U.S. Navy) 


signed vehicles of this class. Cousteau de- 
cided early that the primary design goal was 
photography and viewing, and he met this 
goal admirably. Figure 9.29b shows DS- 
4000's bow—the two large viewports are 16 
degrees from the vertical centerline and look 
downward 21 degrees from the horizontal. 


454 


The field of view, in water, is 74 degrees from 
each viewport with an overlap of some 42 
degrees. This arrangement provides both the 
pilot and the scientist virtually the same 
view. The solution is an excellent one for this 
depth vehicle. Particularly attractive is the 
smaller viewport above and between the two 


Fig. 9.29 DEEPSTAR-4000. 


large ones. The interior is configured to al- 
low the mounting of a movie camera which 
can be operated merely by pressing a button. 
The camera is looking essentially at the 
same scene as is the observer; aiming is not 
a problem, and the push-button feature elim- 
inates the difficulties inherent in handling 
cameras within the submersible’s small con- 
fines. Provisions are made for both pilot and 
observer to lie down on padded, contour 
couches. 


455 


In shallow diving vehicles reduced ambient 
pressure and technological advancements al- 
low both operator and observer a comforta- 
ble position and excellent (non-competitive) 
viewing. Probably here, more than in any 
other aspect of submersibles, a trend can be 
seen in vehicle design. 

Initially, most shallow vehicle builders at- 
tacked the problem by incorporating as 
many viewports as the structural integrity 
could stand and the occupants could possibly 


use. John Perry’s SHELF DIVER (Fig. 9.30a) 
with 25 viewports is an example of this ap- 
proach. Virtually any direction may be 
viewed with little or no reorientation of the 
vehicle. BEN FRANKLIN followed the same 
approach with 29 viewports, though several 
of these are so difficult to get to that they 
are, for all practical purposes, unusable. 


An earlier approach to panoramic viewing 
by Martine’s Diving Bells of San Diego incor- 
porated plastic wrap-around viewports (Fig. 
9.30b). This configuration is acceptable on 
the shallow-diving SUBMANAUT and the 
view from inside is quite similar to that from 
within an automobile. Possibly because of 
the then (1956) unknown characteristics of 


Fig. 9.30 a) SHELF DIVER, b) SUBMANAUT, c) NEMO and d) PC-8 viewing arrangements. (a&b Perry Submarine Builders; c&d U.S. Navy) 


acrylic plastic other shallow diving vehicles 
continued to use either flat or conically- 
shaped viewports. Shaping the viewports 
into a wraparound geometry naturally costs 
more than merely cutting it out of a flat 
sheet; this also may have accounted for a 
reluctance to follow Martine’s lead. 

With the launching of NEMO in 1970 the 


457 


best and most comfortable view was finally 
provided. The spherical plastic-hulled vehicle 
(Fig. 9.30c) allowed both occupants a view in 
virtually any direction while seated comfort- 
ably in padded chairs. At this point in time 
acrylic plastic had undergone extensive de- 
velopment and testing, and its dependability 
and safety as a hull material was amply 


documented. Several subsequent vehicles fol- 
lowed NEMO’s precedent: KUMUKAHI, 
MAKAKAIT and JOHNSON SEA LINK. 
Combining both the advantages of pano- 
ramic viewing of a sphere and the other 
advantages offered by a cylinder, Perry Sub- 
marine Builders developed the plastic-nosed, 
steel-hulled PC-8 (Fig. 9.30d), the first of 


458 


what is now five of this type vehicle. Conven- 
tional viewports still ring the operator’s con- 
ning tower, but the forward view is greatly 
improved over the earlier designs. Comfort, 
though better than in its predecessors, is 
still not the ultimate. Owing to the small 
diameter hull a 6-foot observer must remain 
bent forward to view. Figure 9.30d is some- 


4) 


what misleading in this respect because the 
two observers are young boys. Figure 9.24 is 
a more realistic portrayal with a full-sized 
adult in a similar-sized hull. 

The 6,500-foot depth DOWB abandoned 
viewports completely and went to an optical 
viewing system instead. The system con- 


459 


sisted of two optical domes containing 180- 
degree wide-angle lens assemblies mounted 
top and bottom on the vehicle. Light gath- 
ered by the domes was transmitted through 
the hull into an optical relay tube and into a 
central optical assembly where it was formed 
into separate images for each observer. It 


took some time for the observer to accustom 
himself to the image received, for it was, in 
effect, as if he were standing in the center of 
a radar screen and seeing everything in 
front, in back, above and to the sides all at 
once. Corrective masking shades were in- 
serted to block out everything but the for- 
ward view which helped the newcomer to 


met a 


rT 


orient himself. The seated observers each 
had a telescope-like object through which to 
view. The top dome was later moved forward 
on the bow as shown in Figure 9.31. 

Even the “best view” in many vehicles is 
not 100 percent effective, because the posi- 
tion the scientist or pilot has to take to get to 
this view may be awkward and inordinately 


Z ae 


Fig. 9.31 DOWB's forward-viewing optical dome is located just right of its manipulator claw. (Gen. Motors.) 


460 


difficult to hold for any appreciable length of 
time. Examine Figure 9.32 wherein the ob- 
server is looking through the forward view- 
port and both his knees and elbows are sup- 
porting his weight. To record observations he 
must write or use a tape recorder. Writing in 
this position is out of the question; even 
managing a tape recorder microphone be- 


comes a chore. One might suggest hanging 
the microphone in an appropriate position 
and leaving it on for the entire dive. This 
solution then requires an equal amount of 
time after the dive (possibly 6 to 8 hours) to 
transcribe the recordings; not too efficient a 
solution considering the many chores be- 
tween dives. 


Fig. 9.32 The observer's position in STAR II/. (U.S. Navy) 


461 


Another aspect of the viewing position in 
Figure 9.32 is the contact between skull and 
steel. In Figure 9.8 the observer is wearing a 
headband consisting of tape and a large 
piece of foam rubber. The reason for the 
foam rubber is not immediately obvious, but 
after a few minutes of viewing, it is natural 
for the observer to rest his forehead against 
the viewport rim and his face up against the 
plastic window. Very shortly his forehead 
becomes cold and painful. A number of varia- 
tions of this headband are found on other 
vehicles. ALVIN’s pilots, for example, wore 
berets which—in addition to providing a dra- 
matic flair—served the very practical pur- 
pose of a cushion when pulled down over the 
forehead. Some designers rimmed the view- 
port with foam rubber. As long as the foam 
was changed frequently this solution was 
acceptable, but if it was not changed, it be- 
came quite rank with the cumulative sweat 
of the previous occupant. 

The problems in viewing and comfort could 
be listed ad infinitum, but they all seem 
reduceable to a common denominator: Man’s 
anatomy was an afterthought. While great 
pains have been taken, on the whole, to make 
it easy for him to operate the vehicle and 
survive, virtually nothing has been done to 
make him comfortable at the viewport. 
Strangely while much thought goes into the 
best viewport location, it appears that little 
at all has gone into the process of actually 
looking out of it. The budding designer would 
do himself and any prospective users a great 
service by simulating the position(s) he an- 
ticipates will be required to view for the 
same period of time he will be asking of 
others. Had this been done in the past, sub- 
mersible designers would have discovered 
that pain hurts. If this seems facetious, ex- 
amine the positions the observers must take 
in Figure 9.33 and then simulate these posi- 
tions for an hour or two. It will soon become 
painfully apparent that someone has overes- 
timated the human’s capacity to endure. 

Other than habitability in regards to view- 
ing, other aspects of human comfort are mi- 
nute by comparison. Quite naturally, a small 
sphere or cylinder packed with equipment 
and people has inherent discomforts, but 
these are bearable for the short periods in- 
volved. There are a few aspects, nonetheless, 


462 


that do bear on the occupant’s efficiency 
which are present in the smaller submers- 
ibles. 


Noise 

The noise level in small submersibles is 
generally tolerable, but at times it can inter- 
fere with communications. Pollio (20) reports 
that in order to understand surface tele- 
phone transmissions on STAR III, it was 
sometimes necessary to shut down all mo- 
tors, the AC-DC converter and the carbon 
dioxide scrubber. 


Temperature Layering 

While electronics operating within the 
pressure hull can generate needed heat, this 
heat may tend to stratify and create uncom- 
fortable conditions. Pollio bid.) reports a 
ceiling temperature of 90°F versus a floor 
temperature of 65°F while operating off the 
Florida Keys. Redirection of the scrubber 
exhaust was recommended, but small fans 
blowing against the bottom of the hull would 
serve as well. In instances where high tem- 
peratures prevail, a small fan can mean the 
difference between a tolerable and an incre- 
dibly difficult environment. During a night 
dive in PC-3B in the Bahamas, a small circu- 
lating fan was inoperative; the ambience 
within was strikingly similar to a sauna 
bath. But, prior to and following this dive, 
the fan was operating and the slight breeze 
it created made conditions quite comfortable. 


Lighting 

While illumination is generally sufficient 
to monitor gages, instruments, etc., it is gen- 
erally insufficient for writing and, in combi- 
nation with the cramped quarters, presents 
a strong argument for taped records. 

The foregoing discussion on habitability 
has been, in the main, a criticism rather 
than a description. More unpardonable, per- 
haps, is that no practical solutions have been 
offered. However, considering the wide vari- 
ety in shape and size of pressure hulls and 
equipment therein, there is no single across- 
the-board solution. The intention here is to 
point out to future designers that human 
comfort is a sorely needed improvement in 
manned submersibles, and ignoring this 
problem can seriously impair what otherwise 
may be an excellent design. 


DEEPSTAR 4000 STAR III 
3-MAN 2-MAN 
al) 2S 
ALVIN 
3-MAN 


ALUMINAUT 
6-MAN 


Fig. 9.33 Viewing and operating positions in four submersibles. 


Psychological Aspects 

Some of the more interesting aspects of 
manned submersibles are the psychological 
effects of diving and the means used to 
“weed out” those unsuited for such endeay- 
ors. From time to time, consideration was 
given to pre-dive psychological examina- 
tions. The U.S. Navy went so far as to make 
this a requirement for its diving civilians 
and military personnel. At present, however, 


463 


the emphasis is primarily on physiological 
rather than psychological soundness. 

From a variety of sources (mainly opera- 
tors) and personal observations, the follow- 
ing statement can be made: If an individual 
has a tendency towards claustrophobia or 
has defin.te qualms about riding in a sub- 
mersible, he simply does not go. This does 
not imply that there is no nervousness; there 
is, but people who embark have been either 


so highly motivated or steely-nerved that 
their nervousness has been kept under tight 
control. 

An interesting insight was provided in a 
conversation with Mr. F. D. Barnett of Perry 
Submarine Builders. Mr. Barnett described a 
particularly difficult dive in Long Island 
Sound during which the vehicle he was pilot- 
ing was virtually at the mercy of extremely 
swift bottom currents. At one point in the 
dive he was pinned against a large boulder 
and had to inch his way upward along its 
face in order to break the current’s hold and 
surface. Accompanying Mr. Barnett was an 
individual who had never dived before, but 
showed no signs whatsoever of nervousness 
or panic. Discussing the dive after surfacing, 
the passenger’s self-control was explained 
when he evidenced surprise in learning that 
such events were not commonplace. Perhaps 
“Tgnorance is Bliss” was the answer in many 
similar incidents. 

The BEN FRANKLIN drift mission is not 
too revealing in this respect because all of 
those on board, except one, were experienced 
submersible divers and no stress or danger- 
ous situations occurred during the entire 
drift. While there were a few incidents of 
minor irritability between the occupants, 
there was never a close approximation to- 
ward a potentially dangerous human rela- 
tionship situation. This is all the more inter- 
esting because the crew was not selected for 
their compatibility with each other, and the 
background of this multi-national group 
(two-Swiss, one-English, three-American) 
was quite diverse. No doubt, the fact that 
this was a first-of-a-kind endeavor had much 
to do with the crew’s behavior. If, for exam- 
ple, this had been the tenth or twentieth 
such mission for this crew, the relationship 
might not have been so compatible, but it 
wasn’t, and the knowledge that one’s short- 
comings as an “aquanaut” might be revealed 
internationally on mass media had much to 
do with getting along. 


REFERENCES 

1. Undersea Vehicle Committee, 1968 
Safety and Operational Guidelines for 
Undersea Vehicles. Mar. Tech. Soc., 
Wash., D.C. 

2. U.S. Naval Materials Command 1973 Sys- 


464 


10. 


He 


12. 


13. 


14. 


tem Certification Procedures and Crite- 


ria Manual for Deep Submergence Sys- 
tems. Navmat P-9290, Wash., D.C. 


. American Bureau of Shipping 1968 


Guide for the Classification of Manned 
Submersibles. New York. 


. Eliot, F. 1967 The design and construc- 


tion of DEEPSTAR-2000. Trans. 3rd 
Ann. Conf. & Exhibit. Mar. Tech. Soce., 5- 
7 June 1967, San Diego, Calif., p. 479-482. 


. Beving, D.V. and Duddleston, R. J. 1970 


Submersible life support components 
and systems. Naval Engineers Jour., v. 
S2onee ap aco—ole 


. Report of the JOHNSON-SEA-LINK Ex- 


pert Review Panel to the Secretary of 
the Smithsonian Institution. 21 Dec., 
1973: 


. U.S. Navy Diving Gas Manual. 2nd Edi- 


tion, NAVSHIPS 0994—003-7010, Sup. 
Div., June 1971. 


. Boryta and Maas 1971 Factors influenc- 


ing rate of carbon dioxide reaction with 
lithium hydroxide. I&EC Process Design 
and Developments, v. 10, p. 489. 


. Presti, J.. Wallman, H. and Petrocelli, A. 


1967 Superoxide life support system for 
submersibles. Undersea Tech., June 1967, 
p. 20-21. 

Ianuzzi, A. P. 1966 The development of 
an integrated life support system for the 
deep diving research submersible DS- 
4000. Trans. 2nd Ann. Mar. Tech. Soe. 
Conf. & Exhibit, 27-29 June 1966, p. 436- 
463. 

Bioastronautics Data Book 1964 NASA 
SP-3006, Scientific and Technical Infor- 
mation Div., NASA, Wash., D.C., 399pp. 
Merrifield, R. 1969 Undersea Studies 
With the Deep Research Vehicle DEEP- 
STAR-4000. IR 69-15, U.S. Naval Ocean- 
ographic Office, Wash., D.C., 82 pp. (un- 
published manuscript) 

Talkington, H. R. and Murphy, D. W. 
1972 Transparent Hull Submersibles 
and the MAKAKAI. NURDC, Report 
NUC TP 23, San Diego, 26 pp. 

Murphy, D. W., Knapp, R. H., Buecher, R. 
W., Beaman, G. R. and Hightower, J. D. 
1970 A Systems Description of the Trans- 
parent Hulled Submersible MAKAKAI. 
NURDC, Kailua, Hawaii. (unpublished 
manuscript) 


15. 


16. 


Daubin, 8S. C. 1967 The Deep Ocean 
Work Boat (DOWB) an advanced deep 
submergence vehicle. Paper No. 67-370, 
AIAA/SNAME Advanced Marine Vehicle 
Meeting, Norfolk, Va., 22 May 1967. 
Grumman Aerospace Corp., Bethpage, 
N.Y. 1970 Use of the BEN FRANKLIN 
Submersible as a Space Station Analog. 
NASA Contract NAS 8-30172. 

Vol. I, Summary Technical Rept., 
OSR-70-4 

Vol. II, Psychology and Physiology. 
OSR-70-5 

Vol. III, Habitability. OSR-70-6 

Vol. IV, Microbiology. OSR-70-7 

Vol. V, Maintainability. OSR-70-8 


465 


17. Dolan, F. J. BEN FRANKLIN Gulf 


18. 


iG). 


20. 


Stream Drift Mission Report. Grumman 
Aerospace Corp., Rept. OSR-69-19, Beth- 
page, N.Y. 

Blair, W. C. 1969 Human factors in deep 
submergence vehicles. Mar. Tech. Soc. 
MOR, Wes Bh 1 Bh 1h HZ, 

Mackworth, N. Y. 1950 Research on the 
Measurement of Human Performance. 
Medical Res. Council Sp. Rept. Series 
268, H.M. Stationary Office, London. (in 
Blair 1969) 

Pollio, J. 1968 Undersea Studies With the 
Deep Research Vehicle STAR III. U.S. 
Naval Oceanographic Office, IR No. 68- 
103, 73 pp. (unpublished manuscript) 


OPERATIONAL EQUIPMENT, 
NAVIGATION, MANIPULATORS 


Components of manned submersibles 
which make them dive and move and fea- 
tures which keep the occupant dry and alive 
and provide an outside view have been de- 
scribed. To these must be added equipments 
and devices necessary to answer such ques- 
tions as: How are we doing and where are we 
going? The former question is answered by 
equipment carried on each dive which gives 
the operator information regarding the envi- 
ronment and the vehicle itself. The latter 
question is answered by navigational sys- 
tems telling him where to go, where he is and 
where he’s been. The last topic of this chap- 
ter deals with manipulators or mechanical 
arms, which provide the vehicle with manual 
dexterity approximating that of the human 


467 


hand and arm, though often many times 
stronger. 


OPERATIONAL EQUIPMENT 


The devices an individual submersible car- 
ries to inform the operator of things external 
and internal to his craft vary widely from 
vehicle-to-vehicle. On a few only the vehicle’s 
depth is supplied; on others virtually every 
parameter imaginable is measured and dis- 
played. Some devices, such as underwater 
telephones and lights, are not data gatherers 
per se, but serve instead to assist the vehicle 
in operating safely and performing its mis- 
sion. Others serve to inform the operator of 
the status of his vehicle’s electric power, 


deballasting air, breathing gasses, etc. Still 
others provide information on speed, atti- 
tude and watertight integrity. In essence, 
they are extensions of the operator’s senses, 
but the variety and quality of such augmen- 
tation are a matter of operating philosophy, 
mission requirements and financial re- 
sources. 

Operational instruments and devices are 
categorized by function in Table 10.1. Only a 
very few vehicles carry all of the instru- 
ments listed, but at least one and usually 
several are found on each. The majority of 
these instruments directly relate to diving 
safety and also may play a major role in 
rescue. Consequently, their role in this re- 
spect is dealt with in Chapter 14, and some 
reiteration of the following discussion may 
be found therein. Life support monitoring 
and control are discussed in the preceding 
chapter and are not treated further. 


Environmental Information 

Cruising on or near the bottom of the 
ocean is a task accompanied by many un- 
knowns. While the location and configuration 
of major topographic features are generally 
known, the location or presence of boulders, 
low escarpments, wrecks and junk is sparse. 
Therefore, all deep-diving and many shallow- 
diving submersibles carry devices to provide 
the operator with ample warning that some- 
thing is coming into or near his course. It is 
difficult to judge underwater visibility 
ranges from submersibles, but 50 to 70 feet 
under artificial lighting is probably the best 
one can expect under clear-water conditions 
and when the lights are fixed to the vehicle. 


In some shallow ocean areas where the 
water is extremely clear, the natural light 
visibility range may be two or more times as 
great. Consequently, devices are provided to 
extend the ability to “‘see’”’ beyond the limit 
of human vision. Not only is this required for 
safe maneuvering, but it is also a prerequi- 
site to the search for and location of objects 
on the sea floor, be they natural or man- 
made. Long range “viewing” is supplied by 
sonar or acoustic devices; short range by 
television and the human eye. 


Sonar: 

Acoustic devices used on submersibles for 
navigation and search are known by several 
terms: Obstacle avoidance sonar, avoidance 
sonar or CTFM (Continuous Transmission 
Frequency Modulated) sonar. Regardless of 
its name, its function is to look ahead or to 
the side of the vehicle and alert the operator 
to the presence of “things” lying proud of or 
above the bottom. Two methods are in use: 1) 
An echo sounder arranged to point forward 
instead of down; and 2) a sonar capable of 
scanning a sector up to 360 degrees around 
the vehicle. Three examples will be dis- 
cussed: DS-4000’s forward-looking echo 
sounder, Wesmar Scanning Sonar and the 
Straza Continuous Transmission Frequency 
Modulated Sonar System. The last two are 
the commercial brands found most fre- 
quently on contemporary submersibles. 


Echo Sounder—Mounted on the port side and 
within the fairing of DS-4000 is a forward- 
looking transducer electrically coupled with 


TABLE 10.1 OPERATIONAL INSTRUMENTS AND DEVICES 


Environmental Information Vehicle Control 


Sonar Depth Indicators 
Pulsed Altitude Indicators 
CTFM Speed Indicators 
High Frequency Distance Indicators 

Pitch, Roll Indicators 

Visual Heading Indicators 
Television 
Eyesight 


468 


Communications Vehicle Status 
Radio Electric Power 
Underwater Telephone Source & Rate 
Sound-Powered Telephone Ground Detectors 


Compressed Air 
Source & Rate 

Life Support 
Source & Rate 
Atmos. Monitors 

Leak Indicators 


a strip chart recorder within the hull. The 
system is simply a conventional echo soun- 
der which looks ahead instead of down. In 
operation an acoustic pulse is transmitted 
from the transducer. Conceptually, objects in 
the pulse’s path which are capable of reflect- 
ing the pulse will do so and the echo or 
return pulse will be received by the trans- 
ducer. The interval between signal output 
and return of its echo is measured electroni- 
cally and the distance to the object is com- 
puted and displayed as a trace on the strip 
chart recorder. On 23-kHz frequency the DS- 
4000 system ranges out to 5,400 feet. Rela- 
tive to CTFM sonar it is inexpensive, less 
complex and requires less weight and inter- 
nal volume. There are, however, disadvan- 
tages to this system: In order to search or 
sean in any direction but forward the vehicle 
itself must be reoriented, and no information 
is given as to form or shape of the object. 
Furthermore, the cone or beam angle is wide 
and, owing to beam spreading, there is no 
selectivity in targets. In other words, the 
closest reflecting object will produce the first 
return or trace. Nonetheless, the forward 
looking echo sounder served quite ade- 
quately as an object detector on DS-4000, 
and only the need for a better search capabil- 
ity on a different task caused its replace- 
ment. 


Scanning Sonar—Western Marine Electronics 
(WESMAR) manufactures a scanning sonar 
used on all International Hydrodynamics- 
built vehicles which serves for both obstacle 
avoidance and search. The unit shown in 
Figure 10.1 is an earlier model (SS100); a 
later model (SS150) is aboard the Canadian 
Armed Forces’ SDL-1. The SS150 has a 
trainable transducer within an oil-filled 
dome located on the bow (as in Fig. 10.1) 
which can be elevated from down-vertical to 
four degrees above the horizontal. The trans- 
ducer can scan 360 degrees and a scan con- 
trol feature allows the operator to scan a 
particular sector anywhere within the 360 
degrees. A 160-kHz pulse of 0.6 millisecond is 
transmitted; 300 watts of power are used at 
long range, and 100 watts at short range. 


CTFM Sonar—In this sonar the transmitted 
frequency is varied continuously in a linear 
sawtooth pattern and the received frequency 


469 


from an echo-producing object arrives after a 
short delay proportional to the range of the 
object (1). Being a sonic device the principles 
of ranging are similar to the echo sounder, 
but there are important exceptions. To ob- 
tain range with a conventional echo sounder 
one must wait until each transmitted pulse 
(all of the same frequency) is received before 
the next one can be sent. Consequently, the 
number of “looks” per unit time is governed 
by distance to the object. With continuous 
scanning at varying frequencies each re- 
flected pulse is distinctly recognizable, and 
therefore, the number of looks over a given 
time period can be and is much greater. To 
this is the added capability to train or rotate 
the transmitting/receiving element through 
360 degrees laterally about the vehicle and a 
narrow beam pattern which is highly direc- 
tional. These last two features can be incor- 
porated into conventional echo sounders (the 
WESMAR for example), but the use of vary- 
ing and continuous frequencies at high angu- 
lar scan rates is unique to the CTFM. The 
range information for CTFM is presented 
both visually on a cathode ray tube (CRT) 
and aurally—the latter overriding as an ad- 
ditional means of determining the echo char- 
acteristics. Frequencies of CTFM’s can be 
low (20 kHz) or high (1,000 kHz), but are 
generally in the 70- to 90-kHz range. 


The predominant CTFM found on Ameri- 
can submersibles is manufactured by Straza 
Industries, whose model 500 CTFM is used 
on the U.S. Navy’s SEA CLIFF and TURTLE. 
It operates on a frequency of 72 to 87 kHz, 
scans at a rate of 25 degrees per second and 
has a range of 10 to 1,500 yards. The details 
of this system are presented in Table 10.2, 
not as an endorsement of this particular 
CTFM, but to provide an idea of CTFM’s 
characteristics and capabilities. An earlier 
Straza CTFM (model SM502A) is shown 
aboard ALUMINAUT in Figure 10.2. 


The Straza model 500 also has the ability 
to receive and indicate bearing to marker 
signals at 37 kHz, and in another mode can 
trigger a sonar transducer to respond in the 
40- to 50-kHz frequency band. This latter 
feature indicates range and bearing to the 
transponder(s) and may be used for undersea 
navigation. 


» 
VIEWING LIGHT 


\ 


“ SSN q\ 


Fig. 10.1 Western Marine Electronics’ (WESMAR) Model SS100 scanning sonar aboard P/SCES II/. (HYCO) 


Acoustic Imaging —Under certain conditions 
underwater visibility by optical means is im- 
possible owing to turbid conditions (sus- 
pended material). For such contingencies 
acoustic devices have been developed which 
can insonify objects and present an image on 
a CRT quite analogous to optical viewing. 
Investigators at Lockheed (7) described a 
system developed for the DSRV which oper- 
ates at a frequency of 2.5 megahertz (MHz) 
and affords a real-time, high-resolution opti- 
cal display of underwater objects or activi- 
ties at ranges up to 30 feet. The DSRV’s 
would employ acoustic imaging for mating 
with or clearing debris from around the 
hatch of a stricken submarine when optical 


470 


devices were ineffective. However, no results 
of the system’s use in the field are available. 


Visual: 

For short range and detailed knowledge of 
the external environment the human eye is 
the most perceptive and trustworthy instru- 
ment aboard a submersible. The effective- 
ness of the eye is governed by ambient light 
level, turbidity and, in the case of artificial 
lighting, light location. On some vehicles di- 
rect viewing, i.e., through viewports, is aug- 
mented by television. Both direct (viewports) 
and indirect (TV) viewing have their advan- 
tages and disadvantages, and the factor 
bearing most heavily on either system’s ef- 


TABLE 10.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STRAZA (MODEL 500) CTFM SONAR 


Range 10 to 1,500 yards 


Scan Rate 25 degrees per second 


Operating Frequencies 


Sonar 87 to 72 kc 

Transponder Interrogation 87 to 72 kc 

Transponder Receiving 55 to 40 kc 

Marker Receiving 37 kc 
Transducer Beam Patterns 

Projector (horizontal) 60 degrees 

Projector (vertical) 15 degrees 


Hydrophone (horizontal) 2 degrees 

Hydrophone (vertical) 15 degrees 
Projector Source Level +90 db re 1 microbar at one yard 
Receiving Sensitivity -40 db re 1 microbar 


Target Detection 


Zero db Target 500 yards 
+25 db Target 1,000 yards 
+50 db Target 1,500 yards 


- Frequency Analyzer 40 channels, 50-cycles filter, 
500 to 2,500-cycles band with 


envelope detectors 


fectiveness is lighting. The effectiveness of 
direct viewing is also governed by viewport 
location, which was discussed in the preced- 
ing chapter. Assuming 20/20 vision of all 
observers, there is little more that can be 
discussed other than artificial light arrange- 
ments and characteristics with regards to 
direct viewing. The topics of this section, 
therefore, are limited to lighting as it affects 
visual observations and to television as an 
adjunct to direct viewing. 

Lighting —The varieties, characteristics and 
manufacturers of underwater light sources 
on present submersibles would be all but 
impossible to list because they can and do 
change rapidly. In some instances the lights 
are “homemade” modifications of automobile 
lights. The SEA OTTER operators (Fig. 10.3), 
for example, took British ‘‘Rally Lights” 
manufactured by CBIE and pressure-com- 


System Bandwidth 


Output (Audio) 


Output (Visual) 


Power Requirements 


2,500 cycles with slope response com- 
pensation for transmission losses 


500 to 3,000 cycles 


PPI (plot presentation indicator) 
display 7-in. CRT with P7 phosphor 


115 (+15) volts, 60-cycle +10 percent, 
1 amp; 27 (+3) volts, 3 amps 


Operating Depth 


(Outboard Components) 20,000 feet 
Weights 

Display Unit 30 Ib 

Sonar Unit 32 Ib 

Analyzer Unit 40 Ib 


Training Mechanism 
Transducer Assembly 
Test Transducer (Oil 


471 


45 |b in air, 27 |b in water 
47 |b in air, 35 Ib in water 
7/8 |b in air, 5/8 Ib in water 
Filled) 


pensated their housings with air using a 
scuba-type regulator. But for the most part 
underwater lights are purchased from one or 
several of the many companies supplying 
this area. (The 1973 Undersea Technology 
Handbook Directory, reference (2), lists 60 
suppliers of marine lights and beacons in the 
U.S., though it does not distinguish which of 
these are of the underwater variety.) 

It is difficult to discuss underwater light- 
ing without first discussing light transmis- 
sion in the sea. Space, however, limits the 
discussion herein merely to a brief introduc- 
tion. Virtually any introductory book on 
oceanography or undersea photography will 
provide the reader with an adequate back- 
ground. For a complete and technically thor- 
ough treatment of the principles involved, 
the work of Tyler and Preisendorfer (3) is 
recommended. 


RECEIVER —= 
(HYDROPHONE), - 


Le Be 
* 
» TRAINABLE 


Giiiedes 4 TRANSMITTER 
eS me € 
: 260s es 


x 
al ed 
x 


an 


ees 
OUTBOARD 
| COMPONENTS © 


~ 


2 @ RANGE 


SELECTORS 


Fig. 10.2 STRAZA Model SM502A CTFM sonar components aboard ALUMINAUT. (U.S. Navy) 


Compared to passage in air, light passing 
through water is rapidly attenuated. This is 
the result of: Absorption and scattering due 
to the water itself, materials dissolved in the 
water and plankton and detritus living and 
suspended within the water. The absorption 
of light varies with the wavelength.* Scat- 
tering is practically independent of wave- 
length since the particle size is usually much 
larger than wavelengths in the visible light 
spectrum. Larson and Rixton (4) constructed 
a typical curve of percent transmission 
through 20 feet of clear ocean water versus 
the wavelength. Their graph is reprinted in 


472 


Figure 10.4 and shows the maximum wave- 
length transmission (78%) as being at about 
5,000 Angstroms—the green band. This par- 
ticular characteristic (absorption as a func- 
tion of wavelength) is a major factor govern- 
ing the choice of the most effective underwa- 
ter lights for viewing. 

While there are many varieties of lights for 
submersibles, three types are in general use: 

Quartz Iodine—an incandescent light 
source using a tungsten filament. The “‘io- 
dine cycle” precludes deposition of evapo- 
rated tungsten on the inside of the bulb and 
subsequent blackening. 


DIRECTIONAL Sis 
ANTENNA Po 


rs é] 
—~== 70MM en 
E===, CAMERA 


4 
re aa 


STROBE. / 
LIGHT 


Fig. 10.3. Viewing lights, camera and strobe light, and homing antennae clustered on the brow of SEA OTTER. (Arctic Marine) 


Mercury Vapor—A gas discharge light that the visible portion of the spectrum and con- 
produces light by passing a current through centrate most of their energy in the red area. 
mercury vapor under pressure. The mercury principal line is at approxi- 

Thallium Iodide—Similar to the mercury mately 4,400 Angstroms (blue); the thallium 
vapor light, but with the addition of thallium line is at approximately 5,350 Angstroms 
to the mercury in the arc tube to increase (green). Referring again to Figure 10.4, it is 
lumen efficiency and produce a different seen that the gas discharge lights produce a 
spectral output. color spectrum least attenuated by absorp- 

Incandescent lights radiate throughout tion. 


473 


PERCENT TRANSMISSION AT 20 FT 


80 


70 


60 


50 


40 


30 


20 


10 


0 
4,000 4,400 4,800 5,200 5,600 6,000 6,400 


VIOLET BLUE GREEN YELLOW ORANGE RED 


WAVELENGTH (ANGSTROMS) 


SEAWATER, K = 0.04 AT 5,000 A 


Fig. 10.4 Light transmission as a function of wavelength through 20 feet of clear sea- 
water. The constant k is the coefficient of absorption for seawater. [From Ref. (4)] 


474 


Trying to assess or judge which of these 
lights is better than the other is difficult, 
because, like submersibles themselves, each 
one has assets that make it desirable for 
certain tasks and undesirable for others. 
Consequently, the most legitimate and real- 
istic approach is to present characteristics of 
each and let the user decide which serves his 
purpose best. 

C. L. Strickland and R. L. Hittleman of 
Dillingham Corp. (5) presented the results of 
their tests which compared the above three 
lights in respect to light output, sensitivity 
to input power variations, attenuation ver- 
sus distance, compatibility to television and 
color rendition. The test results clearly de- 
fine the advantages and disadvantages of 
each type and simplify the selection of light 
types for particular tasks. 

For these tests each light or lamp was in 
an identical housing, envelope and reflector 
configuration and operated at 250 watts (ex- 
cept for the color rendition tests when both 
250 and 1,000 watts were used). The results 
are highlighted below. 

Light output —(lumen efficiency) 

quartz iodide 18 lumens per watt 
mercury vapor 40 lumens per watt 
thallium iodide 75 lumens per watt 

At 120 volts the measured output showed 
the thallium iodide to be twice that of mer- 
cury vapor and six times that of the quartz 
iodide. Varying the input voltage showed the 
mercury vapor and thallium lights to drop to 
85 percent of the 120-volt output; quartz 
iodide has an output of less than 45 percent 
of its output at 120 volts. 


Attenuation —The centerbeam candlepower 
(cp) of each light was measured in clear 
seawater at distances of 1, 2, 3 and 3.5 me- 
ters from the source. The data at 2 meters 
are as follows: 


Attenuation of 


Output (cp) cpat2m_ initial output 
(2m) 
quartz iodide 1,100 110 90% 
mercury vapor (not given) (not given) 80% 
thallium _ io- 5,500 1,500 712% 
dide 


Contrast Level Versus Distance —An experiment 
was conducted using gray scale targets at 2, 
4,6 and 8 meters from a television camera to 
examine where the various lights fell in rela- 


475 


tionship to the peak of the video response 
curve. The thallium iodide provided much 
better contrast than the other two, espe- 
cially at 4, 6 and 8 meters. Only a slight 
difference was measured between the mer- 
cury vapor and quartz iodide lamps. This 
was explained on the basis of a camera fea- 
ture which automatically compensates for 
the lower light output of the quartz iodide. It 
was theorized that if the targets were far- 
ther apart or the water more turbid, the gas 
discharge lamps would have more clearly 
demonstrated their superior penetration. In 
this respect Figure 10.5 compares both the 
spectral sensitivity of both the human eye 
and a typical black and white TV camera. 
The curves for both eye and camera peak at 
about 5,500 Angstroms which is almost iden- 
tical to that of thallium iodide’s principal line 
spectrum (5,350 A). 


Color Rendition —At 250 watts for each lamp 
the following results were obtained by com- 
paring photographs of a spectral color chart 
at the varying distances: 

lmeter: quartz iodide showed strong 
green and blue attenuation and 
the violet appeared almost red. 
mercury vapor showed poor 
color rendition except in the 
blue-green region. 
thallium iodide showed some 
red output, blue and violet; 
green is predominant. 
quartz iodide (1,000 watts) pro- 
vided good color rendition at this 
distance, 2.5 meters seemed to 
be the limit for the 1,000-watt 
light. 
mercury vapor showed greens 
and blues, otherwise the light 
had very little color rendition. 
thallium iodide showed yellow 
and green, other colors were 
non- 
existent. 

Strickland and Hittleman conclude that 
each light has its distinct advantages for 
certain applications, but predict that thal- 
lium iodide should become the primary un- 
derwater light source in the near future. 

Subsequent to the above study, A. L. Waltz 
(6) of the Naval Undersea Research and De- 
velopment Center conducted an investiga- 


2 meters: 


RELATIVE RESPONSE 


100 


90 


80 


70 


60 


50 


40 


30 


20 


0 
4,000 4,400 4,800 5,200 5,600 6,000 6,400 6,800 


WAVELENGTH (ANGSTROMS) 


Fig. 10.5 A comparison of the spectral sensitivity of the human eye (curve a) and a 
typical black and white television tube (curve b). [From Ref. (5)] 


476 


tion into ways of improving reliability and 
efficiency of underwater lights. Table 10.3 
was taken from Waltz’s report and it summa- 
rizes the characteristics and pro’s and con’s 
of the commercial light types discussed 
above as well as others. 


On the whole, the NURDC study confirmed 
the results of Strickland and Hittleman, add- 
ing that there was a lack of demonstrated 
reliability in all existing light systems. Light 
failures occurred both during operations and 
during design assurance testing. The pri- 
mary type of failure during operation was 
stated to be leakage of water into the glass 
envelope housing which usually caused a 
short circuit in the power supply lines. 


Analyzing the mercury vapor light failures 
on the DSRV, Waltz noted that leakage was 
not the problem, but, instead, the fluctuating 
power supply from the DSRV’s main batter- 


les was a chief culprit. The mercury lights 
are designed for AC operation, hence, the 
power must be converted from DC to AC and 
then current limited, this is accomplished 
within a ballast unit. The ballast units did 
not regulate the varying voltage input (90 to 
140 VDC) adequately and resulted in the 
light being driven at a greater power level 
than its nominal rating at high inputs (which 
reduced its lifetime) or driven at a lower 
than rated voltage which decreased its lumi- 
nous efficiency. The prime DSRV ballast unit 
deficiency was in the electrical power conver- 
sion efficiency which was as low as 55 per- 
cent. This manifested itself in the form of 
heat which caused failure of several units. 
Filling the ballast units with a dielectric oil 
to improve cooling efficiency and replacing 
some electric components solved the problem 
somewhat. 

Another serious deficiency with the mer- 


TABLE 10.3 SUMMARY OF LIGHT SOURCE CHARACTERISTICS [FROM REF. (6)] 


Power Source 


Light Type Optical Characteristic 


Mercury vapor arc Lines in violet, blue, green, 
and yellow, deficient else- 


where. 


Requirements 


Current limited supply, 
regulated power input 


Advantages Deficiencies 


Relatively high 
efficiency (= 45-50 
lumens/watt) 


Relatively long start time 
(= 6 minutes) and restart 
time (= 10 minutes). Poor 
color rendition 


Thallium iodide- 
doped mercury vapor 
arc 


Dysprosium iodide 
thallium iodide- 
doped mercury vapor 
arc 


Incandescent tungsten 
filament 


Xenon arc 


Green line of thallium 
dominates the visible out- 
put, mercury lines are 
suppressed somewhat 


Many lines and back- 
ground level radiation 
spread thruout the visible, 
with the green thallium 
line being the dominant 
line 


Continuous output through- 


out the visible spectrum, 
increasing from the blue 
to the red end of the 
spectrum 


Continuous output through- 


out the visible spectrum 


Current limited sup- 
ply, regulated power 
input 


Current limited sup- 
ply regulated power 
input 


Regulated power 
input 


Current limited sup- 
ply, regulated power 
input 


477 


Very high efficiency 
source of green light 
(= 85-90 lumens/watt) 


High efficiency source 
of visible light (= 80 
lumens/watt) with 
relatively good color 
rendition 


Fast start time (<1 
second) and good color 
rendition 


Fast start time (80% 
output instantaneously) 
and immediate restart, 
excellent color rendition 


Relatively long start time 
(=5 minutes) and restart 
time (= 10 minutes) 


Relatively long start time 
(=4 minutes) and restart 
time (= 10 minutes) 


Relatively low efficiency 
(= 24 lumens/watt) 


Relatively low efficiency 
(= 22 lumens/watt), requires 
a high voltage pulse to start 


cury vapor lamps was the relatively long 
warmup time required to obtain peak output. 
With tungsten lamps warmup time is about 
0.5 second; with mercury vapor the time 
could be as long as 13 minutes in cold water. 
The report concluded with a preliminary de- 
sign for lights and ballast units which, in 
Waltz’s opinion, would correct the deficien- 


Fig. 10.6 Various underwater lights on submersibles: a. Birns & Sawyer, b. Hydro 
Products, c. EG&G International, and d. Ikelites pressure compensated by air 


cies as he saw them. It should be noted that 
this study was performed in 1970. By now it 
is safe to assume that several lighting prob- 
lems are either solved or much reduced, con- 
sidering the greater experience accumulated 
and advances in technology over this 5-year 
period. Figure 10.6 shows a variety of under- 
water lights for use on submersibles. 


Another aspect of lighting which bears 
heavily on viewing range concerns the lights’ 
position on the submersible. Mentioned 
above were the effects of light scattering by 
particulate matter (organic and inorganic) in 
the water column. Surprisingly, even the 
clearest waters have considerable amounts 
of such material which scatters and reflects 
light, thus creating viewing conditions quite 
similar to those of an automobile’s head- 
lights in a fog. (This suspended material is 
generally called ‘“‘snow” by submersible oper- 
ators, and it is a real-time indicator of 
whether the submersible is descending or 
ascending.) The majority of submersibles 
have their lights attached directly to the 


fairing or in the immediate vicinity of the 
viewport (Fig. 10.1). To illuminate an object 
at some distance from the submersible the 
light must travel a two-way path (out and 
back) and is subject to scattering in both 
directions. The result is to limit both the 
range of viewing and the intensity of light 
returning to the observer. Another problem 
is created with this arrangement when pho- 
tographing through the viewport, because 
generally, but not always, the lights are 
aimed to concentrate on one spot forward 
and downward in front of the submersible; 
this creates a “hot spot’? which overexposes 
one portion of the photograph and underex- 
poses others (Fig. 10.7). 


Fig. 10.7 A photograph of the sea floor taken from ALVIN. Note the overexposed region or “hot spot’ and underexposed regions at the extremities. Subsequent lighting 
rearrangements provided more uniform exposure. (U.S. Navy) 


To eliminate the “hot spot’? and reduce 
scattering many vehicles mount their lights 
on a boom (Fig. 10.8) or as far out on the 
brow as possible. In this manner the light 
has less distance to travel which reduces the 
amount of scatterers it must confront and 
permits the lamps to be oriented to provide 
more uniform lighting over the area of inter- 
est. 

Television —The television camera has rap- 
idly become an invaluable tool in virtually all 
areas of ocean exploration and exploitation. 
In the early days of deep submergence it 
played a minor role. Because it was large, it 
took up valuable space in the pressure hull. 
It also consumed a significant portion of the 
limited power, and interfacing it with other 
electronics was complex. In addition to these 
problems, relative to the human eye it lacked 
range, color and depth perception. Subse- 
quent technological advancements have 
largely eliminated the volume and interfac- 


Fig. 10.8 Crewman of ALUMINAUT in the process of lowering a light boom 
containing four EG&G incandescent lights. (U.S. Navy) 


4380 


ing problems, and the latest television cam- 
eras now provide range of view and details 
which may exceed the human eye at the 
viewport. 

The role of TV is quite varied, several 
submersibles mount a camera on the sail and 
use it for maneuvering on the surface. In 
this application, it is not necessary to open 
the hatch to maneuver, which might well be 
impossible in certain sea states and, when 
the vehicle’s controls are not portable, might 
be the only alternative to maneuvering 
blindly. 

The most general application, however, is 
as an adjunct to the viewport wherein it 
allows the operator to maneuver while the 
observer occupies the viewports. In some 
instances it is the only means of viewing 
areas around the vehicle and vehicle compo- 
nents where there is no direct view availa- 
ble. On BEN FRANKLIN a television camera 
was mounted on an external pan and tilt 
mechanism with two 70 mm cameras and it 
served as an aiming device for the cameras. 
One of its increasing roles is that of record- 
ing bottom features or other objects to pro- 
vide a permanent video tape record for de- 
tailed post-dive analysis. 

A variety of TV cameras, monitors and 
recorders is commercially available (e.g., Hy- 
dro Products, General Video Corp., Edo West- 
ern, Ball Brothers Research, Cohu Electron- 
ics, Thomson-CSF) which can operate to any 
ocean depth. One commercial camera, the 
Hydro Products TC150, is shown in Figure 
10.9. It incorporates automatic light compen- 
sation, remote focusing from 3 inches to in- 
finity and is rated to 10,000 feet deep. 

One of the more important technological 
developments enhancing the role of under- 
water television is the development of a low 
light level television camera (LLTV) which 
extended the viewing distance and reduced 
illumination requirements. Mr. Arthur Vigil 
of Hydro Products traced the development of 
the LLTV for underwater applications and 
compares its performance advantages 
against other available television tubes (Vi- 
dicon, Image Orthicon, Plumbicon, Silicon 
Target Vidicon). Table 10.4 is taken from 
Vigil’s paper (8) and compares a low light 
level tube (RCA’s Silicon Intensifier Target 
(SIT) tube) against a conventional Vidicon 


Fig. 10.9 Hydro Products’ Model TC150 underwater television camera. (Hydro 
Products) 


tube. It is interesting to note the peak of 
spectral response of the SIT tube which is at 
4,350 Angstroms and somewhat different for 
the peak response of a ‘“typical’’ television 
tube shown in Figure 10.5. 


Vehicle Control 
Depth Indicators: 

For obvious reasons, every submersible has 
a depth measuring device, and quite a few 
carry more than one. Virtually all rely 
primarily on pressure sensing depth gages, 
and a number also use an upward-looking 


echo sounder to measure their depth by ping- 
ing off the surface. Once again, the variety of 
manufacturers of depth measuring and indi- 
cating devices is numerous, and in the sub- 
mersible field no one brand is preferred over 
another. Consequently, an overview of the 
principles involved in submersible depth 
measuring devices serves better than a list of 
trade names. This approach is taken, and a 
few examples of systems employed in con- 
temporary cehicles are described. 

Expandable Metallic Element Gages —The most 
common and widely used design principle in 
depth measuring devices is found in the 
Bourdon tube. The Bourdon tube employs a 
curved or twisted metallic tube flattened in 
cross section as the sensing element. One 
end of the tube is sealed and pressure is 
applied to the opposite, open end. At the 
onset of applied pressure the tube becomes 
more nearly circular in cross section and 
tends to straighten. The movement of the 
sealed or free end is used to measure the 
external pressure. The most common ‘“‘C”’ 
tube arrangement is shown in Figure 10.10. 
Other tube configurations (spiral and helical) 
are employed when greater tip motion is 
desired. Bourdon tubes can be used for small 
pressure measurements (0-10 psig) or large 
measurements (0-100,000 psig) with accura- 
cies from 0.1 to 2.0 percent of full scale. 
These gages are simple, rugged, inexpensive 
and are used on many vehicles. The means of 


TABLE 10.4 COMPARATIVE DATA ON VIDICON AND SIT CAMERA TUBES [FROM REF. (8)] 


7262A Vidicon 4804/P2 SIT Tube 


Average “Gamma” of Transfer Characteristic 


Lag (% of initial signal current 1/20 second after illumination is removed) 


Limiting Resolution (TV lines) at Center of Picture 
Dark Current at 0.1 Footcandle 
Sensitivity (Ref. Figure 5) 
Typical Gain Ratio Adjustment: 
Target Voltage (5 to 50 V) 
Photocathode Voltage (—2.5 to —9 kV) 


Peak of Spectral Response (angstroms) 


0.65 1.0 

23% 71% 

750 700 
0.1pA 007A 
0.2uA/fc 350uA/fc 
100 -- 

—— 400 
5,500 4,350 


{ 


| 
PRESSURE 


Fig. 10.10 Bourdon tube 


transmitting pressure through the hull to 
the sensing element varies. In one instance 
(BEN FRANKLIN) a soft reservoir external 
to the hull was filled with mineral oil which 
transmitted pressure changes by thru-hull 
hydraulic lines directly to the sensing ele- 
ment inside the hull. 

Resistance Type Pressure Transducers —These in- 
struments are composed of a pressure-sen- 
sing element, such as the Bourdon tube, a 
device to convert its tip motion to an electri- 
cal parameter and a device to indicate or 
record pressure changes. A major advantage 
to this system is that there is no free or open 
end leading directly to the sea, because the 
depth indicating signal is passed electrically 
through the hull. The most common form of 
pressure transducer is a contact coupled to 
the sealed end of the Bourdon tube which 
slides along a continuous resistor. With a 
resistor of constant cross section, the change 
in resistance will be proportional to the 
movement of the contact. 

The pressure transducer shown in Figure 
10.11 is a bellows type in which the pressure 


482 


from the bellows is exerted against a pre- 
cisely designed spring which reacts and con- 
verts the pressure to a linear motion via the 
plate (moving contact) between it and the 
bellows. The plate has a contact which wipes 
the surface of the resistor and, if a constant 
AC or DC potential is held across the resis- 
tor, the measured voltage (at the voltmeter) 
is a precise measure of the pressure. 
DS-4000 uses this principle as one means 
of sensing depth, but a Bourdon tube is used 
instead of a bellows. The unit (Hydro Prod- 
ucts Model 404) is in a pressure-resistant 
aluminum housing, the Bourdon tube is oil- 
filled, and a rubber diaphragm separates the 
pressure transducer from the external envi- 
ronment to provide corrosion protection. A 
potentiometer is contained in the sensor and 
receives excitation voltage from a monitor 
unit in the pressure hull. The output is volt- 
age proportional to the external sensor. The 
monitor (Hydro Products 402) indicates 
depth to 1,600 meters at 20-meter increments 
and is powered by a mercury battery that is 
good for 200 hours. Maximum visual meter 
indication error is 2 percent of full scale. 
Strain Gage Pressure Transducers —Chapter 5 
described the role of strain gages in provid- 
ing data to compare calculated against meas- 
ured hull strength. The same unit, by virtue 
of its change in resistance as a function of 
hull distortion from ambient pressure, can 
also provide accurate depth measurements. 
The U.S. Navy’s SEA CLIFF and TURTLE 
employ three independent strain gage 
(Wheatstone) bridges bonded to the interior 
of the pressure sphere which are selected 
individually to supply an electrical depth 


PRESSURE 


MOVING 
CONTACT 


RESISTANCE 
ELEMENT 


ELECTRICAL 


P 


SPRING 


VOLTMETER 


Fig. 10.11 Resistive pressure transducer. 


signal to an indicator unit. These vehicles 
use a pressure transducer as the primary 
depth sensor, and the strain gages are used 
as both a backup and a check on the pressure 
transducer. If a critical difference develops 
between the strain gages and the transducer 
a “difference” indicator lights to alert the 
operator. The pressure transducer is manu- 
factured by Electric Boat/General Dynamics 
and has a range to 7,500 feet with an accu- 
racy of 0.45 percent of full scale. Its readings 
are displayed on a nixie tube (numerical 
indicating), but can be switched to a dial 
indicator if the nixie display fails. The trans- 
ducer output is also differentiated to an as- 
cent-descent rate amplifier and displayed on 
a meter in the depth indicator unit. 


Measurement of vehicle depth (or, con- 
versely, of height off of the bottom) as a 
function of water pressure is accompanied by 
a host of variables which work to reduce the 
measurement accuracy. Whether deployed in 
air or water, there are the inherent inaccur- 
acies encountered in the instruments them- 
selves, their design and materials of con- 
struction. Their use in the ocean environ- 
ment introduces dynamic conditions not gen- 
erally found ashore in land-based applica- 
tions. Hydrostatic pressure at a given depth, 
for example, is affected by gravity, water 
density (which varies with temperature, sal- 
inity and compressibility—the last being a 
factor mainly at the greater depths) and 
atmospheric pressure variations. 


Since atmospheric pressure seldom varies 
by more than 1 inch of mercury except under 
extreme storm conditions, its effect on depth 
readings is not likely to exceed 1 foot. Below 
depths of 100 to 200 feet this variation is lost 
in instrument error. The effects of waves are 
not felt below a depth of about two-thirds of 
the significant wavelength—the effective hy- 
drostatic pressure being averaged to mean 
sea level below that depth. The error caused 
by variations in density is random but in 
most submersible diving situations is small 
in comparison to the gravity variation. Grav- 
ity variations produce measurable humps or 
depressions in local sea level. These may be 
static (permanent), the result of local density 
anomalies in the solid-earth structure, or 
they may be cyclical, the result of tidal influ- 
ences. In the open ocean, however, even 


483 


these are measured in centimeters, not me- 
ters. 

Nevertheless, density variations are a con- 
sideration, and Woods Hole’s N. P. Fofonoff 
has constructed a standard specific volume 
profile (the reciprocal of density) which pro- 
vides corrections by geographic location at 
various depths within the world’s oceans. 
Contrary to popular belief, water is com- 
pressible—though much less so than most 
other liquids. At the tremendous pressures 
encountered in the deep ocean, compressibil- 
ity (which increases local water density) can 
produce a considerable error in depth by any 
type of pressure transducer. 

In addition to gravity, ocean currents— 
whether driven by the wind or Coriolis 
foree—can and do produce variations in local 
sea level over considerable areas. Although 
this does not affect the depth sensor’s meas- 
urement of how deep the submersible is be- 
neath the local sea surface, unless provision 
is made for this anomaly, calculations of how 
far the vehicle is above the bottom will be in 
error. Again, considering basic instrument 
error and all the other factors which affect 
depth readings, these differences (particu- 
larly at the greater submersible depths) are 
not significant—except under the most ex- 
acting physical oceanographic requirements, 
as in geostrophic flow and dynamic sea-sur- 
face topography research, for example. 


From a safety standpoint the errors intro- 
duced from the above factors do not prohibit 
use of pressure/depth gages in submersibles, 
because the errors are small in comparison 
to the general safety factor of 1.5 built into 
pressure-resistant components. An excellent 
example of this pressure versus depth differ- 
ence is related by J. Piccard in Seven Miles 
Down. TRIESTE’s depth at the bottom of the 
Challenger Deep was measured at 37,800 feet 
on a pressure/depth gage calibrated in fresh 
water; subsequent corrections for specific 
volume, gravity, compressibility and temper- 
ature reduced this to 35,800 feet. An inaccu- 
racy of 2,000 feet in depth was, from a safety 
standpoint, no real concern because TRI- 
ESTE’s pressure hull had a safety factor of 
2 which would take it to a computed collapse 
depth of 72,000 feet. 

The greatest area for concern is evidenced 
by the scientist or engineer who wants the 


depth of his in situ observations with the 
utmost accuracy. To obtain more accurate 
pressure/depth measurements vibrating wire 
transducers and quartz capacitance pressure 
transducers have been constructed in ocean- 
ographiec instruments and provide greater 
accuracy than the instruments described 
heretofore. 

In June 1967 the Marine Technology Soci- 
ety sponsored the symposium “Precise De- 
termination of Pressure/Depth in the 
Oceans.” Selected papers presented at this 
symposium are contained in reference (9), 
which describe the limitations, construction 
and testing of specific pressure/depth sen- 
sors. 

Seemingly incidental but quite important 
to a variety of missions, is the method or 
device used to present and/or record vehicle 
depth during a dive. On many missions the 
only importance attached to depth is that of 
safety and in this case the operator need 
know nothing beyond what the depth is at 
any given time. However, in surveying, envi- 
ronmental studies and cable inspections 
depth is a critical parameter and is the basis 
to which all observations are related. In such 
cases a record of depth versus time is invalu- 
able in reconstruction of the dive and relat- 
ing observations to their proper depth cate- 
gory. One can always record the time and 
depth with each observation, but in the small 
confines of submersibles this is not always 
convenient and many times the observer 
may simply forget to do so. Strip chart re- 
corders of the Rustrak variety are available 
which are small and trace an imprint on a 
paper scroll; these require electric power to 
operate. BEN FRANKLIN used a Swiss-built 
ink recorder which traced on a depth/time 
calibrated paper strip and was powered by a 
wind-up-motor, 8-day clock (Haenni S.A. 
Model 89RE, Jegenstorf). The recorder was 
invaluable in post-dive reconstruction relat- 
ing events to time and depth. 


Sonic Devices —Depth measurements from 
submersibles using sonic devices are ap- 
proached in the same manner as a surface 
ship measures bottom depth, but instead of 
measuring the round trip time interval of an 
acoustic impulse from surface to bottom, it 
measures the round trip time interval from 
vehicle to surface. A number of submers- 


DEPTH (THOUSANDS OF METERS) 


484 


ibles, thus, have upward-looking sonar trans- 
ducers for this purpose. The accuracy of such 
measurements can be better than many of 
the pressure sensors, but this accuracy de- 
pends upon the accuracy with which the time 
between the outgoing and returning im- 
pulses is measured, and the accuracy with 
which sound velocity in the overhead water 
column is known. The time measurement 
accuracy is the instrument error and in con- 
temporary echo sounders is considered negli- 
gible. The sound velocity error, however, can 
be considerable and is the controlling factor 
in accuracy. An indication of the errors 
brought about by seawater sound velocity 
variation can be seen from Figure 10.12 (con- 
structed by Mr. J. Berger, U.S. Naval Ocean- 
ographic Office), which shows the corrections 
versus depth which are required for a stand- 
ard sound velocity of 1,500 m/sec (4,920 ft/sec) 
off the west coast of Greenland and off Gi- 
braltar. 

In most instances the sonic devices are 
used during ascent for safety purposes to 
monitor closure rate with the surface rather 
than depth. The reason is quite simple: 


GREENLAND a 


b OFF GIBRALTAR 


50 50 


0 
DEPTH CORRECTION (METERS) 


Fig. 10.12 Depth corrections for echo sounder (1,500 meter/sec). 


Power, not only for the recorder or monitor, 
but for the transducer as well. Additionally, 
sonic devices are more complex than pres- 
sure sensors, heavier and larger. Figure 
10.13 shows examples of both pressure gage 
and sonic depth recording devices on sub- 


MAGNESYN 
COMPASS 


mersibles and also includes other indicators 
found in current submersibles. 

Altitude —By altitude is meant distance-off- 
the-bottom, and this information is used dur- 
ing descent so that the operator can reduce 
his speed to a safe level upon approaching 


PRESSURE 
DEPTH GAUGE 
EE” 


UP/DOWN SONAR 
RECORDER 


Fig. 10.13 Various indicators and equipments aboard STAR /I/. (Gen. Dyn. Corp.) 


the bottom. Information regarding altitude 
is also required when a mission calls for 
flying or hovering while maintaining con- 
stant distance from the bottom. The device 
used is invaribly a downward-looking echo 
sounder similar in operation, display and 
constraints to that described for the depth 
indicating echo sounder. Indeed, DS-4000 
uses the same transducer for looking up or 
down by hydraulically turning it in the de- 
sired direction. 

For precision control, however, the sonic 
devices’ inaccuracies may be unacceptable, 
and when the submersible’s transducer is too 
close to the bottom the return signal can be 
masked by the outgoing signal such that no 
altitude values are obtained. In a few cases 
where level flight, regardless of distance-to- 
bottom, was desired a device called a differ- 
ential pressure gage was employed. Bass and 
Rosencrantz (10) described such a system 


Bee PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR 


BYPASS VALVE 


they used to fly on a horizontal plane or 
isobaric (equal pressure) surface to conduct 
photographic missions with ASHERAH. A 
diagram of ASHERAH’s so-called isobaric al- 
timeter system is presented in Figure 10.14. 
The system provides data under the assump- 
tion that at 100 feet or more depth (for sea 
state 2) pressure fluctuation, due to waves, is 
attenuated such that a horizontal plane par- 
allel to mean sea level is defined by an 
isobaric surface. When the bypass valve is 
open, seawater enters the system, rises in 
the pressure accumulator, and compresses 
the entrapped air such that the pressure is 
equal to the ambient sea pressure. The dif- 
ferential pressure gage reads zero because 
the pressure is the same on both sides. When 
the submersible reaches a desired flying 
height, the bypass valve is shut. The pres- 
sure accumulator now provides a constant 
pressure reference for the desired flying 


TO SEA 


DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE GAGE 


Fig. 10.14 The isobaric altimeter system. [From Ref. (10)] 


486 


plane, and the differential gage reads the 
deviations of the submersible from that 
plane. The pressure accumulator was a small 
high-pressure air bottle. The differential 
pressure gage was manufactured by Whit- 
taker Corporation’s Pace Wianco Division, as 
was the pressure transducer (model P7) 
which operates on a variable reluctance prin- 
ciple. A demodulator carrier provided the 
proper input and output voltage condition- 
ing. The gage system has the following char- 
acteristics: 

— Input voltage = 22 to 32 VDC 
Range = 5 feet (= 2.5 psi) 
Output voltage gradient = 1 volt/foot 
Linearity = 0.5% best straight line 
Output impedance = 2 kilohms 
Resolution. Infinite 
Volumetric displacement = 3 (104) cu- 
bie inch. 
A meter readout for this gage was mounted 
on the pilot’s control panel to serve as a 
navigation aid and to indicate ASHERAH’s 
position relative to the horizontal reference 
plane. 


Speed Indicators: 

Because a submersible travels in three 
dimensions, both lateral and vertical speeds 
are sometimes measured. 

Vertical Speed —Rate of descent is an impor- 
tant parameter for deep-diving submersibles, 
mainly because of the danger of hitting the 
bottom too hard. A knowledge of descent rate 
allows the operator to adjust ballast or buoy- 
ancy to slow down (or speed up). Desire for 
knowledge of the vehicle’s ascent rate ap- 
pears (from conversations with operators) to 
be essentially for academic reasons. 

The most basic vertical speed indicator 
was described by A. Piccard In Balloon and 
Bathyscaphe) for the bathyscaph FNRS-2. 
Taking a vane anemometer (identical to that 
used by balloonists), Piccard mounted it on 
the top and out to the side of the vehicle’s 
float. The anemometer is a four-bladed fan 
that rotates in proportion to wind (or water) 
speed, or the vertical speed of the balloon 
and in this case was rotated by the vertical 
motion of the bathyscaph. Because it could 
not be visually observed, each rotation was 
electrically signaled through the hull on a 
different code for ascent and descent. Each 


487 


complete revolution corresponded to a prede- 
termined distance, and the frequency of the 
revolutions was observed in the hull as a 
luminous sparking. 

A second method is used by SEA CLIFF 
and TURTLE where sequential values from 
the pressure transducer are differentiated 
and displayed as a rate of change function. 

A third and most widely used method sim- 
ply times the rate of descent or ascent 
through selected depth intervals from the 
up/down echo sounder trace. The few vehi- 
cles that have a Doppler Sonar, described 
later in this section, can also derive rate of 
ascent/descent from this device. 

By and large, few submersibles measure 
vertical velocity and, when they do, descent 
rate is the most important parameter. 


Lateral Speed Similarly, knowing one’s 
speed across the bottom is of little value to 
the operator. To the scientist, however, it is a 
useful factor in reconstructing area observed 
per unit of time. For example, in biological 
studies where the number of visible bottom 
dwelling (benthic) organisms per area tra- 
versed is desired, speed is critical in deter- 
mining the distance covered in the absence 
of other navigation or locating systems. 

There is a wide variety of methods for 
measuring a vehicle’s speed, but the two 
most generally used are the Savonius Rotor 
and the Rodometer. 

A Savonius Rotor current meter is shown 
in Figure 11.4 (Chap. 11). DS-4000 used a 
similar rotor for speed measurements. As the 
rotor is turned by water movement, a reed 
switch is activated to send electric pulses 
through DS-4000’s hull and to produce a 
signal on a readout. Each full rotation corre- 
lates to a given distance through the water 
which is displayed, generally, in knots. Con- 
currently, each rotation can be summed to 
provide distance traveled; in this fashion the 
rotor acts as an odometer. The obvious prob- 
lem is: How does one account for speed added 
or subtracted by water currents? On surface 
ships the same problem is encountered when 
measuring wind speed underway, but sur- 
face ships generally know with fairly good 
accuracy their speed through the water at 
various shaft rpm’s. Knowing this, calcula- 
tions for apparent wind speed can be made 
which ultimately provide true wind speed 


and direction. Few submersibles have run 
speed trials over measured distances. As a 
result, the rotor’s effectiveness as both a 
speedometer and odometer is suspect. 

SEA CLIFF and TURTLE employ a differ- 
ent method to measure speed and distance, a 
rodmeter. The rodmeter is the speed sensing 
element of the EM (electromagnetic) log. It is 
about 12 inches high and 6 inches long, with 
an airfoil cross section. The active part of the 
rodmeter is an encapsulated coil which is 
excited by an indicator transmitter and sets 
up a magnetic field in the surrounding 
water. Two insulated pickup buttons, one on 
either side of the rodmeter, sense the voltage 
induced in the water (seawater is an electro- 
lyte) moving past the rodmeter and cutting 
the magnetic flux set up by the coil. The 
voltage sensed by the pickup buttons is pro- 
portional to the speed at which the water 
moves past the rodmeter and, after process- 
ing by the indicator transmitter circuitry, it 
drives the speed and distance indicators. Ac- 
curacy constraints similar to the rotor at- 
tend this method. The Doppler sonar, de- 
scribed later in this chapter, is a far more 
accurate speed measuring system and is 
finding increased application. 


Pitch/Roll Indicators: 

For a variety of reasons, including both 
safety and operational considerations, it is 
desirable to know and not exceed certain 
pitch or roll (trim) angles in a submersible. 
Of all instruments in a submersible, these 
indicators are the simplest, most reliable and 
consist merely of a bubble in a liquid con- 
fined in a curved, degree-marked glass tube. 
One such device or inclinometer is shown at 
the top of Figure 10.15 (item 43). Generally, 
one inclinometer is mounted on the vertical 
centerline athwartships plane to provide roll 
angle and one exactly amidships in the vehi- 
cle’s vertical fore and aft plane to provide 
pitch. In the more sophisticated vehicles, 
rate of pitch, as well as angle, is measured 
and displayed as shown in Figure 10.15. 

At this point the detectors, monitors and 
recorders found on submersibles become 
unique to each vehicle and a matter of per- 
sonal philosophy. A similar range of varia- 
tions is found in the means used to monitor 


488 


and detect the status of various vehicle com- 
ponents. Table 10.1 lists the most common 
status indicators. The reasons for wanting to 
know how much compressed air or battery 
power is left or if there is a leak in some 
critical compartment are obvious and need 
no explanation. Other indicators and mea- 
surers, as mentioned, either reflect the 
builder’s philosophy concerning what’s im- 
portant to measure on his vehicle or are 
added to increase its capabilities. Hence, 
rather than list such personal choices, the 
reader is referred to Figure 10.15 which de- 
picts what DEEP QUEST’s designers con- 
sider to be necessary indicators, detectors 
and controls. Except for the DSRV’s, it is 
unlikely that any other vehicle exceeds this 
in scope. It should be noted that this (Fig. 
10.15) is only one segment of DEEP QUEST’s 
control station and it has been modified since 
this photograph was taken. 


Communications 

Communication systems in manned sub- 
mersibles are used for the following pur- 
poses: Sub-to-ship (surface); sub-to-ship (sub- 
surface-to-surface); sub-to-diver (subsur- 
face); atmospheric chamber-to-lock-out 
chamber (intra-vehicle). Systems which per- 
form these functions are radio transceivers 
(AM and FM), underwater acoustic tele- 
phones and hardwire (sound powered) tele- 
phones. The following discussion is con- 
cerned only with routine operational commu- 
nication requirements and systems; the role 
of communications to avoid and assist in 
emergencies is discussed in Chapter 14. 


Surface Communications: (Radio) 

From a routine operational point of view, 
communications on the surface provide for 
pre-dive vehicle checkout and status report- 
ing to the surface ship. Post-dive functions 
are primarily concerned with rendezvousing 
with the support ship for subsequent re- 
trieval. 

During both the pre- and post-dive periods 
the range between support ship and sub- 
mersible is maintained at less than 1 mile; 
hence, short-range surface communication 
systems serve adequately. Most vehicles rely 
on line-of-sight, portable radio transceivers 
in the ultra-high-frequency or citizen’s band 


180 @ ® ee 
65. 66 67 
@\@ 9 


Fig. 10.15 Vehicle status control and indicators on DEEP QUEST. (LMSC) 


489 


OXYGEN 

EMERGENCY HYDRAULICS 

HYDRAULIC RESERVOIR 

HYDRAULIC PRESSURE 

VARIABLE BALLAST 

FORWARD BATTERY 

AFT BATTERY 

28 VDC EMERGENCY AND NORMAL LIGHTING 
INTERNAL LIGHTING 

NAVIGATION (OUTSIDE) LIGHTS 

DEPTH (VEHICLE) IN FEET 

DEPTH UP/DOWN 0-600-FT. 

DEPTH UP/DOWN 0-60-FT. 

GYRO COMPASS REPEATER 

LATERAL SPEED COMPONENT (THRU WATER) 
DOPPLER SPEED (OVER GROUND) 

COURSE SET READOUT (DEGREES) 

DISTANCE TO SURFACE (FT.) 

COURSE SETTER 

SPEED BASED ON PROPELLER RPM. 

LATERAL SPEED COMPONENT (THRU-WATER) - 
SPEED BASED ON PROPELLER RPM. 

DOPPLER SPEED (OVERGROUND) 
ASCENT/DESENT RATE INDICATOR (FPS) 
MAGNETIC COMPASS REPEATER 

PITCH RATE (DEG/SEC) 

PITCH ANGLE (DEG) 

TRIM SET (DEG) 

TURN RATE (DEG/SEC) 

STERN PLANE ANGLE 

RUDDER ANGLE 

DEPTH 

AFT LATERAL THRUST (LBS) 

TV MONITOR 

FORWARD LATERAL THRUST (LBS) 
VERTICAL THRUST AFT (RPM) 

VERTICAL THRUST FORWARD (RPM) 

PORT PROPELLER (RPM) 

STARBOARD PROPELLER (RPM) 

DOPPLER FREQUENCY RANGE SELECTOR 
VOLTAGE INDICATOR (OUTPUT) DOPPLER 
DOPPLER FREQUENCY RANGE SELECTORS 
ROLL INCLINOMETER 

VOLTAGE INDICATOR (OUTPUT) DOPPLER 
EMERGENCY RELEASE CIRCUT TEST LIGHT 
EMERGENCY POWER FOR EMERGENCY HYDRAULIC SYSTEM READOUT 
EMERGENCY HYDRAULIC PRESS READOUT AND POWER SOURCES SELECTION 
NORMAL POWER FOR EMERGENCY HYDRAULIC SYSTEM READOUT 
NORMAL POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT BREAKER 
EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT BREAKER 
TRIM MERCURY AFT (DROP SWITCH) 

LIST MERCURY STARBOARD (DROP SWITCH) 
PORT PAN/TILT MECHANISM (DROP SWITCH) 
STARBOARD PAN/TILT JETTISON SWITCH 
RAMP JETTISON SWITCH 

ANCHOR JETTISON SWITCH 

EMERGENCY WEIGHT DROP JETTISON SWITCH 


490 


58. SIGNAL BUOY RELEASE JETTISON SWITCH 

59. MAIN POWER LOSS INDICATOR 

60. TRIM MERCURY FORWARD 

61. TRIM MERCURY AFT 

62. JETTISON SWITCH PORT BATTERY 

63. JETTISON SWITCH PORT BATTERY 

64. JETTISON SWITCH STARBOARD BATTERY 

65. JETTISON SWITCH STARBOARD BATTERY 

66. EMERGENCY WEIGHT DROP 

67. POWER TO EMERGENCY SWITCHES 
CIRCUT BREAKERS 

68. EMERGENCY RELEASE PANEL 

69. BALLAST CONTROL PANEL 

70. UNDERWATER TELEPHONE 

71. LIGHTS (INTERNAL) 

72. COMMUNICATIONS PANEL AND RADIO 

73. EXTERNAL POWER CONTROL PANEL 

74. LIFE SUPPORT 


category (Table 10.5), which provide commu- 
nications up to 50 miles although not more 
than 10 or 15 miles are obtained. The exten- 
sive use of these frequencies, both at sea and 
ashore, has led to a wide variety and quality 
of available equipments. 

Some of the larger vehicles use much 
longer-range surface communications sys- 
tems. ALUMINAUT, for example, carried a 
75-watt radio transceiver with six channels 
and broadcast on 2 to 6.5 MHz. This system 


included the Coast Guard emergency fre- 
quency of 2182 kHz and frequencies compati- 
ble with the nearest commercial marine op- 
erator. 

Support ship radio requirements in addi- 
tion to those connected with submersible 
communications can be extensive. In most 
open-sea operations (military or civilian) 
someone, somewhere must be kept abreast of 
the mission’s progress. Additionally, break- 
downs, delays and the need for spare parts or 


TABLE 10.5 STANDARD RADIO BAND TERMINOLOGY 


Frequency Range 


From To 
ae below 30 kHz 
30 kHz 300 kHz 
300 kHz 3 MHz 
3 MHz 30 MHz 
30 MHz 300 MHz 
300 MHz 3 GHz 


491 


Band Name Abbreviation 
Very-low-frequency VLF 
Low-frequency LF 
Medium frequency MF 
High-frequency HF 
Very-high-frequency VHF 
Ultra-high-frequency UHF 


additional personnel will inevitably occur. 
Since such needs are met from shore-based 
activities, the support ship must be capable 
of communicating at least to the source of 
such support. Quite frequently, it is possible 
to operate using only the nearest marine 
operator for such shore communications. The 
primary difficulty with this arrangement is 
that one must frequently wait for a period of 
time to make the call. This makes for diffi- 
cult schedule keeping if a predesignated time 
is set for situation reports. On the other 
hand, as long as this inconvenience is appre- 
ciated beforehand, the commercial operator 
serves adequately. 

During a number of open-sea operations 
with U.S. Naval agencies, a Single Side Band 
(SSB) radio was installed on the support ship 
for direct communications with the agency 
involved. Using this system is more conveni- 
ent than going through a commercial opera- 
tor, but the cost can be quite severe, because 
both the shore and sea components must be 
furnished and installed. 

The allocation of radio frequencies for use 
at sea is governed by the Federal Communi- 
cations Commission for non-government 
users and the Interdepartment Radio Advi- 
sory Committee for government users. It is 
beyond the scope of this discussion to relate 
the details of obtaining frequencies and the 
attendant legal considerations, but reference 
(11) presents a succinct treatise highlighting 
the pertinent rules and regulations for U.S. 
users. 


Sub-Surface Communications: 

Communications between the submerged 
vehicle and its support ship serve a variety 
of purposes. For the most part, however, the 
dialogue is concerned with status reports— 
more simply, to enable the support ship to 
keep abreast of what’s going on in the sub- 
mersible. In an emergency the purposes and 
needs are quite different, and the considera- 
tions involved in selecting a carrier fre- 
quency and the nature of the device are 
discussed in Chapter 14. 

Once the vehicle is submerged the fre- 
quency of conversations with the surface is 
minimal; purposefully so, because the pilot 
and observer(s) have enough work to do 
without distractions from above. For this 
reason several operators have designed a 
code whereby all routine (and emergency) 
traffic is transmitted with minimal dialogue. 
One such code is presented in Table 10.6 and 
was used between DS-4000 and its support 
ship. Such codes also conserve power and, in 
the event that reception is weak or garbled, 
can be more easily understood and inter- 
preted. 

Probably the simplest code used to ask if 
things are going routinely is to click the 
transmit button two or three times. Such 
clicks are quite distinguishable in the vehi- 
cle, and the operator need merely click back 
a return OK. 

When a submersible has no independent 
means of navigation and is required to follow 
a certain path, frequently it is tracked from 


TABLE 10.6 DS-4000 RADIO/TELEPHONE CODE LIST 


Prefix Suffix 
DELTA — Dive 1—Ready; Standby 
ALPHA — Ascent 2—Commenced; Start 
X-RAY — Emergency 3—Trouble; Rescue Me 
PAPA — Minor Problem 4—Caution; Stand Clear 
NOVEMBER _ Navigation 5—Normal, OK 
MIKE — Motor 6—Arrived at 
LIMA — Information 7—STOP, Stopped, Completed 
CHARLIE — CO9%is 8—Need Assistance — Send Divers 
FISH — Depth Reading 9—Conditions Poor, Abnormal 
TANGO — Tracking 10-5—I Understand, | Will Obey 
WHISKEY — Weather 


492 


Emergency Signals 


XRAY 31—FIRE 

XRAY 32—UNCONTROLLED ASCENT 

XRAY 33—-UNCONTROLLED DESCENT 

XRAY 34—HUNG ON OBJECT ON BOTTOM 

XRAY 35—MUST EXIT VEHICLE 

XRAY 36—CRANE IS INOPERATIVE 

XRAY 37—NECESSARY TO DROP FORWARD 
BATTERY 

XRAY 38-COLLISION (on surface) 

XRAY 39—REQUEST IMMEDIATE PICK-UP 

GENERAL CALL — MAY DAY 


the surface and its course directed on the 
underwater telephone. 

By and large, most submersibles employ 
sonic (wireless) communications systems re- 
lying on the water column, instead of a wire, 
to carry the conversation. The carrier fre- 
quencies employed in commercially available 
devices commonly are 8, 28 or 42 kHz. Sev- 
eral factors weigh heavily on the choice of 
frequencies: range, ambient noise and com- 
patibility with other communication sys- 
tems. 


Range of an underwater telephone is then 
a problem of signal strength versus refrac- 
tion, reverberation, scattering and the am- 
bient noise at the receiver. Ambient sea 
noise has a large low frequency content; 
hence, a low frequency communications sys- 
tem must compete with this, but, on the 
other hand, low frequency sound is less ab- 
sorbed on its way to the receiver. The selec- 
tion of the carrier frequency or communica- 
tions system is a compromise of all the above 
factors. Table 14.7 (Chap. 14) presents ranges 
of various communicating systems; these are 
advertised ranges, and, as the manufactur- 
ers agree, they are not always attainable. 

The majority of submersibles use a system 
operating at 8.0875 kHz for sub-to-surface 
communications. This frequency is good for 
range in areas of little ambient noise. The 
higher frequencies (28, 42 kHz) provide good 
short- to medium-range communications and 
are usually used in sub-to-diver and diver-to- 
diver systems. Because the submersible it- 
self is a noise generator, one must consider it 
as a negative factor in the selection of a 
diver-to-sub wireless communication system. 


Chapter 2 briefly discusses sound propaga- 
tion in the sea. A wide-ranging and compre- 
hensive treatment of underwater acoustics 
can be found in reference (12). For purposes 
of this discussion, it is sufficient to note that 
the velocity of sound in a liquid varies with 
temperature, salinity and density. Previ- 
ously, it was explained that sound waves 
may be bent (refracted) and do not always 
follow a straight path. To further complicate 
its transmission, a sound can be scattered by 
objects in the water and large objects (in- 
cluding the bottom and the surface) can pro- 
duce echoes (reverberation). The result is to 
distort the signal such that intelligible com- 


493 


munications are difficult. Added to this is 
noise produced by animals, the sea surface or 
ship traffic which may act to mask or drown 
out the communications. Finally, the signal 
itself spreads as it travels to a receiver and 
this spreading loss also results in signal deg- 
radation (with strength dropping as the cube 
of the distance). Since all of these factors 
vary constantly, communications can be ex- 
cellent one day and, for all practical pur- 
poses, non-existent the next. In some in- 
stances communications can vary within the 
tenure of a 5- or 6-hour dive depending upon 
the terrain or environment over, within or 
under which a vehicle may operate. 


The ambient diver confronts all of the 
problems found in submersible communica- 
tions and quite a few in addition: The diver 
must have full freedom of mouth and lip 
movements to enunciate words, the face 
mask cavity into which he speaks often en- 
hances lower frequencies and attenuates 
higher frequencies, exhalation of bubbles in- 
terferes with communications, and his hear- 
ing sensitivity is less in water than in air. If 
the diver is wearing a helmet the problems 
also involve ambient noise caused by air 
injected into the helmet and expired air es- 
caping through the exhaust valve. When he- 
lium (instead of nitrogen) is used with oxy- 
gen a further complication arises in that this 
lighter gas medium causes a shift in the 
speech frequency and a resultant “Donald 
Duck’’ effect, but converters are available 
that can reconstruct the diver’s voice so that 
it is intelligible (13). 

A number of commercial diver communica- 
tion systems is available, and tests have 
shown their performance as adequate (14). 
Where one offers good intelligibility it may 
fail in reliability or vice versa. The improve- 
ments in this area within the sixties have 
been quite remarkable, and it is likely that 
the increasing use of divers and lock-out 
submersibles in the offshore oil industry will 
focus more attention with subsequent solu- 
tion of those problems that remain. 


Hardwire telephones to the surface have 
been used since the advent of the hard-hat 
diver, and the number of systems available is 
large. All the tethered submersibles use a 
hardwire telephone system, and in a few of 
the very shallow submersibles (e.g., the NAU- 


TILETTE series) a hardwire telephone line is 
held at the surface by a buoy, while a small 
boat accompanies it and communicates with 
the occupants below. The disadvantages of 
this method are obvious, including: Reduced 
maneuverability, the problems of ‘‘buoy 
keeping” in strong surface currents or winds 
and the potential for entanglement. The pro- 
ponents point out, however, that the buoy- 
hardwire arrangement is inexpensive and 
also serves as a way to track the submers- 
ible. 

Sound-powered telephones find application 
in lock-out submersibles for communications 
between the diver’s and operator’s compart- 
ments. On the JOHNSON SEA LINK a sound- 
powered phone provides communication be- 
tween the acrylic operator/observer’s sphere 
and the aluminum diver lockout cylinder. 
Basically, the sound-powered telephone may 
rely on one device to both transmit and 
receive. Sound waves striking a diaphragm 
cause it to vibrate. The motion of the dia- 
phragm changes the magnetic field of a per- 
manent bar magnet adjacent to the dia- 
phragm, which induces electric current of 
varying voltage and amperage in a winding 
connected to an identical device at the other 
end. These changes travel to the opposite 
end where identical changes occur in its 
magnet and cause the diaphragm to repro- 
duce the original sound. Because the power 
input is small, so is the range of transmis- 
sion, but it is quite adequate for the applica- 
tion and requires no external source of 
power other than one’s voice. 

The most fundamental communications 
system is frequently used during the pre- 
dive surface checkout. This consists of prear- 
ranged arm and hand signals on the part of 
the diver and submersible operator. There 
are standard diver hand signals which the 
Navy Diving Manual illustrates, and these 
are frequently followed. A few vehicles in- 
stall a sound-powered telephone in the free- 
flooding sail which the diver uses to accom- 
plish the same purpose when on the surface. 


NAVIGATION 


The term navigation, as used herein, refers 
to the submersible system’s ability to an- 
swer: Where do we go, where are we and 


494 


where have we been? It is important to note 
that the whole system is involved in supply- 
ing such answers, because few, if any, vehi- 
cles have the ability to navigate independ- 
ently of surface support. The reason is quite 
simple: Contemporary submersibles are not 
large enough to carry both surface and sub- 
surface navigating equipment. The ship- 
board navigator might rightfully question 
the inordinate volume requirements of a sex- 
tant, but, to be quite pragmatic, a sextant or 
other visual locating devices simply does not 
provide the accuracy or repeatability re- 
quired by submersibles in the open sea. To 
find and reacquire a cable, pipeline or other 
hardware, for example, the submersible’s po- 
sition at launch must be known to the best 
accuracy possible so that electrical power 
will not be consumed merely trying to find 
the object of interest. To perform this task, 
electronic aids to navigation have taken 
precedence over the sextant. 


The means of establishing the surface sup- 
port platform’s geographic location (for sub- 
sequent extrapolation to the submersible’s 
undersea position) are many and varied. The 
subject has been treated extensively since 
man first set out to sea. Hence, surface posi- 
tioning per se will not be discussed. For what 
is probably the most comprehensive treat- 
ment in existence on the methods and means 
of surface positioning, reference (15), the 
American Practical Navigator or, more com- 
monly, Bowditch is recommended. More re- 
cent developments, applications and problem 
areas in this subject are presented in refer- 
ences (16) and (17), the first and second sym- 
posiums on Marine Geodesy, respectively. 
Before leaving this subject, it must be real- 
ized that all present underwater positioning 
systems are ultimately referred to the sur- 
face position. Thus, any errors introduced on 
the surface are carried directly to the sub- 
surface. Table 10.7 lists selected contempo- 
rary electronic surface positioning systems 
and provides an appreciation of the magni- 
tude of error encountered with each system. 


Determining a submersible’s undersea lo- 
cation relative to the surface fix is ap- 
proached in two ways: The first involves 
tracking of the vehicle by the surface ship 
and requires no related action on the part of 
the submersible operator; the second ap- 


TABLE 10.7 SELECTED SURFACE POSITIONING SYSTEMS [FROM REF. (18)] 


Accuracy Signal/ 
(rms Processing 

System Type and Name Manufacturer Range Positions) Users Frequency Type* 
CONVENTIONAL RADIO NAVIGATION 
Short Range Cubic Corp. 50 km 2-10 m 1 3,000 MHz P-Ph 
Cubic Autotape DM-40 
Hydrodist MRB-2 Tellurometer 50 km 3-30 m 1 3,000 MHz P-Ph 
Medium Range Decca Hi-Fix Decca Systems 300 km 5-50 m Multi 2 MHz CW-Ph 
(medium power) 
Lorac B Seiscor 500 km 5-100 m Multi 2 MHz CW-Ph 
Long Range Loran A Sperry Rand, ITT, 1,200 km 1.5-8 km Multi 2 MHz P-ph 

others 
Loran C 1,800 km 15-400 m Multi 100 kHz P-Ph 
Global Omega ITT, Tracor, 800 km 800-3000 m Multi 10 kHz P-Ph 
Nortronics 

POSITION FIXING BY SATELLITE 
AN/SRN-S receiver + choice ITT Single-fix 60- 
of computer 120 m (average 
702 receiver + choice Magnavox Global fix interval Multi 150 and Doppler 
of computer 90 minutes) 400 MHz 
Update Geo Navigator Honeywell 


*P: Pulse 
Ph: Phase Comparison 
CW: Continuous Wave 


proach is all on the part of the submersible 
operator and, once underwater, is independ- 
ent of the surface ship. Between both of 
these extremes (surface-dependent versus 
independent positioning) are a number of 
variations. For convenience, the surface-de- 
pendent methods are categorized as Surface 
Tracking and the independent methods as 
Submerged Navigation. A third aspect of 
navigation, intermediate between where do 
we go and where have we been, concerns 
locating a target and going to it; this func- 
tion is termed “Homing,” and is also dis- 
cussed. 

It is very difficult to speak of navigation 


495 


without discussing accuracy and within the 
confines of this section it is impossible to 
discuss adequately the many factors in- 
volved in navigational accuracy. Accuracy is 
defined as the degree of conformance with a 
correct value. But, in regards to an object’s 
location on the planet Earth, even the “cor- 
rect value,” in terms of its latitude and longi- 
tude, is accompanied with inaccuracies un- 
der the most exacting measurements. Navi- 
gation, according to Bowditch, is not an ex- 
act science and a number of the approxima- 
tions used by the conventional navigator 
would be unacceptable in careful scientific 
work. The navigator, however, is a pragma- 


tist, and greater accuracy may not be con- 
sistent with the requirements or time availa- 
ble, or, most importantly, there may be no 
alternative. For the submersible operator, 
accuracy becomes an overriding considera- 
tion when he asks: Where are we, or where is 
it? because the answer must always be quali- 
fied as: We’re right here, plus or minus sev- 
eral hundred yards, feet or several miles. 
The inaccuracy in a position may have ex- 
treme consequences underwater, because, 
for example, precious battery power must be 
spent maneuvering to find a particular site 
or object. Searching for and acquiring an 
object in the deep ocean is an extremely 
frustrating experience. In the first place, one 
only has the area of the vehicle’s lights in 
which to look. Secondly, once the object is 
found the vehicle must stop, but stopping 
takes some distance and the submersible 
usually passes over or by the object. It then 
must turn around and relocate it. This may 
sound simple, but it isn’t. For example, in 
1970 under a contract with the Naval Ocean- 
ographiec Office off San Clemente Island, 
DEEP QUEST passed over an unusual rock 
pedestal at 2,820 feet deep. The operator 
immediately bottomed the vehicle and 
turned 180 degrees to return to the rock. 
Some 2 hours later the search for the pedes- 
tal was unsuccessful and terminated due to 
the press of time. Numerous examples simi- 
lar to this can be found in reports from other 
vehicles. 


Let us hypothesize that the rock men- 
tioned above had been located, and it became 
necessary to surface and return to the rock 
again. Generally, the procedure would be to 
maneuver as close to the rock as possible 
and, using whatever means available, obtain 
one or more fixes (positions) on the rock’s 
location. Returning to the rock now intro- 
duces another term describing a navigation 
system’s capabilities, ‘‘repeatability.”’ Quite 
simply, repeatability is a measure of how 
closely the system can bring the vehicle back 
to the rock, and in certain types of underwa- 
ter work it can be as important as accuracy. 
The geologist, for example, may be quite 
content to know that the rock we mentioned 
is approximately 5 to 6 miles south of San 
Clemente; the exact geographic location (ac- 
curacy) may be unimportant. What is impor- 


496 


tant is that he can return to look at or 
sample this rock without undertaking a ma- 
jor search expedition. Likewise, the surveyor 
who has found and mapped a suitable cable 
route can accept the fact that the centerline 
of the route is plus or minus a half mile from 
some point on the earth’s surface; his main 
concern is that the centerline of this route 
can be reacquired and the cable laid thereon. 

Accuracy, therefore, is a measure of how 
closely a navigation system can locate the 
submersible on the earth’s surface; repeata- 
bility is a measure of how closely the system 
can get it back to that spot. 


Surface Tracking 

In a few instances—especially in the early 
years—the requirements for a geographic po- 
sitioning system were rudimentary at best. 
FNRS-2 and 3, TRIESTE I, SP-350 and 
ALVIN among others, asked nothing else of 
the surface ship but to stand clear when they 
surfaced. This was accomplished via the 
underwater telephone, whereby the surface 
ship, knowing that the vehicle was returning, 
kept well clear. As a result, both were quite 
far from each other and in 1965 ALVIN re- 
quired assistance from a Coast Guard aircraft 
to reunite with its support craft (19). But, as 
soon as technology made it possible, this 
casual approach was replaced. What follows is 
not an orderly chronological development of 
submersible tracking systems because, quite 
simply, there was and is no orderly develop- 
ment. Some still use devices which were used 
in early fifties, while others use systems of 
the seventies. The discussion, therefore, shall 
begin with the most basic and proceed to the 
more sophisticated tracking systems. 


Marker Buoys: 

Simple in concept but quite difficult in 
practice, one of the first attempts to ascer- 
tain the whereabouts of the submerged vehi- 
cle was the marker buoy. In this approach a 
suitable length of line was attached to the 
vehicle with a surface buoy on the other end. 
The surface craft merely kept track of the 
buoy and took compass bearings on it rela- 
tive to itself. By keeping a continuous plot of 
its own position, the surface ship needed 
merely to draw a post-dive plot of its track 
and that of the buoy to reconstruct the vehi- 


cle’s underwater course. Mr. John Barringer 
quite succinctly outlined a few of the prob- 
lems with this approach that PC-3B 
(CUBMARINE) encountered off Spain in the 
1966 H-bomb search (20). 


“An inflatable buoy about three feet 
in diameter was attached to the sub- 
marine by a length of polypropylene 
line. As the sub pulled this buoy 
around, range and bearing from the 
ship to the buoy could be determined, 
and a rough estimate of CUBMA- 
RINE’s location made. Various factors 
contributed to the inaccuracy of this 
system. The length of line from the 
submarine to the buoy was roughly 
twice the depth of the sub. (Should the 
line foul on some underwater projec- 
tion, enough line was desired to allow 
CUBMARINE to surface without hav- 
ing to pull the buoy under. The sub’s 
power is not sufficient to pull the buoy 
under and hold it there. Also, surface 
action of the sea naturally moves the 
buoy up and down, and if the line 
were taut, CUBMARINE would be 
moved up and down with it.) Action of 
the wind, sea, and current greatly 
affected the position of the buoy. It 
was sometimes a very unreliable indi- 
cator of the submarine’s course. For 
example, when CUBMARINE executed 
a 180 degree turn, the buoy would 
travel for a time in the opposite direc- 
tion the submarine was going, a poten- 
tially hazardous situation. Once when 
working with the MSO (minesweeper ), 
sonar contact with the submarine had 
been lost just about the time she had 
made a turn. The MSO continued to 
steer a course which would normally 
have been a safe following one. At this 
crucial time communication with 
CUBMARINE was also temporarily 
disrupted. Suddenly, the buoy stopped 
its forward progress, turned, and 
headed directly for the ship. The ship 
veered sharply, but not in time. The 
buoy line fouled in her screw, and 
CUBMARINE was unceremoniously 
yanked from the bottom. Fortunately, 
the line parted long before she could 
be reeled up into the screw.”’ 


497 


While the marker buoy may seem to pos- 
sess a capricious will of its own, it is used 
nonetheless on quite a few vehicles in shal- 
low water operations. 


Active Sonar Ranging: 

Essentially a steel bubble, the submersible 
is an excellent reflector of sound. One ap- 
proach, therefore, that would seem an excel- 
lent candidate tracking system is that of 
pinging* off the submersible’s hull from the 
surface and calculating a range and bearing 
to the submersible. But several factors in- 
hibit application of this system. First, when 
the submersible operates on or close to the 
bottom, the echo from the bottom is as 
strong as that from the vehicle itself, and the 
return ping from the vehicle usually is indis- 
tinguishable from the bottom. Secondly, if a 
ridge or other large object comes between 
the surface ship and the submersible, con- 
tact is lost. These two considerations and the 
fact that the best of these systems resides in 
the domain of the military have resulted in 
very little use of active sonar ranging. 

The only reported application of this sys- 
tem is, again, by Barringer (20) with CUB- 
MARINE in the Spanish bomb hunt. 

“The method employed to track 

CUBMARINE when she was submerged 
was one fabricated of necessity and 
was far from adequate for the task. It 
was relatively successful for vectoring 
CUBMARINE into the area of a posi- 
tive sonar contact, but was of little 
value in making a geographical plot 
of her progress. An MSO, with its UQS- 
I sonar, acted as control ship for each 
of CUBMARINE’s dives. The ship 
would search the bottom with her 
sonar, and when a target was located 
CUBMARINE would dive. The sonar 
operator would acquire the submarine 
as she dived, and would give the pilot 
courses to steer until the target “blip” 
and CUBMARINE’s “‘blip’’ merged on 
the sonar screen. 

Sometimes this procedure would put 
CUBMARINE within a few feet of the 
target. More often, however, the target 
was not within her range of visibility 
(usually 15-20 feet). Then she would 


search in an outwardly spiraling pat- 


tern. Success with this procedure was 
often thwarted by the current. As CUB- 
MARINE increased the diameter of 
her circling pattern, she was pushed 
continually down current, so that the 
ground track of the spiral search pat- 
tern became corkscrew shaped. The 
pilot was unable to correct for this, as 
he had no navigation system, and visi- 
bility was too poor to allow him to 
visually fix a spot on which to circle. 
If the spiral search failed to locate the 
target, another sonar vectoring at- 
tempt was made. 

Plotting the track of CUBMARINE’s 
progress was an especially frustrating 
problem. A continuous plot of the 
MSO’s track was maintained using 
Decca Hi-Fix and/or range and bear- 
ing fixes from landmarks on shore. 
CUBMARINE’s position was then plot- 
ted relative to the known position of 
the MSO. Two procedures were em- 
ployed simultaneously in the plotting 
of CUBMARINE’s position. The pri- 
mary system was for sonar to deter- 
mine the relative range and bearing of 
the submarine from the MSO. This 
method was subject to the inherent 
inaccuracies of the sonar, and was 
also largely dependent on the profi- 
ciency of the sonar operator. Keeping 
sonar contact with both the target and 
the submarine was often a difficult 
task for the sonar man. As he adjusted 
the focus of one he could easily lose 
contact with the other.” 


In the same report Barringer notes that 
this system was replaced by the marker 
buoy, the adequacy of which has been de- 
scribed. 


Pinger (Sub)-Hydrophone (Surf): 

One of the earlier approaches to tracking 
was by the attachment of a pinger to the 
submersible and a baffled hydrophone to the 
surface ship. As the submersible’s ping was 
received by the support ship it would orient 
the hydrophone until the loudest ping was 
obtained, and from the direction in which the 
receiving element was pointing, the relative 
bearing of the submersible was obtained. 
Slant range, on the other hand, was ob- 


498 


tained from the submersible’s UQC. In some 
instances the hydrophone was lowered di- 
rectly from the support ship; in others, it was 
lowered from a small boat. The latter ap- 
proach introduces a new set of errors, be- 
cause now the range and bearing from sup- 
port ship to small boat must be obtained 
before the relative slant range and bearing 
to the submersible can be calculated. Figure 
10.16 diagrams the tracking procedures for 
STAR III and DS-4000; the origin of the 
ship-to-small-boat error is apparent. 

Pollio (21) describes this tracking system 
as follows: A 20-kHz pinger on the submers- 
ible was tracked from the small boat by a 
baffled hydrophone oriented to obtain the 
loudest ping. The hydrophone angle to the 
submersible was estimated, and the heading 
of the small boat was obtained from an ‘“au- 
tomobile-type’”’ compass. Slant range from 
small boat to submersible was found through 
the underwater telephone and a stopwatch 
with a verbal ‘‘Stand-by-Mark”’ command 
from the surface. Range and bearing to the 
small boat from the support ship was esti- 
mated. Pollio estimates at least a 400-yard 
horizontal position error for the submersible 
relative to the support ship. 


A variety of pinger frequencies can be and 
has been used (e.g., 20, 27, 37 kHz), and in the 
early dives of ALVIN (and others as well) the 
8-kHz underwater telephone was set on CW 
transmission. This continuous wave signal was 
received by a trainable line-hydrophone for 
bearing. A further modification to ALVIN’s 
telephone provided transponder range on the 
surface ship’s telephone. According to Rainnie 
(19) this system gave an estimated position ac- 
curacy of the submersible relative to the sup- 
port craft of +380 yards (1,140 ft) at 6,000 feet in 
depth. 


The shallower such systems are used, the 
better the accuracy, but for precise survey- 
ing they are of little value. Repeatability is 
another area that suffers, and the following 
account of a current meter array recovery by 
ALUMINAUT provides an excellent, if not 
classic, example of the inadequacies, frustra- 
tions and ingenuity of early tracking sys- 
tems, submersibles and crew, respectively. 
(Chapter 11 describes the salvage equipment 
used in this retrieval and is referred to for 
further details.) 


ERRORS: 
SHIP—TO—SHORE 
SHIP—TO—SMALL—BOAT 
SMALL—BOAT—TO—SUB 

SUB DEPTH \ 


GEMINI 


(eis SaniGal 
SS 


ae 


HORIZONTAL 


| 
| 
7, STAR III 


POSITION CONTROL 


Fig. 10.16 STAR III's tracking and position control. 


The lost array consisted of a 3,600-foot 
nylon line with a release mechanism and five 
current meters attached in tandem. The 
depth was 3,150 feet and the surface location 
had been accurately fixed by bearings on 
shore when the loss occurred. ALUMINAUT 
was equipped with a 37-kHz pinger (which 
produced relative bearings to a line hydro- 
phone on the surface ship) and an underwa- 
ter telephone to provide both range and com- 
munications. A CTFM Sonar on ALUMI- 


499 


NAUT was to be used to “home in” on another 
37-kHz pinger which was dropped by the 
support ship (PRIVATEER) on the array’s 
last fix and suspended off the bottom by a 
buoy. 

Reaching the bottom at 3,200 feet ALUMI- 
NAUT was trimmed, given a course to the 
pinger by PRIVATEER and proceeded along 
on its wheels. At first, the CTFM sonar inter- 
mittently picked up the pinger but then lost 
the ability to train (rotate). The pilot was 


obliged to turn ALUMINAUT 360 degrees in 
an attempt to locate the pinger; this was 
unsuccessful and ALUMINAUT then re- 
quested PRIVATEER to furnish a course to 
the pinger which it would follow with its 
gyrocompass. The array was found and it 
was followed to the original top current me- 
ter. On reaching the top meter, ALUMINAUT 
reversed course to follow and ascertain the 
array’s configuration and determine whether 
or not the release mechanism had func- 
tioned. Periodic fixes were obtained on ALU- 
MINAUT from the surface so that the array 
might be plotted and found again on the 
subsequent dive. The array was easily fol- 
lowed, and no trouble was experienced until 
the line turned at a right angle to its initial 
trend. At this point the bottom sloped ab- 
ruptly to the left, and the current measured 
0.4 knot. To follow the array line it was 
necessary to change course to starboard into 
the current which was setting on ALUMI- 
NAUT’s starboard side. The increased cur- 
rent would not allow the pilot to swing 90 
degrees to the right and instead caused ALU- 
MINAUT to drift to port away from the line. 
Visual contact was lost, and ALUMINAUT 
was forced to run with the current downslope 
until it gained sufficient speed to turn 180 de- 
grees in a wide arc back into the current. Visual 
contact with the array line was re-established 
while stemming the current. Visibility, at 60 to 
80 feet initially, had diminished to 30 feet at 
this point. Approximately 15 to 20 feet from the 
array anchor and release mechanism, the star- 
board shot ballast tank malfunctioned and 
dropped its shot, causing ALUMINAUT to lose 
negative buoyancy and to ascend gradually. To 
deter the loss of negative buoyancy the pilot 
stopped ALUMINAUT with the vertical thrus- 
ter. When ALUMINAUT attempted to get un- 
derway again, it could not overcome the cur- 
rent, and was carried down-current again while 
slowly ascending. At this stage the vertical 
motor failed and the pilot was forced to drive 
ahead full with the stern propellers while at- 
tempting to put a down-angle on the bow with 
the diving planes. This was not successful, and 
all personnel moved to the bow in an attempt to 
increase the down-angle. This failed and 
ALUMINAUT finally surfaced without inspect- 
ing the release mechanism. 


Prior to the second dive a retrieving spool 


500 


was installed, and to compensate for the 
southerly-setting current ALUMINAUT was 
towed !/4 mile northeast of the array location 
and then commenced to dive statically (with- 
out power) with a southerly heading trying 
to pick up the 37-kHz marker pinger on the 
repaired CTFM. 

Bottoming at 3,400 feet, ALUMINAUT 
trimmed and continued attempts to locate 
the pinger. Although the pinger was nearby 
during the descent, after reaching the bot- 
tom it was never heard from again. The 
subsequent. 3 hours and 51 minutes were 
spent looking for the array by following 
courses given ALUMINAUT by PRIVATEER. 
Subsequent measurements of the positioning 
system showed that an error of at least 300 
yards existed. A final solution was obtained 
by estimating the submersible’s position 
through depth measurements and bottom 
slope directions communicated to the surface 
by the pilot. 

ALUMINAUT?’s progress was slowed consid- 
erably by the need to negotiate rock outcrops 
without use of the broken vertical motor. 
Objects on the CTFM and side scanning 
sonars also slowed progress for it was neces- 
sary to identify each of these objects. At one 
point tracks, suspected to be from ALUMI- 
NAUT’s previous dive, were discovered and 
followed until they finally disappeared. 

While ascending up and over an uneven 
bottom slope, one of the submersible’s pas- 
sengers walked forward and caused a down- 
angle on the bow; this in turn caused the 
spool to strike the bottom and disengage 
from its carrying hook. Retrieving and re- 
placing the spool on the hook consumed con- 
siderable time because of the decreased visi- 
bility caused by sediment stirred up by the 
manipulators. 

Finally locating the array, ALUMINAUT 
attached the retrieval line and surfaced. At 
the surface the array was transferred from 
ALUMINAUT to PRIVATEER and recovered. 
ALUMINAUT’s problems in this retrieval 
contain all the elements that act to inhibit 
undersea search, survey and salvage. There 
is, however, one salient point to bear in 
mind: The array was recovered and not be- 
cause of the tracking system but in spite of 
it. 

There is a further aspect of this tracking 


method that concerns safety. When the hy- 
drophone is deployed from a small boat, it 
adds an element of risk, as well as further 
inaccuracies. In this context, reference is 
made to the DS-2000 incident in Chapter 15 
wherein the small boat, support ship and 
submersible all became separated with the 
onset of inclement weather. 


Pinger/Transponder (Sub)—Hydrophone/ 
Interrogator (Surf): 

The system described above requires the 
operator to actively participate in determin- 
ing the vehicle’s horizontal distance from the 
surface ship. First, he must respond with a 
“Mark” of his own so that the surface ship 
can compute slant range. Second, he must 
provide his depth which is also a necessary 
factor in slant range computations. A system 
designed for BEN FRANKLIN’s 30-day drift 
provided all the necessary values with noth- 
ing required on the part of the submersible’s 
operator. The system, designed by Martin 
Fagot of the Naval Oceanographic Office, is 
not necessarily the ultimate in surface track- 
ing, but it is presented because it worked as 
designed for 30 days. Such reliability is rare 
in deep submergence. 

The tracking system, described by Fagot 
and Merrifield (22), is shown in block dia- 
gram in Figure 10.17. The submersible’s com- 
ponents consist of two independent subsys- 
tems: A pinger and a transponder. The sup- 
port ship’s components consist of a line hy- 
drophone, two transducers, a graphic re- 
corder and speaker, an oscilloscope and asso- 
ciated electronics. 

Pinger Subsystem —The pinger (General Time 
Model No. 0B04A) is a self-powered acoustic 
generator that emits a 4-kHz pulse at a 
precise periodic rate of 1 pulse per 2 seconds. 
Every primary pulse, 10 ms in length, is 
followed by a secondary pulse, 2 ms in 
length. The pulse separation is pressure de- 
pendent and varies linearly from 20 to 400 
milliseconds for pressures between 0 psi and 
5,000 psi. The battery pack, a 12-volt magne- 
sium dry cell, provides a signaling life of 2 
months for primary and secondary pulse 
transmission. 

The characteristics of the directional hy- 
drophone (Weston - DT-171A) used to receive 
the pinger signal are as follows: Frequency 
range of 500 to 20,000 Hz; open circuit volt- 


501 


age sensitivity of 84 db below 1 volt per 
microbar; directional beam pattern in the 
horizontal plane, approximately 12 degrees 
at 3 db down for a 4-kHz signal; and a front 
to back sensitivity of 10 db as used in this 
operation. When information concerning the 
relative bearing to BEN FRANKLIN was not 
required, an omnidirectional hydrophone 
(Atlantic Research LC-50) was used instead 
of the directional transducer. 

The output of each hydrophone was iso- 
lated, filtered and amplified before being dis- 
played on the graphic recorder. The recorder 
was a Gifft model GDR-IC-19-T. Since scale 
was 200 fathoms for 2-way travel time, the 
distance represented by one sweep was 400 
fathoms or 2,400 feet across the record. With 


AMPLIFIER 


4-kHz 
RECEIVER 


MANUAL 
TRIGGER 


18-kHz 
TRANSMITTER 
16-kHz 
RECEIVER 


SP 75 CT 
LA | | istRaza) 
L 


LC-50 


(ATL. RES.) 
(WESTON) 
4-kHz PINGER 
16-kHz TRANSPONDER (GENERAL TIME) 
BATTERY 
BATTERY 


Fig. 10.17 Tracking system block diagram. 


Mode Gain set at Xi and Gain set at mid- 
scale, total gain from the Gifft was about 40 
db. Thus, with a maximum gain of 100 db 
from the amplifiers, total gain for receiver 
and recorder was 140 db. A speaker was 
installed at the hydrophone which allowed 
for aural reception of the pinger, and its 
strength predicated the direction of training. 

Transponder Subsystem —Manufactured by Al- 
pine Geophysical Associates, the transpon- 
der transmits at 16 kHz and receives at 18 
kHz. The interrogating transducer (Straza 
SP75 CT) was located on the surface ship and 
had a transmitting sensitivity of +48 db at 
18 kHz and a receiving sensitivity of —82 db 
at 16 kHz. 

A transmitter was used in the subsystem 
to drive the Straza and was manually trig- 
gered at all times when updated slant range 
information was required. Although these 
transponder signals were not automatically 
recorded, they were displayed on an oscillo- 
scope. The time delays on the oscilloscope 
were converted to slant ranges and manually 
noted on the graphic pinger record as re- 
quired. 

The general tracking procedure was for 
the support ship to steam upstream over 
BEN FRANKLIN to a slant range of about 
5,000 feet. Here, the engines were idled and 
the ship drifted back over the submersible to 
5,000 feet downcurrent and repeated the cy- 
cle. A photograph of the record displayed by 
the Gifft recorder is presented in Figure 
10.18 and clearly shows the opening and clos- 
ing of slant range to the submersible. 

Fagot and Merrifield ({bid.) analyzed a va- 
riety of factors that influenced this system. 
It is interesting that the theoretical range of 
this tracking system was 25 miles, but only 
about 1 mile was ever realized at sea. 

More recently, the Wesmar Scanning 
Sonar has been applied in surface tracking. 
By using the sonar from a surface ship to 
interrogate a transponder on the submers- 
ible, ranges and bearings are obtained and 
displayed to the surface controllers. 


Short Base Line Systems: 

Of all the surface tracking systems, the 
short base line system, as termed by Rainnie 
(19), is the most accurate in determining the 
submersible’s position relative to the support 


502 


craft. With an accurate surface positioning 
system, it can provide quite accurate geo- 
graphic positioning and high order repeata- 
bility. The system was used in the 1966 Span- 
ish bomb hunt with USNS MIZAR as the 
surface craft and was instrumental in the 
mission’s success. 


A base line, according to Bowditch, is the 
line between two transmitters (or receivers 
in this application) operating together to pro- 
vide a line of position, or a line serving as the 
basis for measurement of other lines. The 
length of a base line should be at least one- 
fifth that of the average side of the principal 
network of lines of the survey or search area 
of interest. Accurate measurement of the 
base line is critical; the Naval Oceanographic 
Office specifies a maximum error of one part 
in 150,000 or about half an inch per nautical 
mile. Short or long is a relative term, but the 
length of the base line with MIZAR is less 
than the ship’s length of 266 feet. 

MIZAR’s system consists of four hydro- 
phones spaced at known locations on the hull 
and either a timed-pinger or a transponder 
on the submersible. Similar in principle to 
the acoustic tracking systems discussed, the 
difference resides in the measurement of the 
difference in arrival time of the signal at 
each hydrophone. From these differences the 
depth, range and bearing to the vehicle can 
be calculated. A general arrangement of this 
system is shown in Figure 10.19. 

Rainnie (ibid.) lists several advantages of 
this system: There is no action required on 
the submersible’s part; several vehicles can 
use the same system concurrently; it works 
best over the object or area of interest and 
looks mainly ‘‘down’’ which helps avoid 
shadow zones; and it is potentially one of the 
most accurate systems available. On the 
other hand, he cites the need for a large ship 
(i.e., long base line), stabilized horizontal 
reference plane, stringent processing re- 
quirements, loss of tracking near the surface 
and bulkiness—all of which lead to a complex 
and expensive ($0.5 million in 1971) system. 

Excluding the Short Base Line System, all 
of the foregoing systems provide not much 
more than an indication of where the sub- 
mersible is in relation to the surface craft. 
As we have seen from ALUMINAUT’s experi- 
ence, the one slant range and bearing posi- 


Fig. 10.18 Gifft recorder record of slant range from support ship PR/VATEER to BEN FRANKLIN. Range increases to right. The larger (thickest) trace is the primary pulse (slant 
range); the thinner trace is the secondary pulse which can be read to provide vehicle depth. (NAVOCEANO) 


tion is fairly useless either as an accurate or 
a repeatable system. Even when the sub- 
mersible is bottomed and stationary, multi- 
ple fixes on it from different positions pro- 
duce position errors in the neighborhood of 
200 to 300 yards (23). Since such surface 
acoustic tracking systems require an acous- 
tic pinger on the submersible, however, they 
do provide a necessary safety feature desira- 
ble for surfacing and gross positioning in the 
event of a submerged emergency. 


Submerged Navigation 
The title of this section should not be con- 
strued so as to infer independence from the 


503 


surface ship, because all of the following 
systems ultimately relate the submersible’s 
track or location to positions established by 
and on the surface. 

The schemes and systems in this category 
position the submersible either relative to 
undersea objects (both passive and active) or 
by dead reckoning. Their commonality re- 
sides in the fact that theoretically, they do 
not require course changes or directions 
from the surface once a reference marker or 
a “start” position has been established. The 
systems fall basically under Acoustic and 
Non-Acoustic approaches but overlapping of 
both is so common that such a distinction is 


BASE LINE 


Sie 


we 
ae HY DROPHONE 
TRANSCEIVER -~——— 
(W/TRANSPONDERS 
ONLY) 


/ SX, 


Y 
C) 
a 


ae TRANSPONDERS OR PINGER 
& 


N, 


i 


Fig. 10.19 Typical short base line acoustic navigation system. [From Ref. (19)] 


504 


unrealistic. Instead, the following discussion 
proceeds from the simplest to the more so- 
phisticated. 


Visible Markers: 

During the THRESHER search TRIESTE 
I experienced great difficulty in obtaining 
reliable underwater positions to assure that 
a particular area had been searched and to 
prepare photographic montages. A method 
was evolved that consisted of laying individ- 
ually numbered and color-coded plastic 
markers at intervals along the ocean floor to 
serve as visible landmarks (24). The markers 
were 17- x 21-inch plastic sheets which were 
rolled up and secured by rubber bands with 
ends held by magnesium wire. The markers 
were tied to 10-pound sash weights and 
dropped by a surface craft along designated 
tracks at 6-second intervals. Several factors 
limited the effectiveness of these “fortune 
cookies” (so called because they had to unroll 
in order to be read): The tracks and spacing 
for dropping could not be held constant, 
many “cookies’”’ failed to unroll, and the ef- 
fects of variable currents considerably 
changed the planned from actual landing 
spot. Although some 1,441 markers were 
dropped at about every 58 feet on an 11-line 
grid, as much as 2 hours might pass between 
TRIESTE’s marker sightings. Admittedly an 
approach born from the lack of alternatives, 
after the THRESHER search the “fortune 
cookie” returned to its time-honored role of 
providing a chuckle instead of a fix. 


Dead Reckoning: 

Dead reckoning (DR) is the determination 
of position by advancing a known position 
from a knowledge of heading, speed, time 
and drift. It is reckoning relative to some- 
thing stationary or “dead” in the water, and 
hence applies to courses and speeds through 
the water. Because of inadequate allowances 
for compass error, imperfect steering and/or 
error in measuring speed, the actual motion 
through the water is seldom determined with 
complete accuracy. In addition, if the water 
itself is in motion, the course and speed over 
the bottom differ from that through the 
water. Geographically, a dead reckoning po- 
sition is an approximate one which is cor- 
rected from time to time as the opportunity 
is presented. 


505 


Dead reckoning systems used in submers- 
ibles all rely on a magnetic compass or a 
gyrocompass for course direction. Distance 
has been measured with a wheel, by esti- 
mates of speed/unit time and by Doppler 
sonar. 

Every contemporary submersible lists 
either a magnetic compass or a gyrocompass 
(or both) in its onboard inventory. The for- 
mer, in its simplest form, allows a free swing- 
ing and dipping magnet to align itself with 
the earth’s magnetic field; the latter depends 
upon one or more north-seeking gyroscopes 
as the directive element(s) to indicate head- 
ing relative to true north. The construction 
and workings of the magnetic compass and 
the gyrocompass are discussed in Bowditch 
(15) in great detail and nothing more can be 
added to clarify the subject herein. The use 
of either compass to follow a specific course 
is inordinately simple: The vehicle is turned 
until the appropriate bearing matches a lub- 
ber line (a mark on the inside surface of the 
compass bowl which indicates forward direc- 
tion parallel to the longitudinal centerline) 
and proceeds forward on this course. A num- 
ber of submersibles have repeaters which 
are a part of a remote indicating system that 
repeats the indications of the master com- 
pass or gyrocompass. Magnesin repeaters 
are quite frequently used, and the entire 
system (master and slave) is referred to as a 
Magnesin compass. These require an AC 
power source and generally include a small 
DC-AC inverter. 


Magnetic Compass —The magnetic compass is 
simple, rugged, reliable and requires no elec- 
tric power, but it has serious limitations in 
submersibles. Since it responds to the net 
local magnetic field, a steel hull, a wrench, 
iron ballast, bars or shot, magnetic tape re- 
corder, external instruments, internal re- 
corders, pocket knives, keys or electrical con- 
ductors near the compass can influence its 
reading. In most submersibles it is difficult, 
if not impossible, not to be near the compass. 
For this and a host of other reasons, navigat- 
ing by magnetic compass is fraught with the 
potential for error. Because it is so widely 
employed, one would expect that its applica- 
tion in submersibles would have been thor- 
oughly researched and studied, but, like the 
lead-acid battery, reports or articles dealing 


with submersible navigation primarily dis- 
cuss what could be and not what is: Hence, 
the magnetic compass is simply specified and 
then ignored. Specific guidelines for the com- 
pass are difficult to provide owing to the 
diversity of influences in individual vehicles. 
One might benefit, nevertheless, by checking 
its accuracy once the vehicle is completely 
outfitted and ready to dive. Subsequent rear- 
rangement of components or outfitting of 
new instruments should be followed by fur- 
ther rechecking. Furthermore, geographic lo- 
cation, magnetic storms and local magnetic 
anomalies within the earth call for frequent 
rechecking. 

A typical local magnetic anomaly might be 
an offshore oil rig. John Newman of Perry 
Submarine Builders relates that magnetic 
compass readings were all but useless in a 
North Sea diving operation because the vehi- 
cle was operating in close proximity to a 
drilling platform. At one point the submers- 
ible had inadvertently collided with the plat- 
form; wishing to clear the area, the vehicle 
turned 180 degrees from its collision course 
and proceeded only 10 feet before it collided 
with the same rig once again. Obviously, 
navigation by some means other than mag- 
netic compasses should be considered in un- 
dersea pipeline or hardware inspections. 


Gyrocompass —Since the gyrocompass is not 
affected by a magnetic field, it is subject to 
none of the magnetic errors of the magnetic 
compass, and it is not useless near the 
earth’s magnetic poles. Errors which are 
present are the same on all headings. On the 
other hand, a gyrocompass requires a suita- 
ble source of electrical (AC) power and if 
power is interrupted, a period of time (up to 4 
hr in some cases) is required for it to stabi- 
lize. It is complex and requires more mainte- 
nance than a magnetic compass. The gyro- 
compass is also subject to several systematic 
errors (e.g., precession) which can be elimi- 
nated or offset in the design or can be man- 
ually adjusted to correct. According to Bow- 
ditch, the gyro error of modern compasses is 
generally so small that it can be ignored, but 
errors can be introduced which make fre- 
quent checking a good practice. 

Several commercially available gyroscopes 
are used in submersibles. Figure 10.20 shows 
the Sperry MK 27 and its repeater used 


506 


280 290 300 310 
hvcdrnalssabsyslvudevatassol 
H 


Fig. 10.20 A Sperry MK27 Gyrocompass aboard DS-2000 located aft beneath the 
observers seat. The repeater for this unit (inset) is installed forward on the instrument 
panel. 


Tie Tree 


VAR. GAL, LeveL 


4 
"Hlitviyiaay 
it 5 


/ 
Oo’, 
7 e 


Fig. 10.20 (inset) 


aboard DS-2000. Almost all are adopted 
from aircraft designs because of their light 
weight and small size. One of the smallest is 
R. C. Allen’s Electronic Direction Indicator 
used aboard PC-14 and PC-9 (TS-1) and 
shown in Figure 10.21. This unit is about the 
size of a tennis ball can and may be mounted 
directly on an instrument panel. Preliminary 
tests, however, showed a drift rate of some 8 
to 9 degrees in 2 hours. It is not clear 
whether the instrument finally stabilized or 
would have continued its precession, or 
whether it was being affected by the sub- 
mersible’s (PC-9) electronics. Regardless, 
once the steady-state drift rate has been 
definitely established, it is possible to com- 
pensate for it and maneuver accordingly. 

A few vehicles use both a magnetic com- 
pass and a gyrocompass. Both SEA CLIFF 
and TURTLE use a gyrocompass as the pri- 
mary direction indicator and a Magnesyn 
compass as a backup indicator. To reduce the 
influence of the submersible’s magnetic hull, 
the master compass (called a “transmitter’’) 
is mounted outside the hull in a pressure 
compensated container. The repeater (indica- 


Fig. 10.21 AnR.C. Allen electronic direction indicator aboard PC-14 


507 


5 | 


pie aaa nee a 


Fig. 10.22 To reduce the interfering effects of the hull on its magnetic compass, 
SHELF DIVER's compass is mounted aft of the conning tower in the bubble-like 
protrusion 


tor) is mounted on the operator’s panel and 
is shielded to prevent magnetic interference. 
Locating the transmitter external to the 
pressure hull is not original to the Navy’s 
submersibles; Perry’s SHELF DIVER (Fig. 
10.22) and others follow the same procedure. 

Also adopted from the aircraft industry is 
the directional gyro used aboard SDL-1. The 
directional gyro is essentially a gyroscope 
pointed in a desired direction which it main- 
tains for some period of time. Its primary 
purpose is to permit the operator to steer a 
relatively straight line. The drift rate of 
SDL-1’s directional gyro is approximately 1 
degree per hour and, hence, it is not intended 
for extended dead reckoning. 

Generally, a dead reckoning position is ob- 
tained by starting at some known point (de- 
termined by the surface ship) and carrying 
this point along a course, the direction of 
which is given by the compass or gyrocom- 
pass, the distance derived from speed x time. 
The potential for error in this approach has 
been discussed. Currents, instrument errors, 


operator errors and time errors are the 
greatest adversaries. Even if we assume that 
all of these errors are zero and that no 
currents are present, the speed of most sub- 
mersibles is rarely precisely known and this 
leads to a larger error which accumulates 
with distance traveled. No point is served in 
further belaboring the inadequacies of this 
approach. In the final analysis it is so full of 
unknowns that to consider it as more than a 
gross position approximation would be a mis- 
take. Two other DR systems, which do not 
rely on vehicular speed, are the Unigator 
and Doppler Sonar. The former has limited 
application; the latter is rapidly becoming a 
quite useful tool. 

The Unigator —The Unigator (unicycle-navi- 
gator) is merely a weighted bicycle wheel 
suspended on a rod which the submersible 
tows over the bottom (Fig. 10.23). An odome- 
ter cable is attached to the wheel and the 
odometer display is mounted externally on a 
viewport. Used in conjunction with the vehi- 
cle’s compass or gyrocompass, the odometer 
measures distance traveled along a particu- 


Fig. 10.23 The Unigator 


508 


lar bearing. The Unigator has a major short- 
coming: It measures every undulation of the 
bottom. Hence, on all but a flat bottom, the 
wheel provides a distance in excess of that 
actually traveled on a straight path. There 
are quite a few flat ocean areas where dis- 
tance measurements by the wheel would be 
quite accurate. If, for example, a submersible 
were inspecting a submarine cable, the 
length of cable inspected, as measured by the 
wheel, would be as accurate as any method 
in existence (providing the bottom was flat 
or gently rolling). Additionally, the Unigator 
serves a function similar to that of the bathy- 
scaph’s guide chain. Once the vehicle is 
trimmed to a point where it is being held to 
the bottom only by the weight of the wheel, 
no further adjustments are required to keep 
it at a constant altitude. The designers of 
this method relate the details of its construc- 
tion and operation in reference (25). Signifi- 
cantly, they report a test run along a trian- 
gle of 0.1 nm length on each side which 
resulted in the submersible (PC-3B) being 
offset by only 25 feet from its starting posi- 
tion (a buoy). The error was attributed to 
currents exceeding 1 knot which swept the 
test area and displaced the submersible. As a 
geographic positioner, the Unigator offers 
far less errors than “fortune cookies” and is 
probably better than dead reckoning by 
speed-time estimates. Under the proper con- 
ditions it is probably as good as any in exist- 
ence, and undoubtedly one of the least ex- 
pensive to measure bottom distance. 


Doppler Sonar —The Doppler principle of 
speed measurement is based on the fact that 
a signal transmitted from a moving object 
and reflected from a stable surface is shifted 
in frequency proportional to the speed of the 
object in relation to the surface. In Doppler 
Navigators, sonic beams from a moving sub- 
mersible are directed at the bottom and are 
reflected back at a frequency which differs 
from the transmitted frequency. The Doppler 
unit measures the speed directly by detect- 
ing and quantifying this frequency shift. On 
surface ships pitch, roll and heave, however, 
add another apparent motion with respect to 
the bottom. To cancel out this effect, present 
Doppler sonar models employ two pairs of 
beams instead of one. A pair of beams is 
angled fore and aft, and another pair angled 


port and starboard. If the ship’s motion is 
forward, the frequency shift of the beam 
angled forward will be positive and the one 
angled aft negative. The difference between 
the two return frequencies produces speed 
readings which average out the effects of the 
pitch of the ship in the water. Each beam is 
angled from the vertical and is narrow (ap- 
proximately 3° wide). 

The receiving unit contains four receiving 
hydrophones, also similarly angled and reso- 
nant at the same nominal frequency. Speeds 
fore-aft and athwartship are measured inde- 
pendently to read the true velocity compo- 
nents of the ship’s motion, and thus the 
ship’s actual speed and drift angle. Integrat- 
ing speed over a period of time provides a 
reading of distance traveled over the bottom. 
Pitch, roll and heave, unless purposefully 
done, are usually not a problem submerged, 
but drift due to currents—which can equal or 
even exceed the submersible’s speed—is an 
important factor in maintaining a desired 
course. To satisfy the drift problem, the cur- 
rent Doppler systems not only sense drift, 
but display it in such a fashion that the 
operator may compensate for it to follow a 
specific track over the bottom. 


Doppler sonar has been employed for some 
time in the docking and piloting of merchant 
ships. It was only in the late sixties that it 
became available for deep submersibles. The 
U.S. Navy performed tests with a General 
Applied Science Laboratory JANUS series 
Doppler navigator on board ALUMINAUT in 
1968 (26), and as a part of this work Sperry 
Rand Corp. performed both laboratory and 
field tests on the same Doppler models. The 
tests showed promise and prompted Sperry 
to produce its model SRD-101 Doppler Navi- 
gator, the transducer of which is shown on 
JOHNSON SEA LINK in Figure 10.24. A 
thorough account of its development, design 
and testing is contained in reference (27). 


The SRD-101 operates on a frequency of 
400 kHz. Because of high acoustic absorption 
at this frequency, it is limited to operations 
no more than 250 feet off the bottom and not 
closer than 4 feet to the bottom. Kritz (ibid.) 
points out that a basic accuracy limitation in 
heading reference resides in the fact that 
virtually all Doppler systems rely on either a 
magnetic compass or gyrocompass. To 


achieve a 3/2 percent (of heading) accuracy a 
heading input from either source accurate to 
1/4 degree is required. He further comments 
that small gyrocompasses of the type suita- 
ble for submersibles do not provide the nec- 
essary accuracy. At 1-degree accuracy nei- 
ther do magnetic compasses. 

In spite of these limitations several vehi- 
cles (e.g., TRIESTE, DEEP QUEST, PC-9, 
DSRV-1 & 2) employ a Doppler system; one 
of these, DEEP QUEST, feeds the Doppler 
output into an x-y plotter which provides a 
real-time, continuous trace of the vehicle’s 
course. No published accounts of the Doppler 
sonar’s use under operational conditions are 
available, but personal communications with 
Mr. Roger Cook, Field Operations Manager 
and Chief Pilot of the JOHNSON SEA LINK, 
revealed that the SRD-101 has done all the 
manufacturer said it would and has shown 
100-percent reliability—a rare feat in deep 
submergence. Undoubtedly, for dead reckon- 
ing the Doppler system is superior to any 
others now in use. But, remember: While the 
distance of the line traversed is accurate to 
within 1 percent of the distance traveled, the 
geographic position of the beginning and end 
of the line is still extrapolated from the 


Fig. 10.24 Doppler sonar transducers (right) aboard JOHNSON SEA LINK. The two 
smaller transducers to the left are for the downward-looking echo sounder and are not 
a part of the Doppler system. 


surface and inextricably bound to the sur- 
face positions’ inaccuracies. 


Bottom-Mounted Acoustic Systems: 

The most discussed and promising schemes 
for underwater navigation are systems 
which employ bottom-mounted acoustic bea- 
cons of precisely known position to provide 
near-continuous range and bearing data to 
the submersible. From this information an 
onboard processor displays and/or records 
the vehicle’s relative position in real-time. 
The instruments and techniques used in this 
approach are varied, but the concept is quite 
simple and employs either pingers or trans- 
ponders. 

Any number of bottom markers may be 
used, but three is the preferred minimal 
amount because the intersection of three 
range vectors from three known positions 
provides a triangle of error by which the 
accuracy of the fix may be measured. A 
strong attraction of this system is that re- 
peatability can be theoretically within the 
underwater range of viewing by the human 
eye (approximately 30 feet) and the operator 
can return time and again to the same loca- 
tion as long as the marker network remains 
functional. Either pingers or transponders 
may be used. Rather than use hypothetical 
examples of this system, two actual opera- 
tions have been documented and serve as 
good examples of the variations of this tech- 
nique. 


Timed-Pingers —In 1967 ALVIN discovered an 
F6F aircraft at 5,543 feet; an expedition was 
undertaken to relocate the aircraft the fol- 
lowing year using timed pingers for on-site 
navigation. 


ALVIN’s initial position at the aircraft rel- 
ative to the surface ship (LULU) was ob- 
tained by using a tracking system. LULU 
obtained its own position (directly over AL- 
VIN) with Loran A to a geographic accuracy 
of +1 mile. Hence, a circle of 2 miles in 
diameter was established at the search area. 
ALVIN also obtained a depth reading at the 
wreckage site accurate to within +20 feet. 
(The source of this data is reference (28) 
which relates in detail the many considera- 
tions of the relocation approach, most of 
which are not repeated here.) 

The operation plan envisioned dropping 


510 


two timed-pingers upslope of the aircraft on 
the 5,250-foot contour and navigate relative 
to them. 

The heart of the timed-pinger system is a 
master clock on the submersible which is 
synchronized with acoustic transmitters on 
the beacons before deployment and thence- 
forth serves as the time standard. The two 
beacons transmit a pulse (one at 4 kHz; the 
other at 5 kHz) at the same instant and the 
arrival times of these pulses are measured 
by ALVIN, processed and displayed digitally 
and graphically as slant ranges from sub- 
mersible-to-pinger. A knowledge of the water 
sound velocity is required to obtain the opti- 
mum accuracy, as well as an extremely accu- 
rate master clock. 

The first beacon was dropped by LULU at 
positions obtained by Loran A and echo 
sounder depths. The second beacon was 
dropped at a pre-determined slant range ob- 
tained from the first and a surface-obtained 
echo sounder depth. The resultant base line 
distance between the two pingers was 5,180 
feet. ALVIN subsequently dived and obtained 
a depth reading on each and, alternately, a 
range from one to the other. The submersible 
then conducted its search along a depth con- 
tour (1,709 decibars), obtaining its position 
from the pingers. A reconstruction of AL- 
VIN’s track during this operation is pre- 
sented in Figure 10.25. Adding to the sys- 
tem’s accuracy, a sound velocity meter was 
carried by ALVIN to measure the local area 
structure. 

Comparing the timed-pingers to transpon- 
ders (discussed in the following section) 
Rainnie (19) lists these advantages of this 
system: Any number of vehicles may use it 
concurrently; the one way acoustic path de- 
creases inaccuracies due to sound speed vari- 
ations; electronic “decision making’’ proce- 
dures in the pinger are not required; am- 
bient noise has no effect and the circuitry is 
simple. Rainnie also lists such disadvantages 
as higher energy (power) requirements and 
degradation of accuracy with time. 


Transponders —This system follows the same 
format as the foregoing, the important ex- 
ception being that the submersible must in- 
terrogate (command) the transponder to ob- 
tain a range. The primary equipments are an 
interrogator (generally a CTFM sonar), 


F6F AIRCRAFT INSPECTION 
ALVIN TRACK 
DIVE 302 
24 SEPT. 1968 
DEPTH: 1,690 M 


0 10 


20 
SCALE — METERS 


Fig. 10.25 ALVIN’s track during F6F aircraft inspection. [From Ref. (28)] 


which sends out its command on one fre- 
quency; transponders, which receive the in- 
terrogation signal and respond back to the 
submersible on different frequencies; and a 
receiver with the associated inboard equip- 
ment necessary to acquire and process the 
transponder signals and convert them to 
range from the submersible. For greatest 
accuracy a sound velocity meter is required 


d11 


to obtain the local sound structure. In opera- 
tion, periodic fixes are obtained as the vehi- 
cle proceeds within the transponder net. A 
further refinement involves plotting the sub- 
mersible’s track on an x-y plotter. 

A transponder approach was employed by 
TRIESTE II during the search for the SCOR- 
PION in 1969. Although the results of this 
operation, from a navigational point of view, 


were less than anticipated, the approach and 
instruments are fairly representative of this 
system and are described in reference (29). 

TRIESTE II’s interrogator consisted of a 
transducer which transmitted a 7-kHz signal 
and a receiver capable of receiving 10 replies 
at frequencies between 12.5 and 17 kHz. The 
interrogator receives, processes and digitally 
displays three preselected frequencies as 
slant ranges to the bathyscaph. The depth of 
this operation was 12,000 feet and an area 
500 x 800 feet was to be covered. 


The plan envisioned three ships simultane- 
ously dropping three transponders buoyed a 
short distance off the bottom to form an 
equilateral triangle. TRIESTE II was then 
to twice cross each line (base line) between 
the transponders to establish the distance 
between the three as pictured in Figure 
10.26. Having established the dimensions of 
the net and the relative bearings of one 
transponder to the other, the bathyscaph 
would then begin a controlled search interro- 
gating on 7 kHz and receiving on 14.5, 15.5 
and 16.5 kHz. In addition to the input from 
the transponder interrogation system (called 
TIP), data from a pressure transducer, Dop- 
pler sonar and gyrocompass were also fed 
into a computer which then allowed the 
bathyscaph’s progress to be displayed on an 
x-y plotter. 


This approach is the optimum for a trans- 
ponder system, but as so often happens in 
the actual at-sea phase—the results were 
quite different than anticipated. First, the 
transponders were not dropped simultane- 
ously. Next, only two out of the three worked 
at first, which required the dropping of a 
fourth. The subsequent operations over a 6- 
week period consisted of on-again, off-again 
transponder reception. In the final analysis, 
TRIESTE was forced to use the one working 
transponder and gyrocompass headings to 
maneuver itself into the prime search area, 
and then to navigate by use of SCORPION’s 
debris. 

TRIESTE II’s experience sums up the ad- 
vantages and disadvantages of bottom- 
mounted acoustic systems probably better 
than any other means: Operationally, the 
potential is yet to be realized. This is not to 
say that transponders or timed-pingers do 
not work. ALVIN’s aircraft search went off 


flawlessly, and transponder positioning sys- 
tems have worked perfectly in other applica- 
tions. But there are exceptions, and far more 
often than not system complexity and the 
dependence on so many factors result in 
partial success. For these reasons contempo- 
rary industrial operators of submersibles 
have shied away from this approach. An- 
other factor is cost; a commercial CTFM 
sonar costs some $50,000, a transponder with 
its acoustic release mechanism (necessary 
for retrieval) is about $5,000. Consequently, 
the initial outlay in funds for a three-trans- 
ponder system with all the attendant elec- 
tronics and processors can run to almost half 
the cost of a small, shallow-diving submers- 
ible—an example being the P€-14 which cost 
Texas A&M University approximately $145 
thousand. 


Homing 

The term “homing” simply means going to 
a specific location or an object. All of the 
navigation schemes discussed in the preced- 
ing sections can be used to home in or direct 
the submersible to an object, site or what- 
ever. In many instances it is not necessary to 
know the geographic location, but merely to 
find or reacquire the item of interest. There 
are a variety of instruments and approaches 


DOT 4 


BASE LINE CROSSING 7. 
\y poTs 


Fig. 10.26 Transponder (DOT) grid and base line crossings as originally planned for 
TRIESTE II's SCORPION operations. [From Ref. (29)} 


512 


to assist the operator in homing. At times 
the very simplest means have been used— 
e.g., following the marks or trail the sub- 
mersible left in the sediment on a previous 
dive, following a cable or visually tracking a 
trail or pattern of debris, as did TRIESTE II 
in the SCORPION operations. On the other 
hand, the target itself may produce a scour 
mark which may be used for homing—e.g., 
the H-bomb lost off Spain. In this situation, 
ALVIN followed a likely looking trail which 
led directly to the bomb. Often there are no 
alternatives to such homing methods, but 
there are other more dependable approaches 
which are commercially available and offer 
better performance than mere chance or ser- 
endipity. These are: Marker buoys and pas- 
sive and active sonar targets. 


Marker Buoys: 

The simplest homing system is an an- 
chored buoy line which either the submers- 
ible or surface ship plants at the desired 
location. The concept is deceptively simple: 
The operator needs only to follow the line 
down to the anchor. But, limited water visi- 
bility, restricted submersible viewing capa- 
bility, currents and limited maneuvering 
ability all may work individually or together 
to thwart this most fundamental approach. 
Furthermore, adverse weather can move the 
buoy and its anchor or simply tear it loose. 
In reality, this method serves mainly as a 
visual aid to positioning the surface ship 
and, subsequently, the submersible, once it is 
in close approximation to the undersea target. 

Obviously, there are many methods of 
planting a buoy, the time-honored one being 
simply to lower an anchored line to the bot- 
tom and buoying it off on the surface. The 
drawback to this method is that the ship 
drifts off the chosen site while the anchor is 
being lowered. A more exact and quicker 
approach is offered in the Helle ‘Call Buoy” 
(Fig. 10.27). 


Passive and Active Acoustic Targets: 

The most successful homing devices utilize 
acoustics either 1) passively, by pinging off a 
sound reflecting object and determining its 
bearing relative to the submersible (range is 
not necessarily important, but may be desir- 
able), or 2) actively, by a) receiving and clos- 


513 


ing in on a ping emitted from the target or b) 
interrogating a transponder which marks 
the target and homing in on it from the 
range and bearing data thus obtained. 

The arrangement and deployment of re- 
flectors, pingers and transponders vary ac- 
cording to the vehicle’s onboard capabilities 
and the nature of the task. Deployment of 
these devices may be from the surface ship 
or from the submersible itself. The devices 
may be used individually, or they may be 
combined into an array as shown in Figure 


Fig. 10.27 The Helle “Call Buoy.” The cylinder on the right is dropped over the side 

and sinks to the bottom. For up to 3 years after installation, a coded release signal 

from the command module (left) will cause the cylinder to separate and a buoy to rise 

to the surface while unreeling a cable. The Call Buoy is presently available with 700 ft 
of cable. (Helle Engineering Inc.) 


10.28. In this example the array is ship- 
deployed and consists of an anchor, a release 
mechanism, a sonar reflector, a pinger or a 
transponder, a connecting cable and a buoy- 
ancy element to hold the array at a desired 
level off the bottom. To use this method (Fig. 
10.28) as a homing device, the submersible 
must have a transmitter/receiver (trans- 
ceiver) for the transponder, a receiver for 
using only the pinger or a transducer for the 
sonar reflector. The information required by 
the operator to close with the array can be in 
several forms: Range and/or bearing dis- 
played as a “blip” on a CRT with which the 
operator visually closes; an audible tone 
emitted by a speaker and which is loudest 
when the vehicle is oriented directly toward 
the sound source; or a pair of sonic-activated 
lights, one of which blinks to indicate direc- 
tion to the sound source. On CTFM sonars 
and some others, both audible and visible 
displays are provided. The audible display is 


“UGH 


* 
i 


OD 
ey 


V 


BUOYANCY 
ELEMENT 


ringen 


sips R 


SONAR 
REFLECTOR 


PULL-PIN 
RELEASE 


ANCHOR 


Fig. 10.28 Elements of a hypothetical homing array. [From Ref. (30)] 


514 


handy, in that the operator need not take his 
eyes from the viewport or TV monitor to 
obtain direction. To release the array from 
its anchor for subsequent surface retrieval a 
submersible would require a manipulator or 
some grasping/pulling device to release the 
pull-pin in Figure 10.28. A further refine- 
ment, quite helpful in visual detection, is a 
flashing light which can be detected for some 
distance in the absence of natural sunlight 
or the submersible’s artificial light sources. 

The sources and nature of these compo- 
nents are quite numerous and varied. The 
trade-offs inherent in the choice of different 
operating frequencies are the same as those 
encountered in the selection of an underwa- 
ter telephone: Low frequency provides 
greater range with decreased resolution; 
higher frequency provides shorter ranges 
with increased resolution. 

Illustrative of the devices used in homing 
(and navigation as well) are those developed 
by the ALVIN Group at Woods Hole during 
the late sixties. These are thoroughly de- 
scribed in reference (30), and the following 
examples are taken from it and reference 
(23). 


Acoustic Reflectors —A Tri-plane acoustic re- 
flector (Fig. 10.29) was developed by WHOI 
for ranging and homing out to 600 yards ona 
frequency of 72 to 82 kHz. The steel plates 
are 1/s-inch thick and the geometric design of 
the Tri-plane provides sufficient flat surfaces 
to reflect a major portion of the acoustic 
pulse. The disadvantages of reflectors are 
that line-of-sight conditions must exist and 
back-scatter from hilly terrain in the area 
may completely mask the reflector’s return. 
Field tests with ALVIN in 1966 produced 
usable reflections from 1 ft? reflectors of this 
type to ranges of 230 yards with the sub- 
mersible 10 feet off the bottom. Visual range 
to the reflectors (under artificial light) was 
from 10 to 20 yards. In some cases reflecting 
tape on the Tri-planes produced visual 
ranges of 30 to 50 yards. 

The Benthos Corp. supplies a hollow glass 
sphere capable of withstanding virtually any 
ocean depth. Such spheres are better sonic 
reflectors than are steel plates, and a bat- 
tery-powered flashing light inside the sphere 
offers better visual contact than does reflect- 
ing tape. Benthos’ spheres and lights were 


Fig. 10.29 Tri-plane steel acoustic reflector. (WHOl) 


used experimentally (23) and the flashing 
light was clearly visible at 310 feet with 
ALVIN’s lights off and dimly visible at 175 
feet with lights on. 

Virtually anything that will reflect sound 
sufficiently to produce a return with a favor- 
able signal-to-noise ratio will serve as a pas- 
sive marker. In a 1969 search for an air- 
craft’s flight data recorder package at 350 
feet deep, the tail section of the crashed 
plane was used as a central navigation 
marker for DEEP QUEST’s search of the 
area as well as a point on which the vehicle 
homed from the surface to commence the 
search (31). 

Pingers —Acoustic pingers can be dropped 
by the submersible or the surface ship. In 
the former case, it would serve to mark a 
specific point on a survey (or search) line to 
which the vehicle would return and continue 
the survey, or it might mark the location of 
an object to which the vehicle would return 
for retrieval. Figure 10.30 shows a solenoid- 
actuated pinger release mechanism and a 37- 
kHz salt-water activated pinger which will 


not begin operating until it is dropped. To 
drop the pinger the solenoid is energized; 
this draws the plunger into it and causes the 
latch arm to move about the pivot. The 
movement of the latch arm draws out the 
latch pin and releases the pinger. The coiled 
spring assists in releasing the pinger. No 
electrical power is required to hold the pin- 
ger, only to release it. 

For quick deployment of a pinger from the 
surface, WHOI developed the free-fall bottom 


pp > 

. Le 
ee 

LATCH PIN We 

Sil 


it 


cee 
B= 


Fig. 10.30 A “salt-water” activated pinger and solenoid release mechanism on 
ALVIN. (WHOI) 


marker (Fig. 10.31). The marker consists of 
an anchor, 125 feet of 3/16-inch nylon line, a 
syntactic foam float, a 37-kHz pinger and a 
stabilizing fin which is attached to the float 
and encloses the pinger. The stabilizing fin 
also serves as a passive sonar reflector as 
well as restricting the free-fall velocity. A 
cross-sectional drawing of the marker is 
shown in Figure 10.32. As the marker de- 
scends, increasing water pressure collapses 
the bellows (restrained at one end by a re- 
tainer clamp) and the detent plunger re- 
tracts and slides free, allowing the retainer 
balls to fall into the cavity left by the detent 
pinger, thereupon unlocking the ball cage 
from the float assembly. Once separated, the 


float assembly trails behind the nose cone. 
The plunger pin serves as a backup for the 
mechanical release of the ball detent separa- 
tion assembly. On contact with the bottom 
the pin contacts the bellows causing it to 
collapse and release the ball detent lock. The 
particular pinger in this assembly operates 
on 87 kHz and emits a 25-millisecond pulse 
every 700 milliseconds for 21 days. 

The effective range of such pingers varies 
considerably. In a 1966 test (23) ALVIN was 
able to acquire the 37-kHz signal at 4,500- 
foot range; greater distance might be attain- 
able under ideal conditions. 

Reception of the pinger’s signal is by a 
simple hydrophone-like device or directional 


Fig. 10.31 Free-fall bottom marker. (WHOl) 


516 


PINGER 


STABILIZING 
FIN 


FLOAT 


RETAINER 
CLAMP 


PRESSURE DETENT PLUNGER 


ACTUATED 
BELLOWS 


BALL 
CAGE 
ASSEMBLY 


ANCHOR 
LINE 


RETAINER 
BALLS 


ANCHOR 


PLUNGER 
PIN 


Fig. 10.32 Cross section free-fall bottom marker. [From Ref. (30)] 


517 


antenna attached to the vehicle’s bow which 
activates an audible signal when it is point- 
ing in the direction of the pinger. A commer- 
cially available model of Helle’s Pinger-Re- 
ceiver (Model 6550) is attached to DS-2000 
in Figure 10.33. The Helle unit is tunable 
through 25 to 40 kHz, it is lightweight and 
can be either self- or vehicle-powered. 
Transponders —Transponders offer more ex- 
acting information, but they carry a price 
several orders of magnitude higher than 
that of a pinger. The cost is sufficiently high 
(about $5,000) to warrant their retrieval, 
whereas the pinger in the free-fall marker is 


considered expendable. Consequently, when 
using transponders one must include a re- 
lease mechanism (to sever the transponder 
from its anchor) and budget some time for 
subsequent retrieval. Also, the use of a tran- 
sponder requires a transmitter and a re- 
ceiver, whereas the pinger needs only a re- 
ceiver. For such reasons the use of transpon- 
ders as simple homing beacons has been 
spotty. The advantages of a transponder are 
longer operating life, longer-range reception 
and range and bearing to the target instead 
of bearing only. In addition to being a hom- 
ing beacon, the transponder can also be used 


Fig. 10.33 DS-2000 with a Helle Engineering pinger-receiver on its brow for acquiring and homing in on a beacon transmitting at any frequency between 25 and 40 kHz. An 
extendable light boom is above the receiver. 


as a fairly accurate relative local positioning 
reference for search or survey operations. 

Underwater release mechanisms are avail- 
able which can be operated remotely by 
acoustic command or set to release on signal 
from an internal clock or by dissolution of a 
highly corrodable restraining material (e.g., 
magnesium). A variety of such devices has 
been successfully developed for surface oper- 
ations. The submersible, however, has the 
distinct advantage of being on-the-scene, and 
a simple pull-pin release mechanism, such as 
shown in Figure 10.34, works quite well. 
Withdrawing either one of the two pull rings 
will separate the array line from its anchor 
and allow the transponder or pinger to float 
to the surface. Sole reliance on mechanical 
release mechanisms of the pull-pin variety is 
not recommended for a number of reasons, 
e.g., vehicle breakdown, homing beacon mal- 
function and the possible inability of the 
submersible to return or even find the array. 
The prudent engineer would do well to con- 
sider including one of the remote or self- 
actuating devices as an additional compo- 
nent of the array. 


The foregoing discussion has been brief 
and simplistic and is quite different from 
actual at-sea experience with undersea navi- 
gation devices. On an individual basis, each 
pertinent navigation component aboard the 
submersible and in the homing device may 
work perfectly in the laboratory, but, when 
they all must work in concert and in the 
ocean, the most straight-forward and seem- 
ingly foolproof concept can become a night- 
mare of frustration. This is especially true 
when trying to set up and navigate by a 
pattern of bottom-mounted transponders or 
pingers. With the passage of time and a 
background of thwarted, frustrating efforts, 
a normally rational human being will, at 
times, find himself thinking of these inani- 
mate devices as capricious, mischievous spir- 
its. In essence, one does not “simply” do 
anything undersea, and just when the hu- 
man and non-human components are operat- 
ing well, the ocean itself may take the oppor- 
tunity to display its ultimate control. Mr. 
Robert Worthington, Operations Manager of 
the DEEP QUEST system, rather nicely de- 
scribed the problem, “The ideal conditions, 
although frequently existing in nature, sel- 


519 


dom seem to occur when most desired.’ The 
point is: Anticipate the worst and stand by 
with alternatives. 


MANIPULATORS 


The manipulators on a submersible are the 
operator’s hands and arms, and, in the final 
analysis, the ultimate manipulator is one 
that equals dexterity and control of an ac- 
tual human arm and hand. However, this is a 
difficult order to fill. H. A. Ballinger (32) 
aptly described the difficulty: 


‘Consider, for example, the seem- 
ingly simple process of quietly closing 
a door. The hand proceeds through 
three dimensions in space to reach 
and grasp the door knob. It must then 
describe a true arc, which is parallel 
to the plane of the floor and centered 
on the door hinges. As the door ap- 
proaches closure, the rates of the inte- 
grated movement must be selectively 
diminished, and a rotary motion ap- 
plied to the door knob through a 
changing axis angle. At the right mo- 
ment when visual, auditory, and force 
feed-back confirm, the knob is re- 
leased. All these actions require a 
constant feed-back and assessment of 
data and appropriate motive adjust- 
ment—quite out of proportion to the 
apparent simplicity of the operation.”’ 


Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst. 


Fig. 10.34 Pull-pin release mechanism. (WHO) 


Manipulators represent man’s attempt at 
duplicating his ability to grasp, hold, posi- 
tion, orient, actuate, push or pull. Conse- 
quently, the terminology describing manipu- 
lators and the manipulators themselves are 
patterned after the human arm and hand. 
ALVIN’s manipulator is shown in Figure 
10.35 and serves to introduce the terminol- 
ogy describing major components and the 
movements this particular manipulator can 
perform. 


In an excellent summary of manipulator 
principles and capabilities, P. K. Rockwell 
(33) divides the motions of a manipulator into 
location and orientation. Location is defined 
as positioning the terminal end (claw) at any 
spot in the x, y and z axes. Orientation refers 
to placing the claw in any attitude requiring 
rotation about the x, y and z axes. Hence, six 
basic motions, or degrees of freedom, are 
required to fulfill these three location and 
three orientation capabilities (Fig. 10.36). 


Fig. 10.35 ALVIN's manipulator. The arrows describe the movement at various junctures. (NAVOCEANO) 


Two more degrees of freedom must be in- 
cluded: Grasping and linear movement; the 
former is an obvious motion, the latter is not. 
If one desires to push an object straight 
ahead, the elbow and shoulder must pivot at 
the same angular rate if the forearm is to 
remain in the same horizontal plane. AL- 
VIN’s “joints” and all others as well, can only 
function one at a time, hence a linear exten- 
sion of the wrist must be provided to push or 
pull in the same plane as the forearm. Figure 
10.37 graphically illustrates the problem and 
its solution. 

In Barringer’s door-closing example, the 
arm went through a progressively diminish- 
ing rate of speed. This is another desirable 
feature in a manipulator: Variable speed 
control. Most manipulators, however, oper- 
ate at only one speed. 


A further characteristic of the human arm 
is that it tells the “operator” what force to 
apply. Such force “feedback” is nonexistent 
in contemporary submersible arms, but it is 
sometimes quite desirable. As an example, in 
1966 ALUMINAUT was operating off the 
coast of St. Croix, Virgin Islands. A biologist 
on one particular dive was quite anxious to 
collect (intact) one of the many sea urchins 
inhabiting the bottom. ALUMINAUT’s ma- 
nipulator has no force feedback or variable 
speed control. Hence, each attempt to pick up 
one of the delicate animals resulted in noth- 
ing more than a few fragments of spines or 
exoskeleton. Much to the biologist’s conster- 
nation, the task was finally abandoned. 

Obviously there are other components and 
requirements that must be present or satis- 
fied if the manipulator is to do its work. 


a LOCATOR MOTIONS Sn a el 


ORIENTOR __-__—_, 


———___ moTIONs 


Fig. 10.36 Manipulator with six degrees of freedom. [From Ref. (33)] 


521 


ATTEMPT TO ADVANCE DRILL 


SPOT TO BE DRILLED 


a. WITHOUT LINEAR EXTENSION 


ADVANCE DRILL WITH 
LINEAR EXTENSION 


SPOT TO BE DRILLED 


b. WITH LINEAR EXTENSION 


Fig. 10.37 Advancing a drill bit without (a) and with (b) linear extension. [From Ref. (33)] 


522 


Rockwell (ibid.) provides a chart which in- 
cludes these and their relationship to each 
other (Fig. 10.38). To limit this discussion, it 
is assumed that a man and a work object are 
present and that the man can see the object. 
Our concern will concentrate on power, the 
manipulator, the claw or grasping device and 
control. The basis for this discussion is Table 
10.8 which presents characteristics of manip- 
ulators on a variety of submersibles. This 
table is rather sketchy but is accurate inso- 
far as manufacturers’ brochures and operat- 
ing manuals allow. To the researcher’s dis- 
tress, a great number of submersible owners 
state the fact that manipulators are present, 
but do not list the capabilities in other than 
broad terms; hence, the many NA (Not 
Available) annotations. 

K. B. Wilson (34) states that a “true” ma- 
nipulator can locate and orient its terminal 
device in any position within its coverage 
volume, and devices with less ability should 
be classed as special machines rather than 
manipulators. If many of the submersibles 
which have manipulators were required to 
remain fixed in one spot, their “manipula- 


CONTROL 


INTERFACE 


ENVIRONMENT 


COMMAND LOOP 


FEEDBACK LOOP 


tors” would become special machines by Wil- 
son’s definition. But the ability of submers- 
ibles to do everything but operate upside 
down increases the capability of even the 
simplest ‘‘machines” to locate and orient the 
terminal device both within and without its 
area of fixed coverage volume. Consequently, 
Wilson’s strict definition is not rigidly ap- 
plied. 


Power 

Electric motors and hydraulic pumps are 
the prime suppliers of manipulator move- 
ment. If the motors are external to the pres- 
sure hull they are subject to the same en- 
vironmental constraints as propulsion mo- 
tors, and the solutions and trade-offs of AC 
versus DC are similar. In the case of SEA 
OTTER, a manually operated pump within the 
hull pushes hydraulic fluid through the hull to 
activate its manipulator. NEKTON’s man- 
ipulator obtains all of its motivation directly 
from the human occupant who actuates the 
arm from within the pressure hull. JIM, on the 
other hand, is a human arm within a 


MANIPULATOR AND WORK 
TERMINAL DEVICE OBJECT 


SENSORS 


iva 


=| 
MACHINE 


INTERFACE 


Fig. 10.38 Functional relationships in a manned submersible manipulator system. [From Ref. (33)] 


523 


TABLE 10.8 SUBMERSIBLE MANIPULATOR CHARACTERISTICS 


Number Degrees Lift Cap. 
of of Claw Reach Full Weight Jettisoning 
Vehicle Manipulators Freedom Type Power (Max.) Extension In Air Method Manufacturer Remarks 
ALUMINAUT 2 6 Parallel Electro- 9 ft lin. 200 Ib NA* None Gen. Elec. 
Jaw — Hydraulic 
ALVIN 1 6 Parallel Electro- 5 ft 3in. 50 Ib 438 |b Solenoid operated Gen. Mills 
Jaw Mechanical trigger pin 
Scissor 
AQUARIUS 1 6 Scissor Electro- 6 ft 1 in. 150 Ib 150 lb Jettisonable, no HYCO Variable speed control 
ARIES Hydraulic details 
BEAVER 2 8 Hook Electro 9 ft 50 Ib 150 lb Hydraulic disconnect, North Amer. Variable speed control 
Hydraulic (ea) electrical guillotines, Rockwell Various work tool 
mechanical disconnect terminations 
DEEP QUEST 2 7 Parallel Electro- 5 ft 100 Ib NA  Jettisonable Lockheed 
Jaw Hydraulic 
OS-2000 
Os-4000 1 3 Orange Electro- 3 ft Gin. 35 Ib Jettisonable Westinghouse 
SP-350 Peel Hydraulic 
SP-3000 
DOWB 1 6 Scissor Electro- 4 ft 1 in. 50lb 185lb  Jettisonable Gen. Mtrs. 
Mechanical 
DSRV-1&2 1 7 Parallel Electro- 6 ft 8 in. 50 Ib Hydraulically jet- Lockheed 
Jaw Hydraulic tisonable by normal or 
emergency means 
HAKUYO 1 5 Parallel Electro- 4ft 22 |b 220 |b Jettisonable, no detail NA Adjustable grasping 
Jaws Hydraulic force 
JIM 2 8+ Simu- Manual approxi- NA - None Underwater = Human arm ina jointed, 
lated mately Marine Pressure-resistant 
fingers 3 ft. Equip., Ltd. enclosure 
NEKTON 1 8 Scissor Manual 3 ft 2in. NA NA None General A manually powered and 
Oceano- directed rod with claw 
graphics pushed pulled or twisted 
ina thru-hull penetration 
NEREID 1 4+ Parallel Electro- 15 ft 2,500 Ib NA NA Nereid A smaller manipulator 
Jaw Hydraulic nv, Holland is used for delicate 
tasks and is attached to 
the larger one 
PC-8 1 3 Parallel Electro- 6 ft 4 in. 300 Ib NA None Perry Sub. If hydraulics fail con- 
Jaw Hydraulic Bldrs. trol valves can be 
opened to permit sea- 
water flooding of arm. 
Pressure will open jaws 
and retract arm 
PISCES Artic- 6 Parallel Electro- 5ft Gin. 150 lb 150 Ib = Manual hydraulic HYCO Can be fitted with a var- 
series ulated Jaw Hydraulic pressure iety of hand tools 
Arm 
& Clamping 3 Circular Electro- NA 2000 Ib NA — Hydraulic, quick HYCO Used for torpedo 
SDL-1 Arm Clamp Hydraulic release recovery 
SEA CLIFF 2 7 Parallel Electro- 7ft1%in. 100 Ib NA Mechanical Gen. Dyn. Equipped with 
& Jaw Hydraulic tools 
TURTLE Circular 
Clamp 
SEA OTTER 1 1 Various Manual 2 ft Gin. NA NA None Arctic Vehicle also has a 
Hydraulic Marine “BEAVER TYPE” manipulator 


Ltd capable of all its func- 
tions. It is not installed 


524 


TABLE 10.8 SUBMERSIBLE MANIPULATOR CHARACTERISTICS (Cont.) 


Number Degrees Lift Cap. 
of of Claw Reach Full Weight Jettisoning 
Vehicle Manipulators Freedom Type Power (Max.) Extension In Air Method Manufacturer Remarks 
SEA RANGER 2 6 Hook Electro- 6 ft 200 Ib NA Jettisonable, no details Verne Engin- One manipulator is used 
type Hydraulic eering to hold vehicle in place 
2 same same NA 2,600 |b NA Jettisonable, no details same while the other works 
vertical 
position 
SHINKAI 1 6 Parallel Electro- 3 ft 3 in. 33 Ib NA __Jettisonable, no details Kawasaki 
Jaws Hydraulic Heavy Ind. 
SNOOPER 1 2 Circular Electro- NA 8 lb NA NA Sea Graphics 
Clamp Hydraulic Inc. 
STAR II 1 4 Scissor Electro- 4 ft 1 in. 150 Ib 150 lb = Mechanical Gen. Dyn. 
Hydraulic 
STAR III 1 6 Scissor Electro- 4ft 150 |b 400 lb = Mechanical Gen. Dyn. 
Hydraulic 
TOURS 1 6 Parallel Electro- 6 ft NA NA None Maschinen 
Jaws Hydraulic Gabler 
GmbH 
TRIESTE II 1 6 Parallel Electro- 10 ft 500 Ib NA Jettisonable, no details ACF Electronics 
Jaw Hydraulic 
VOL-LI 1 ) Parallel Electro- 5ft6in. 150 lb 150 Ib = Manual, hydraulic HYCO 
Jaw Hydraulic Pressure 
YOMIURI 1 6 Clam _— Electro- 8 ft 1 in. 110 Ib NA None NA 
Shell Hydraulic 


*NA=Not Available 


pressure-resistant suit, and the diver’s arm 
provides the movement. Wilson (ibid.) provides 
a brief but informative treatment of man- 
ipulator power (actuation) in regards to the 
advantages and disadvantages of electro- 
mechanical versus electro-hydraulic actuators 
and Rockwell’s table (Table 10.9) compares 
both approaches. 


Design and Capabilities 

The design and capabilities of manipula- 
tors followed no particular course to an ulti- 
mate destination. Increased capabilities, 
such as more degrees of freedom or greater 
lifting and grasping power, were provided 
only if they were required to perform a par- 
ticular task. The manipulators on the Navy’s 
SEA CLIFF and TURTLE are indeed versa- 
tile, but for many submersibles they are 
unnecessary. For example, DS-4000’s ma- 
nipulator and claw may appear somewhat 
inadequate compared to the aforementioned, 
but for over 400 dives this arm provided all 
that was necessary for the scientific re- 
search of its users. So the question of such 


525 


things as how many degrees of freedom, type 
of claw and lifting capacity is really an- 
swered by balancing the trade-offs. If the 
dexterity of the human arm and hand is the 
goal, then expense, complexity, weight and 
extensive maintenance are some of the sacri- 
fices—as well as a long wait, for this goal isa 
long way off. In the interim, Figures 10.39 
and 10.40 present representative contempo- 
rary examples of manipulators; the charac- 
teristics of each can be found in Table 10.8. A 
brief discussion serves to introduce the capa- 
bilities of each and describe the field at large 
as well. 

SEA OTTER’s manipulator (Fig. 10.39a) is 
really what Wilson termed a special machine. 
It can only move up or down and relies on 
the submersible to train it left or right or 
move it forward. The hydraulic cylinder be- 
tween it and the skid pushes it up or down by 
virtue of a hand pump in the pressure hull. 
The device was fabricated for attaching a lift 
hook to a sunken tug boat. The lift hook was 
held in the terminal end by a dowel. When it 
was in place, the dowel was removed by 


TABLE 10.9 COMPARISON OF ELECTRIC AND HYDRAULIC MOTION ACTUATION SYSTEMS 
[FROM REF. (32)] 


Electric Hydraulic 


Hydraulic systems are less expensive than electromechanical 
systems 


@ Electromechanical systems are expensive 


@ DC motors start and stop smoothly 

© Compatible with the environment 
@ High-torque low speed DC motors are heavy and bulky 

@ High power to unit weight ratio allows use of small components 
@ Small AC and DC motors require high speed operation, which 


requires clutches, gear reduction, and brakes to provide @ |nternal leakage of fluid allows drift, overshoot and loss of ef- 
adequate motion characteristics ficiency 

@ Foreign to the seawater environment so must be oil-filled. @ External leakage degrades efficiency but may not abort the 
Seawater intrusion usually results in system failure. operation 

®@ Brush insulation must be prevented by increasing contact @ Motions automatically braked by closing of control valve 


force, thereby reducing operating life and reliability 
@ Simple overload protection provided by relief valves 
© Internal wiring easily accomplished eliminating snagging 
problems @ External hosing causes snagging problems, internal fluid routing 
is complex 
@ High and low speed continuous rotation easily obtained 
@ Pressure compensation, required for a lightweight system, pre- 
vents arm use while changing depth 


@ Continuous rotation actuators unreliable 


b) 


Fig. 10.39 Manipulators of a) SEA OTTER, b) SHELF DIVER, c) DS-4000, d) STAR II, e) NEREID 330 and f) PISCES I//. 
(b. Perry Sub. Bldrs., c. NAVOCEANO, d. Gen. Dyn. Corp., e. Nereid nv, f. HYCO) 


526 


venelo 330 © 


a fm 


527 


taking in a string which ran from it to a 
manually-cranked reel on the pressure hull. 
“Jury rigged” though it may have been, the 
hook was placed, and the tug boat was sal- 
vaged. SEA OTTER, it should be mentioned, 
does have a more sophisticated capability in 
the form of a manipulator of the BEAVER 
type which could have been employed if 
needed. 


SHELF DIVER’s manipulator (Fig. 10.39b) 
is typical of Perry Submarine Builder’s ap- 
proach. A hydraulic pump in the pressure 
hull provides power for three degrees of free- 
dom within its 6.5-foot-diameter working 
area. The manipulator is not jettisonable, 
but it has a feature whereby the hydraulic 
lines can be opened and the ambient pres- 
sure (caused by the entry of seawater into 
the lines) will open the claw and retract the 
arm. The Perry manipulator was designed 
for sample retrieval, as was DS-4000’s (Fig. 
10.39c). In the latter case, the arm has three 
degrees of freedom and also operates on hy- 
draulics; it can be jettisoned if necessary. 


STAR II (Fig. 10.39d) obtains an additional 
degree of freedom by including an elbow in 
its arm. Also, its shoulder joint can rotate 
more liberally in the horizontal than that of 
the two predecessors above. 


NEREID 330’s manipulator (Fig. 10.39e) is 
by far the most powerful of any submersible, 
and its owners refer to it as a “two stage 
manipulator system.” The heavy work arm is 
a hydraulic crane that lifts 2,500 pounds at a 
reach of 15 feet and also serves as the base 
for a smaller lightweight ‘intelligent’ arm 
behind the strong claw. With the strong claw 
attached to the work object the dexterity of 
the small arm becomes as good at 2 feet as at 
15 feet. The small arm is partly equipped 
with manually driven joints to give the oper- 
ator a sense of “feel.” To provide a stable 
base for the manipulator, the vehicle is capa- 
ble of obtaining 5,500 pounds of negative 
buoyancy by taking on seawater. 


PISCES III (Fig. 10.39f) carries both a 
grasping and a ‘‘working” manipulator; the 
latter is termed the PHA. The circular grasp- 
ing manipulator serves primarily to hold the 
vehicle in place while the more dexterous 
PHA works. Both manipulators are jettison- 


528 


able, and the PHA may be operated at var- 
ious speeds. All PISCES class submersibles 
are capable of this arrangement, and the 
aluminum PHA (which can operate to 6,500 
ft) is standard equipment on all HYCO-built 
vehicles. An upgraded HYCO version of the 
manipulator shown in Figure 10.39f is the 
manipulator shown in Figure 10.40a. This 
has six degrees of freedom and a pressure- 
compensation system to permit operation to 
any depth. The later HYCO submersibles 
(AQUARIUS, ARIES) have this manipulator 
in place of the PHA. 

The manipulator on DEEP VIEW (Fig. 
10.40b) was an experimental model. It is 
shown here, not because it represents a radi- 
cal departure or improvement in capabilities 
or design, but because it is a different ap- 
proach to collecting samples with the same 
degrees of freedom as the Perry and DS- 
4000 manipulators. 


ALUMINAUT’s manipulators (Fig. 10.40c) 
represented the most advanced technological 
achievement of the late sixties. Each arm 
has six degrees of freedom. Working together 
they provide a high degree of versatility. 
When not in use, the manipulators retract 
and fold back under the bow. 

SEA CLIFF’s and TURTLE’s manipulator 
system (Fig. 10.40d) includes an external 
stowage arrangement, provision for mount- 
ing a television camera and underwater 
light, a jettison system, interchangeable 
tooling capacity, sample collecting basket 
and a remote control system. The manipula- 
tors are capable of nine separate motions, 
including a tool power takeoff and tool re- 
lease, and they may be jettisoned separately, 
or both at once. Three tool stowage racks and 
one sample basket mounted forward of the 
manipulators’ shoulder assemblies provide 
for tool interchangeability and sample collec- 
tion (these racks and baskets are jettisoned 
with the manipulators). An additional sam- 
ple basket can be substituted for one tool 
rack if desired. 

Each manipulator arm consists of four 
basic assemblies: shoulder, upper arm, lower 
arm, and wrist. These assemblies are cylin- 
drical to minimize the possibility of entangle- 
ment. They are filled with manipulator hy- 
draulic return oil; thus each assembly is 
pressure-compensated to slightly above sea 


va a 
££ a go = 


Fig. 10.40 Manipulators of a) AQUARIUS, b) DEEP VIEW, c) ALUMINAUT, d) SEA 
CLIFF & TURTLE, e) BEAVER and f) NEKTON. (b. U.S. Navy, c. Reynolds Submarine 
Services) 


529 


e) 


pressure by the hydraulic system compensa- 
tor. Changes in oil volume due to tempera- 
ture variations are also controlled by the 
hydraulic system compensator. Additional 
over-pressure protection of components is 
provided by individual assembly relief 
valves. Each of the four assemblies contains 
a seawater leak detector. 

Any of four interchangeable terminal de- 
vices, or tools, may be attached to the wrist. 
The tools permit grasping and drilling, as 
well as cutting (e.g., cables). When not in use, 
the tools are stored in a tool rack near the 
manipulator shoulder. Pressure and temper- 
ature compensation of the tools is provided 
by integral compensators. 

Two manipulator replacement counter- 
weights are provided for port and starboard 
installation when the vehicle is operated 
with either or both manipulators removed. 
Each counterweight compensates for the 
weight of a manipulator to maintain vehicle 
buoyancy and trim. 

The BEAVER-type manipulator in Figure 
10.40e was the first to include variable speed 


530 


or rate control. It was designed and con- 
structed at North American Rockwell for use 
aboard BEAVER, which presently has two 
such manipulators. With eight degrees of 
freedom and variable rate control, the ma- 
nipulators are capable of performing a wide 
variety of tasks—particularly so since the 
terminations (claws) are interchangeable in 
situ with an underwater tool array consist- 
ing of an impact wrench, cable cutter, stud 
gun, centrifugal jet pump, grapple and uni- 
versal chuck. These tools are mounted on a 
lazy-susan type of device beneath the bow 
and in full view of the operator. 

NEKTON’s manipulator (Fig. 10.40f) is a 
pragmatic detour around systems analysis. It 
consists of no more than a thru-hull steel rod 
which can be pushed, pulled, twisted and 
rotated through and about the penetration, 
within a 90-degree included angle and a claw 
which can be opened or closed by the opera- 
tor who also provides the muscle power. The 
arm is a 0.5-inch-diameter stainless steel 
tube which encloses a 3/s-inch-diameter solid 
rod. Inboard handles, when squeezed, pull 


the solid rod into its housing and an arrange- 
ment between claw and housing causes the 
claw to close. A ball socket at the hull pene- 
tration allows rotation through 45 degrees 
on either side of the rod. At 1,000 feet deep 
the external pressure causes the arm to re- 
tract into the hull, but a nylon line and 
pulley arrangement allows the operator to 
extend the arm. In terms of freedom, it has 
at least eight, including force feedback and 
variable speed control. To collect samples a 
cloth bag is reeled down on a string to an 
appropriate position and, with the sample 
inside, is reeled back up on the hull. In terms 
of thru-hull waterproof integrity, both NEK- 
TON BETA and GAMMA have been classed 
by ABS; hence, one might properly assume 
that this body of expertise found nothing 
amiss. There is little else that can be said of 
this approach except that at some point it is 
depth-limited and that whoever conceived it 
should have received an immediate raise in 
salary! 


Claws 

Several types of claws or hands can be 
seen in Figures 10.39 and 10.40. TURTLE has 
a parallel type of jaw on the starboard ma- 
nipulator and a Dorrance type of claw on the 
other. BEAVER’s claw is termed a hook type, 
PISCES III’s grasping claw is a circular 
clamp, DS-4000’s is an orange peel type, 
DEEP VIEW’s is aclam shell, and NEKTON’s 
is a scissor type. The type of claw depends, 
obviously, on the nature of the work. Orange 
peel and clam shell varieties are best for 
collection of soft sediment samples, the scis- 
sors and Dorrance types of claws are good for 
holding irregularly-shaped objects, and hook 
types hold cylindrical objects well. 


Control 

Devices which the operator employs to ma- 
neuver or control manipulators are either 
portable or fixed, and each manipulator mo- 
tion has its own button or switch on the 
control device. Portable control boxes are 
mandatory when the operator is moving 
from one viewport to another and physically 
cannot reach a fixed control. This is the 
situation in ALVIN and an early version of 
its manipulator control box is shown in Fig- 
ure 10.41. Where panoramic visibility is 
available, fixed controls are acceptable. Fig- 


531 


ure 10.42 shows the fixed manipulator con- 
trol panel on PC-14; each knob controls a 
specific motion by dispatching hydraulic 
fluid to the appropriate hydraulic line. 

Owing to the wide variety of tasks one can 

envision for manipulators, it would be fruit- 
less to make a blanket recommendation ap- 
plicable to all vehicles. Experience, nonethe- 
less, has provided some excellent general 
guidelines to the manipulator designer 
which are germane to all. In a 1966 article on 
manipulators, Hunley and Houck (35) pre- 
sented some lessons learned on TRIESTE I 
and II. These lessons warrant due considera- 
tion because the tuition was paid in the form 
of lost manipulators and lost capability. The 
following is extracted from their experi- 
ences: 

—Emergency jettisoning devices should 
not allow inadvertent release of the ma- 
nipulator. 

—Some means to view the manipulator 
when stored (to insure that it is, in fact, 
stored) should be provided. 

—Extended immersion in seawater calls 
for corrosion-resistant materials. 

—Television cameras and lights on the 
claw or forearm are invaluable aids for 
fine positioning or inspection. 

—External wire or cabling can be torn 
loose during tows. 

—Internal leakage in joint actuators may 
cause the manipulator to creep from its 
last position. 


A more recent report by Pesch et al. (36) 
discussed the test results of divers versus 
manipulators in undersea work. While the 
results are fairly predictable (the diver al- 
ways won), several of the general conclusions 
can be applied to increasing manipulator 
performance, and others may serve to alert 
the designer to conditions of which he might 
not be aware. The following is extracted from 
reference (36): 

—Quite frequently the manipulator blocks 

the work object from the operator’s view. 

—Requirements to align a tool perpendicu- 

lar to a surface should be reduced be- 
cause of optical distortion, empty field 
conditions and the simple mechanical dif- 
ficulty of alignment. 

—The manipulator color should afford 

moderate background contrast. A white 


‘ee on ; 
; 5 35 jf. 
“St é a 
RE © (oo ®o 
. t 70 : 
FF 


EN 


MANIPULATOR 


SPEED CONTROL 
LOW OFF HIGH 


FIELO 
ON 


GRIP SET 
io 7 a5 


0 100 0 


WRIST ELBOW SHLOR SHLOR 
PIVOT PIVOT PIVOT ROTATE 


ww ew 


GRIP WRIST 


Ce 


: @& & & & . 


cw 


 & 


cw 


CLOSE 


Fig. 10.41 An early model of ALVIN's portable manipulator controls. (WHOl!) 


arm provides too much backscatter and a 
dark arm cannot be seen. 

—Both manipulator operator and vehicle 
operator should have the same view if 
submersible movements and manipula- 
tor operations are to interact. 

—Common machine shop practices, e.g., 
self-alignment, self-tool feed, torque-lim- 
iting clutches and step drills for pilot 
holes, could be applied profitably to ma- 
nipulator tool design. 

There are indeed many improvements 
which submersible manipulators must pro- 
vide if they are to realize anywhere near the 
capability of the diver. But the onus is not on 
submersible operators alone. The designer of 
underwater hardware to be worked on is one 
of the major obstacles standing in the way of 
submersible performance. Look closely at 
Figure 10.43, where the diver is making a 


532 


midwater electrical connection in seconds 
that would take a submersible minutes and 
perhaps hours to complete. In addition to the 
connector, there are bolts and nuts that also 
might need disconnecting, a relatively easy 
task for the diver. Why are they easy tasks? 
Quite simply because they were designed to 
be performed by the human arm and hand 
with assistance from human hand-held tools. 
Herein lies the crux of the problem: If the 
ends of the nuts or the connector had been 
designed for grasping by a hook, parallel 
jaws or Dorrance-type claw, the task of the 
submersible would be eased immensely. No 
doubt, equaling the human “manipulator” is 
a difficult, if not impossible, task, but the 
human can only go so deep in the ocean. 
Hardware knows no depth limit, and if the 
hardware designers anticipate replacement 
of parts or installation of devices subsequent 


3. Tyler, J. E. & Preisendorfer, R. W. 1962 
Light in the Sea. v. 1, p. 348-397, John 
Wiley & Sons, N.Y. 

4. Larson, D. A. & Rixton, F. H. 1969 Un- 
derwater lighting and new light sources. 
Undersea Tech., Sept., p. 38-39; 56-57. 

. Strickland, C. L. & Hittleman, R. L. 1968 
Underwater light sources. Oceanology 
International, Sept./Oct., p. 36-39. 

6. Waltz, A. R. 1970 A Study of Light 
Sources for Underwater Use. NURDC 
Rept. NUCTM 444, 53 pp. 

7. Green, P. S., Bellin, J. L. S. & Knollman, 
G. C. 1968 Acoustic imaging for viewing 
in turbid water. Undersea Tech., May, p. 
48-51. 

8. Vigil, A. E. (no date) A New Low Light 
Level Television Camera for Underwa- 
ter Application. Hydro Products, San 
Diego, Calif. (Unpub. manuscript). 

9. Marine Tech. Soc., 1968 Selected Papers 
from Pressure Depth Symposium. Jour. 
of Ocean Tech., v. 2, n. 2, p. 27-29. 


or 


Fig. 10.42 Manipulator contro! panel on PC-14. Each knob controls a separate 
manipulator function. 


to immersion beyond diver depth, then they 
must bear in mind that non-human, not hu- 
man, manipulators will be doing the work. 
Several orders of magnitude increase in 
present manipulator performance could be 
realized if designers would keep this fact 
constantly in mind. 


REFERENCES 
ie Volberg, ils W. 1964 CTFM sonar for Fig. 10.43 A diver makes an electrical connection on SEA LAB III. (U.S. Navy) 
deep submergence. Undersea Tech., Jan., 
p. 38-41. 


2. Undersea Technology Handbook Direc- 
tory. 1973 Compass Publications, Arling- 
ton, Va. 


533 


10. 


AGIE 


12. 


13. 


14. 


15. 


16. 


18. 


UG) 


20. 


bo 
bo 


Bass, G. F. & Rosencrantz, D. M. 1968 A 
Diversified Program for the Study of 
Shallow Water Searching and Mapping 
Techniques. Final Rept. for the Office of 
Naval Research under contract N00014— 
67A—0216-0002, 130 pp., Univ. Museum, 
Univ. of Penna. 

Karr, B. N. & Gillen, R. G. 1969 Marine 
radio communications. in Handbook of 
Ocean and Underwater Engineering. 
McGraw-Hill Book Co., p. 11-92 to 11-97. 
National Defense Research Comm. 1969 
Physics of Sound in the Sea. Depart- 
ment of the Navy, Headquarter Naval 
Material Command, 566 pp., U.S. Govern- 
ment Printing Office, Wash., D.C., 20402. 
Ocean Industry 1967 Three diver com- 
munication systems end “Donald Duck”’ 
distortion. v. 2, n. 10, p. 28-29. 
Lauderdale, C. L. 1978 U.S. Marine 
Corps Testing of Swimmer Acoustic 
Communications. Naval Coastal Systems 
Laboratory, Panama City, Fla., 27 pp., 3 
appendices. 

Bowditch, N. 1966 American Practical 
Navigator. U.S. Naval Oceanographic Of- 
fice, H.O. Pub. No. 9, 1524 pp. 
Proceedings of First Marine Geodesy 
Symposium. Columbus, Ohio, 28-30 Sept. 
1966, U.S. Government Printing Office, 
Wash., D.C., 301 pp. 


. Marine Geodesy, A Practical View. A 


second symposium on Marine Geodesy, 3- 
5 Nov. 1969, Mar. Tech. Soc., Wash., D.C., 
333 pp. 

Raudsep, I. D. 1969 Ship positioning de- 
termining systems. Oceanology Intl., 
Mar./Apr., p. 45-49. 

Rainnie, W. O. 1971 Equipment and in- 
strumentation for the navigation of sub- 
mersibles. Underwater Jour., June, p. 
120-128. 

Barringer, J. L. 1967 CUBMARINE oper- 
ations in Spain. Geo-Marine Tech., v. 3, 
n. 1, p. 12-18. 


. Pollio, J. 1968 Undersea Studies with the 


Deep Research Vehicle STAR IIT. Naval 
Oceanographic Office, I.R. 68-103, 73 pp. 
(Unpub. manuscript). 


2. Fagot, M. & Merrifield, R. 1969 Tracking 


BEN FRANKLIN During the Gulf 
Stream Drift Mission. Proc. of the ION 
National Marine Navigation Meeting, 


534 


23. 


24. 


25. 


26. 


27. 


28. 


29. 


30. 


31. 


32. 


33. 


34. 


2nd Sym. on Manned Deep Submergence 
Vehicles, 3-4 Nov. 1969, San Diego, Calif., 
p. 261-275. 


Busby, R. F. & Merrifield, R. 1966 Under- 
sea Studies with the DSRV, ALVIN, Ton- 
gue of the Ocean, Bahamas. Sept. 1966. 
Naval Oceanographic Office, I.R. 67-51, 
54 pp. (Unpub. manuscript). 


Mackenzie, K. V. 1970 Early history of 
deep submergence navigation aboard 
TRIESTE. Jour. Inst. Navigation, v. 17, 
ras dl, IPA yoyo 

Busby, R. F. & Hart, W. E. 1966 Seafloor 
navigation for deep submergence vehi- 
cles. Jour. Inst. Nav., v. 138, n. 2, p. 141- 
145. 


Navigation Equipment Trials: DSRV 
Doppler Sonar Test Results. 1968 DSSP 
Office, Pub. No. GB-2510-1001. 


Kritz, J. 1970 Doppler sonar navigator 
for work submersibles. 2nd Ann. Off- 
shore Tech. Conf. Pap. No. OTC 1266, p. 
403-414. 


Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 
1969 Deep Submergence Research Con- 
ducted During the Period I Jan. - 31 
Dec. 1968, WHOI Tech. Rept. 69-17. 


Dunn, A.T. 1969 The actual navigation 
of SCORPION operations, Phase II. 
Proc. of the ION National Marine Navi- 
gation Meeting, 2nd Sym. on Manned 
Deep Submergence Vehicles, 3-4 Nov., 
1969, San Diego, Calif., p. 242-252. 


Winget, C. L. 1969 Hand Tools and Me- 
chanical Accessories for a Deep Sub- 
mersible. WHOI Pub. Ref. 69-82, 180 pp. 


Worthington, R. K. R. 1969 Navigation of 
deep submersibles in close search. Proc. 
of the ION National Marine Navigation 
Meeting, 2nd Sym. on Manned Deep Sub- 
mergence Vehicles, 3-4 Nov., 1969, San 
Diego, Calif., p. 253-259. 

Ballinger, H. A. 1967 Telechiric devices 
and systems. Tech. and the Sea Bed Pro- 
ceedings of a Conf. at the Atomic Energy 
Research Establish., Harwell, Eng., 5-7 
April 1967, v. 1, p. 238-272. 

Rockwell, P. K. 1971 Underwater Manip- 
ulative Construction Systems (UMCS). 
NCEL Tech. Note N-1158, 86 pp. 

Wilson, K. B. 1969 Manipulators. in 


35. 


Handbook of Ocean and Underwater 
Engineering. McGraw-Hill Book Co., p. 4— 
11 thru 4-23. 

Hunley, W. H. & Houck, W. G. 1966 Un- 
derwater manipulators. Naval Engi- 
neers Jour., v. 78, n. 6, p. 1003-1009. 


535 


36. Pesch, A. J., Hill, R. G. & Klepser, W. F. 
1971 Performance comparisons of scuba 
divers vs. submersible manipulator con- 
trollers in undersea work. 3rd Ann. Off- 
shore Tech. Conf., 19-21 April 1971, Hous- 
ton, Tex., Paper No. OTC1437, p. 221-232. 


SCIENTIFIC AND WORK 


EQUIPMENT 


The most readily available data-gathering 
system aboard a submersible is the human 
being, and for this reason the diving tasks up 
to the early 1960’s relied mainly on the scien- 
tific and technical observer. It was soon ob- 
vious that photography was the best answer 
to “What did you see?” and cameras became 
standard equipment. With face pressed 
against the plastic viewports and a camera 
held either inside or outside the pressure 
hull, the diving scientist recorded and de- 
scribed details of the undersea world that 
over-the-side instruments encountered 
mostly by chance. According to Ballard and 
Emery (1), almost 200 scientific articles were 
published by submersible scientists of the 
mid-1960’s; these were based, for the most 
part, on visual observations. 


537 


As scientists and engineers grew accus- 
tomed to submersible operating capabilities, 
new and modified instruments appeared. 
This was inevitable. Visual observations, no 
matter how detailed or photographically doc- 
umented, required supporting data to help 
interpret the observed phenomena. 

The biologist, for example, not only wanted 
to collect organisms but also wished to know 
the physical and chemical characteristics of 
the water in which they resided. The geolo- 
gist, on the other hand, not only required 
samples of the bottom, but also wished to 
know, among other things, its slope, its cohe- 
siveness and the strength of near-bottom 
currents. The diving engineer or salvor, 
while increasing his understanding of an in- 
strument’s or object’s performance, wanted 


to do something about it, and he became 
interested in tools for cutting, grasping or 
repairing. The result was a wide variety of 
specialized instruments for particular sub- 
mersibles; some worked well, others not at 
all. 

Only in very few instances was the owner 
or operator of a submersible its primary 
user. In the commercial field the vehicle was 
equipped to perform the basic functions of 
safe diving and viewing, and the owner an- 
ticipated that, for the most part, the user 
(lessee) would supply his own equipment for 
special tasks. Where the owner was the user, 
e.g., International Hydrodynamics, the sub- 
mersible was equipped with instrumentation 
the owner/user felt was necessary to perform 
the advertised services. In general, this lat- 
ter requirement, in addition to equipment 
required by the pilot to assure safe opera- 
tions, included lights for viewing and photog- 
raphy, cameras, depth gages, echo sounders 
and manipulators. Essentially, the scientist 
or engineer hailed an underwater taxi. If 
much more than safe transportation was de- 
sired, he had to supply the additional capa- 
bilities himself. 

In the early 1960’s, the submersible diver 
had very few instruments from which to 
choose: Underwater lights, cameras and 
depth gages were available from over-the- 
side systems. Echo sounders were numerous, 
but the transducers were those convention- 
ally mounted on surface ship hulls only a few 
feet below the surface, and the great pres- 
sures exerted on these externally-mounted 
devices could affect their beam pattern and, 
hence, the accuracy of the data. Water tem- 
peratures could be measured by adapting 
over-the-side instruments, as could sound ve- 
locity and current velocity. The last could be 
used only when the vehicle was bottomed. 
Some bottom sampling capability existed, 
but only in the form of 1- to 2-foot-long cores 
of soft sediments or small, loose fragments 
that could be scraped or picked from the 
bottom. In some instances it was possible to 
obtain measurements from instruments 
within the pressure hull. Cosmic ray pene- 
tration was measured in this manner from 
TRIESTE prior to its record dive. But, for 
the most part, the user of submersibles was 
forced to either improvise his own instru- 


538 


ment or modify existing ones to particular 
tasks and submersibles. 

Manufacturers of oceanographic equip- 
ment were interested in this potentially bur- 
geoning market, but several factors caused 
them to proceed with caution. Predominant 
among these was the lack of a clearly defined 
need to produce an instrument or instru- 
ments which would find a wide market (2). 
One-of-a-kind instruments are expensive to 
design and produce and are not always prof- 
itable when they must be made to perform 
under the high pressure, low temperature 
deep ocean environment. In the event an 
instrument was successful, what would be 
the size of the market? In the incipient sub- 
mersible industry there were no clearly de- 
fined missions where a specific instrument 
could be expected to find application on ev- 
ery dive and every vehicle. Private industry 
was understandably hesitant to invest its 
own funds and time developing instruments 
for which there might be no market. Indeed, 
considering the wide variety in submersible 
characteristics, an instrument designed to 
work on one might not be adaptable to any 
other. Consequently, the scientist and engi- 
neer was left mainly to his own devices in 
developing instruments and work tools. 


CONSTRAINTS ON 
SUBMERSIBLE 
INSTRUMENTS 


The utility of an instrument or work tool 
from a submersible is governed by 1) dimen- 
sional and performance constraints (includ- 
ing weight & balance) of the submersible 
itself, 2) the overall submersible system and 
its method of operation and 3) safety consid- 
erations to passengers, support personnel 
and the vehicle. 

Most scientific instruments consist of a 
sensor and a recorder—the former located 
outside the pressure hull and the latter in- 
side. Both the seawater environment and the 
submersible’s internal environment apply a 
peculiar set of operating conditions. Assum- 
ing the vehicle’s payload can accommodate 
the instrument, the following are the major 
constraints one must deal with to employ an 
instrument safely and successfully. 


Hatch Diameter 

Ranging from 15.75 to 30 inches in diame- 
ter in different submersibles, the user must 
be certain that his instrument will physically 
fit inside the pressure hull. In some in- 
stances the outside diameter of the hatch 
can be several inches greater than the inside 
diameter, the latter, of course, being the 
controlling dimension. ALUMINAUT pre- 
sents a unique problem in that its pressure 
hull hatch is 19 inches in diameter, but its 
sail hatch is only 17.75 inches. Submersibles 
with plastic bow viewing domes offer more 
flexibility because the dome can be removed 
for installation of devices larger than the 
hatch. 


Internal Location 

Instruments must be positioned to avoid 
interference with operational controls, crew 
safety and comfort, access to junction boxes 
and fuses, viewing and access to emergency 
breathing or escape devices. If more than 
one instrument is to be visually monitored, 
they should be grouped closely together to 
conserve movement. In the cramped confines 
of the smaller submersibles it may be diffi- 
cult to meet these requirements if several 
instruments are desired. 


Electrical Interference 

Submersible electrical power cables are, 
for the most part, unshielded (3). Therefore, 
to prevent the vehicle’s electronics from in- 
terfering with scientific instruments the lat- 
ter’s cables should be shielded and physical 
separation of thru-hull penetrators for both 
should be sought. Shortest possible cable 
runs assist in further minimizing interfer- 
ence. 


Electrical Power 

Submersible-supplied electrical power is 
characterized by surges and spikes; there- 
fore, voltage regulators for each instrument 
are desirable. It is not uncommon for DC 
voltages to drop about 20 percent during a 
long duration dive (4). 


Internal Atmosphere 

The atmosphere in a submersible is char- 
acterized by extremes which may be detri- 
mental to electronics. In the tropics and sub- 


539 


tropics, high temperatures and high humid- 
ity prevail on the surface and at shallow 
depths; condensation with drippage charac- 
teristically occurs with greater, colder 
depths. Electrical power is usually too lim- 
ited for an air conditioning system or the 
like. Light levels within the pressure hull are 
low and digital read-outs or dials should be 
lighted or luminous. 


Connectors/Penetrators 

There is no standard electrical connector 
or penetrator; therefore, a complete change 
of instrument terminations may be required. 
The reliability of underwater connectors still 
leaves a great deal to be desired. 


Entanglement 

Where instruments are external to the 
submersible’s fairings, they must be de- 
signed to minimize entanglement with cables 
or ropes or other protruberances. In the 
event that such entanglement is a possibil- 
ity, provisions should be made to jettison the 
instrument. 


Wave Slap 

Under-tow instruments can be torn loose 
or severely damaged by wave slap and 
should be either designed to withstand 1,000 
psi or located to neutralize its effects—pref- 
erably both. 


Unhindered Data 

Placing an instrument within the vehicle’s 
fairings might preclude the free flow of 
water necessary to obtain realistic data; this 
should be considered when locating the in- 
strument, as well as the possible influence of 
the submersible itself upon the data. 


Attachment 

Every submersible differs in the method 
by which instruments may be attached; 
there are no standard mounting racks. When 
an instrument is attached below the vehi- 
cle’s waterline, the mounting configuration 
should be designed for quick attachment or 
release by divers. Towed vehicles—such as 
ALUMINAUT and other large submersibles— 
fall into this latter category. 


Trim and Ballasting 

The metacentric height is usually so low on 
submersibles that even a small instrument 
mounted in the wrong location may cause a 
significant change in trim characteristics. In 
the same vein, a protruding instrument may 
change the hydrodynamics or “flight”? char- 
acteristics of a vehicle and, consequently, its 
control underway. Thus, weight and balance 
calculations must precede attachment. A 
payload of several hundred pounds does not 
necessarily mean that the entire payload 
capability can be used at one location on the 
vehicle, but instead, it may have to be dis- 
tributed equally throughout. 


Corrosion and Fouling 

The great majority of submersibles are 
brought aboard ship following each dive and 
washed down with fresh water. Conse- 
quently seawater corrosion and fouling by 
marine organisms is usually not a problem. 
The large, towed vehicles, however, are sub- 
ject to both problems. Corrosion of instru- 
ments has not been severe because very few 
of the large submersibles have operated un- 
der a contract for sufficient continuous pe- 
riods of time to encounter a serious corrosion 
problem. Fouling, on the other hand, was a 
problem during BEN FRANKLIN’s pre-Gulf- 
stream drift testing period. BEN FRANK- 
LIN’s mooring was in an area of considerable 
water circulation where goose-neck (Bala- 
noid) barnacles attached to the vehicle and 
its equipment. In a 3-week period, the barna- 
cles (2-3 mm across) colonized the protective 
glass covering over the camera lenses, the 
strobe light bulbs and transducer heads to a 
density of 80-100 individuals per square inch 
(Fig. 11.1). This was cause for concern as the 
vehicle was scheduled for a 30-day submer- 
gence and such a colonization/growth rate 
could be detrimental to the mission. Investi- 
gation into available anti-fouling methods 
revealed no positive deterrent; consequently, 
no protective measures were taken. At the 
end of the 30-day submergence, careful in- 
spection revealed no fouling organisms pres- 
ent; it was deduced that BEN FRANKLIN, 
drifting at a rate equal to the current, was 
unsuitable as a home for organisms depend- 
ent upon water moving past them to supply 
food and remove waste products. 


540 


Fig. 11.1 Barnacle-encrusted transducer after 3 weeks in Port of West Palm Beach, 
Fla. (NAVOCEANO) 


Pressure (Depth) 

While it may appear obvious to be certain 
that an instrument can sustain the maxi- 
mum pressures anticipated on a dive without 
leaking or imploding, there is a safety factor 
which should be included in their design. For 
example, in 1965 the PC-3B was conducting 
a 600-foot cable survey dive in the Bahamas, 
and it had an externally-mounted acoustic 
pinger for surface tracking. The pinger was 
advertised for a 600-foot depth capability, 
which was absolutely true, for at 610 feet 
there was a cannon-like bang produced by 
the imploding pinger. A safety factor in in- 
struments at least equal to that of the sub- 
mersible should be included, not only to as- 
sure use of the instrument but also to avoid 
the possibility of creating an implosion 
shockwave that might be sufficient to crack 
a viewport. 


Negative Buoyancy 

Several ocean bottom instruments (corers, 
sound velocity probes, bearing strength 
probes, etc.) and engineering tools 


(wrenches, drills, etc.) depend upon the sub- 
mersible’s manipulator to apply force either 
into the bottom or against other surfaces; to 
do so, the vehicle must be capable of obtain- 
ing sufficient negative buoyancy to remain 
stable while the instrument or tool moves. In 
many cases the submersible cannot obtain 
sufficient buoyancy and, for example, in- 
stead of the corer penetrating the bottom, 
the submersible rises off the bottom by vir- 
tue of its light weight. The problem is similar 
to those of outer space and near-weightless- 
ness and is a serious consideration. In 1967 
ALUMINAUT was frustrated in this way 
while attempting to collect 3-foot-long sedi- 
ment cores off St. Croix. When ALUMI- 
NAUT?’s manipulator inserted the hollow cor- 
ing tube to approximately 10 inches in the 
sediment, further application of vertical 
force caused the 76-ton (dry weight) sub- 
mersible to rise off the bottom. 


= 
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; SENGRAL O¥Namics “\ 
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a we 


Launch/Recovery 

Several instruments have been used from 
submersibles which are lightweight and 
bulky (Fig. 11.2). While successful employ- 
ment may be realized under ideal conditions, 
the user must consider the impact of foul 
weather which might move in during the 
dive and create a surface situation which 
endangers the instrument during retrieval. 
DEEP QUEST experienced this situation 
and, by colliding with the forward bulkhead 
of TRANSQUEST’s stern well, lost a camera 
to the sea. ALVIN experienced a similar re- 
trieval problem and lost, but later salvaged, 
its mechanical arm (5). 

The above considerations concerning scien- 
tific and engineering instruments on sub- 
mersibles took many years and many dives 
to evolve. While many of the problems were 
anticipated, their frequent occurrence was 
not. For example, Table 11.1 lists problems 


Fig. 11.2 Acoustic receiving array on STAR II. (USNUSL) 


541 


TABLE 11.1 SUMMARY OF INSTRUMENTATION PROBLEMS DURING NAVOCEANO OPERATIONS 


Submersible and Date 


CUBMARINE PC-3B 


6/2/66 


6/7/66 
6/8/66 


6/9/66 


6/10/66 
6/15/66 


ALVIN 
9/6/66 
6/15/67 


6/20/67 


6/22/67 


DEEPSTAR 4000 
11/3/67 


11/11/67 


11/22/67 


STAR Ill 
3/8/67 
3/9/67 
3/11/67 
3/29/67 


4/5/67 


ALUMINAUT 
10/12/66 


orPwh — 


1. 
2. 


Problem 


. no reply from transponder 
. No recorder in system 


. low transponder signal amplitude 


. No transponder reply after 3 hr 
. pulse amplitude not above noise level 
. transponder replies erratic (+ 10 ms) 


. synchronous pinger erratic 
. transponder failed 


. external camera erratic 


. One transponder signal lost in noise 


. external camera inoperative 


. transponder navigation system marginal 


. precision depth gage erratic 


. external camera not operating continuous 


. sound velocimeter erratic 
. current meter failed 

. external camera failed 

. internal cine-camera failed 
. transponder inoperative 


. thermistor inoperative 
. volume reverberation experiment cancelled 


. movie lights could not be turned off 
. TV marginal 
. No photography 


. one external camera inoperative 


. transponder system erratic 


. Strobe light inoperative 


current direction indicator failed 
temp-depth erratic 


542 


nrPwonm — 


ils 
2. 


Cause 


. batteries did not take charge 
. No internal space available 


. batteries not fully charged 


. (same as above) 
. Noise radiated by vehicle sources 
. unknown 


. radiated noise interference 
. internal failure — bad transistor 


. marginal power supply 


. interference from CO, scrubbers 


. camera flooded 


. high temp. & humidity, interference 


from Fathometer, radiated inter- 
ference 


. radiated noise and voltage surges 


when ballast pumps activated 


. intermittent internal ground 


. radiated noise and voltage surges 
. flooded connector 

. broken lead in connector 

. ground in motor drive 

. internal failure 


. internal failure 
. cracked mounting frame could not 


support weight of hydrophone 


. high pressure malfunction 


. interference from pinger 
. strobes broken during launch 
. stbd. camera flooded 


. acoustic interference from tracking 


pinger 


. broken lead in connector 


internal failure 
subbottom profiler interferes 


TABLE 11.1 SUMMARY OF INSTRUMENTATION PROBLEMS DURING 
NAVOCEANO OPERATIONS (Cont.) 


10/19/66 1. strobe lights inoperative 
2. magnetometer erratic 


3. no focus on TV camera 


10/24/66 1. strobe lights out of synch. 
2. no photos on one camera 
1/9/67 1. partial photo coverage 
2/14/68 1. random strobe firing 
8/4/68 1. magnetometer inoperative 
8/9/68 1. side-scan sonar marginal 
8/10/68 1. side-scan sonar failed 


BEN FRANKLIN 
6/30/69 1. SVSTD data incorrect 


7/15/69 1. subbottom profiler inoperative 


2. transmissometer failed 


1. broken connector 

2. interference from subbottom 
profiler 

3. flooded cable 


1. long, impregnated cables 
2. camera flooded 


1. film advance erratic 
1. voltage regulator malfunction 


1. low resistance between leads due to 
salt water leakage in hull penetrator 


1. acoustic, electrical and mechanical 
noise generated by other systems 


1. high temperature and humidity 
causing over-load actuation 


1. temperature sensitive component in 
logic unit 


1. overload to power amplifier probably 
caused by external leak in hull 
penetrator 

2. outboard electronics flooded 


7/16/69 1. magnetometer failed 1. ruptured diaphragm in magnetometer 
head 
2. 70-mm camera system malfunction 2. strobe cable splice flooded 
7/14/69 - 8/14/69 1. SVSTD data not continuous 1. magnetic tape takeup occasionally 


and causes of instrument failures on several 
different submersibles encountered by the 
Naval Oceanographic Office from 1966 to 
1969. From these and other frustrations 
grew the realization of the need to develop 
dependable, safe and operationally applica- 
ble instruments and work tools. 

Considering the numerous obstacles to in- 
strument development and application, it is 
surprising that any were successful, but 
through desire and necessity a wide array of 
scientific equipment has been employed. The 
variety is so great, indeed, that it verges on 
the encyclopaedic to describe all of them. 
Instead, an overview of the more or less 
successful instruments is given. In some in- 
stances these devices were used merely as 
part of a test and evaluation program to 


543 


uneven 


determine the feasibility and desirability of 
conducting various measurements from sub- 
mersibles. 

The scientific instruments discussed below 
are those described in various technical jour- 
nals or special reports. Undoubtedly, there 
are other instruments which were employed 
on one or more tasks, the details of which are 
not available. Hence, the instrument tabula- 
tion is not truly comprehensive, but serves 
as an indication of the approaches taken and 
the potential thus provided for using sub- 
mersibles in ocean endeavors. A most com- 
prehensive and detailed description of hand 
tools and mechanical accessories for sub- 
mersibles is given by Winget (6). For the 
potential designer and user of submersible 
tools this report is recommended. 


For the sake of convenience, the different 
types of submersible instruments are sepa- 
rated into three categories: Surveying, re- 
search and engineering. The three are not 
mutually exclusive and there is much over- 
lap of tasks and tools. 


SURVEY INSTRUMENTS 


An oceanographic survey may be defined 
as a mission to determine the spatial and/or 
temporal variations in one or more environ- 
mental parameters. It may also include col- 
lection of samples. Surveys generally estab- 
lish what, where, how many and what size. 
Research, on the other hand, answers “why.” 
Engineering missions encompass such tasks 
as the inspection, repair or salvage of a piece 
of hardware or other artifact. Inspection of 
cables, pipelines or recovery of equipment 
are examples of an engineering mission. The 
overlapping of instrumentation can easily be 
seen from the fact that, at one time or an- 
other, all of these tasks may require the use 
of tape recorders, cameras, manipulators or 
samplers. From 1965 through 1970 the U.S. 
Naval Oceanographic Office conducted sur- 
veying operations with several different sub- 
mersibles to provide design and performance 
specifications and operational techniques for 
oceanographic surveying instruments. The 
primary emphasis of this project was toward 
military oceanographic surveys, the goals of 
which are sometimes at variance with aca- 
demic or commercial surveys, but the tech- 
niques and instruments used are similar. 
Because this was the only major effort to 
test and evaluate the use of the manned 
submersible and contemporary equipment in 
undersea surveying, the results of this work 
are taken to represent current instrument 
capabilities. 

Initially, the Oceanographic Office started 
with the small PC-3B; thence to the larger 
ALVIN; STAR III; DEEPSTAR 4000; ALU- 
MINAUT and finally, BEN FRANKLIN. By 
the time of the Gulfstream Drift (July 1969), 
the project had resulted in the design and 
assembly of an on-board instrument survey- 
ing capability equal to that of a 280-foot 
survey ship of the AGS class. The BEN 
FRANKLIN instrument suite during the 
Gulfstream Drift (7) is used as the prototype 


544 


description of a manned submersible survey 
instrument capability. Full details of these 
instruments are contained in reference (8). 
Table 11.2 presents the weight and dimen- 
sional characteristics. 


Water Column 

The attempt to establish the what, where 
and how of many oceanographic surveys 
commences at the outset of a dive. Although 
the survey may be geological in scope, the 
descent to the bottom is not spent leisurely, 
because journeys through hydrospace may, 
at any time, provide some unusual observa- 
tions through the viewport. A suite of water 
sensing instruments was developed to supply 
complementary data for observations and to 
augment the basic store of oceanographic 
data. 

a. Water Sensor Pod: (Figs. 11.3 & 11.4) 

Operation: The salinity, temperature, 
sound velocity, and depth sensors are in an 
underwater housing functioning continu- 
ously and are scanned sequentially by a re- 
corder. A fifth data word is generated by a 
logic element which is the sequential time 
word. Eleven other data channels are availa- 
ble for auxiliary inputs into the recorder. All 
16 data channels are scanned by the tape 
recorder every 2 seconds. Any of the four 
parameters measured by the WASP sensors 
may be monitored on a Nixie display. 
Data: (Bisset-Berman Model) 


Salinity 30 to 40 ppt +0.04 ppt 
Temperature —2° to +35° C +0.03°C 
Sound Velocity 1.4 to 1.6 km/sec +0.14 m/sec 
Depth 0-6100 m +0.25% (full scale) 
Time 6-24 hr +0.01% (full scale) 


b. Dissolved Oxygen: (Fig. 11.5) 

Operation: The sensor is a polaro- 
graphic electrode. An oxygen permeable 
membrane covers the sensor head. Oxygen 
diffusing through the membrane generates a 
small electric current. The sensor responds 
to oxygen partial pressure, but use of tem- 
perature-compensating circuitry allows cali- 
bration in parts per million of dissolved oxy- 
gen by weight. 

Data: (Beckman: Minos DOM PN 
148250) Sensor output is converted to fre- 
quency in a format compatible with the re- 
cording unit of the water sensor pod or other 
recording and display units. 


TABLE 11.2 WEIGHTS 1 AND DIMENSIONAL2 CHARACTERISTICS OF SURVEY INSTRUMENTS 


Sensor Digitizer Nixie Display Recorder 
(Wt) (Dim) (Wt) (Dim) (Wt) (Dim) (Wt) (Dim) 
Water Sensor Pod 98 (air) 25x7 30 7x19x13 5 4x7x8 30 7x19x13 
(Bisset-Berman) 80 (wat) 
Ambient Light Meter 50 (air) 15x4 (Meter Display) 
(A.C. Electronics) 15 (wat) 15 5x10x19 
Light Transmissometer 22 (air) 60x5 (Power Supply & Readout) —(Rustrak) 
(Hydro Products) 5 (wat) 8 12x8x7 5 4x6x6 
Current Meter 20 (air) 27x10 (Meter Display) 
(Hydro Products) 5 (wat) 8 8x5x4 5 4x6x6 
Oxygen Monitor 15 (air) 3%x19 (Terminal Unit Readout) 
(Beckman) 7.5 (wat) 13 7x19x5 3/8 5 4x6x6 
35mm Camera 70 (air) 31x9 (Contro! Box) 
(EG&G) 15 (wat) 10 11x8x4 
Strobe (250 W/sec) 54 (air) 32x5 
(EG&G) 38 (wat) 
Side Scan Sonar 26 (air) 36x4 (Strip Chart) 
(EG&G) 6 (wat) 90 11x33x18 
Sub-Bottom Profiler 99 (air) 19x19x14 (Power Supply/Strip 
(O.R.E.) 55 (wat) Chart) Recorder 
30 14x19x12 
70mm Camera 28 (air) 24x8 (Control Box) 
(Hydro Products) 8 (wat) 10 9x6x6 
(Varian) 
Magnetometer 20 (air) 20x6 (Counter-Barringer) (Strip Chart) 
8 (wat) 12 19x10x6 20 19x12x14 
Gravity Meter 100 (air) 20x19x48 (Meter Display) 
(LaCoste & Romberg) 150 36x36x36 
T hounds 
Zinches 
Depth: 3,000 meters 0 to 5 VDC 
Accuracy: + 3% of reading Power: 115 VDC, 15 amp 
Temperature c. Ambient Light: (Fig. 11.5) 
Range: —2° to + 35°C Operation: Natural light transmitted 


545 


Fig. 11.3 Bissett-Berman (Plessey) water sensor pod with pressure housing re- 
moved. Components in cage measure salinity, temperature, sound velocity and 
depth. (WHOI) 


down from the sea surface is caught by a 
cosine collector, passed through a narrow 
band interference filter with transmission 
peak matching that of seawater and meas- 
ured by a photomultiplier. A temperature- 
compensating circuit reduces the effect of 
temperature on the photomultipliers. The re- 
sulting measurements of light flux are re- 
corded on an open channel of the water 
sensor pod. 

Data: (A.C. Electronics Model) Under 
static solar radiation conditions at the sea 
surface, the change in light flux with depth 
is a measure of the diffuse extinction coeffi- 
cient of the seawater. Also, at levels below 
which natural light can penetrate, the lumi- 
nescence of passing biological life can be 
monitored. 


546 


Fig. 11.4 Water sensor pod logic and recorder components (above and below). 
(WHO!) 


TRACKING 
‘PINGER 


_ CURRENT METER, 


oe 


es 


UNDERWATER - 


DISSOLVED 
OXYGEN SENSO 


omens < 


R- 
i 


Fig. 11.5 Ambient light meter, dissolved oxygen sensor, current meter and other equipment aboard DEEP QUEST. 


Light flux: 0.225-9,000 picowatts/cm?. path of seawater and is a measure of water 
d. Light Transmission: clarity (or turbidity). 

Operation: A collimated light beam of Data: (Hydro Products Model) The taut 
known intensity is passed through a baffled band meter in the readout unit displays the 
tube. At 1-meter water distance the residual water clarity in terms of percent of transmis- 
light is monitored by a photocell. The output sion. 
of this photocell is dependent on the amount Alpha Range: 0.1 to 2.2 In/m +3% at mid- 
of light transmitted through the 1-meter range. 


547 


e. Water Currents: (Fig. 11.5) Accurate 
measurement of water currents from a sub- 
mersible is conducted when the vehicle is 
bottomed. Because ocean currents are varia- 
ble in time and space and the submersible 
data of very short time duration, the data 
thus obtained is representative of only the 
period and precise location of the measure- 
ment. Inaccuracies in submersible heading 
and speed while underwater, and the small 
relative magnitude of currents, preclude 
computing true from apparent current veloc- 
ity as is done with wind velocities on ships. 
Drifting within the current and being 
tracked from the surface, as was BEN 
FRANKLIN, can be a method of measure- 
ment, but it is too expensive and restricted 
for normal operations. Similarly, drifting and 
measuring one’s speed and direction with 
Doppler sonar is accompanied by the same 
restrictions. Consequently, this instrument 
has been affixed to many submersibles owing 
to its ease of installation and operation, and 
its relatively low cost. 

Operation: Current speed is monitored 
by a Savonious rotor with 10 magnets 
equally spaced on a perimeter base. A mag- 
netic switch counts the pulses per time inter- 
val and the speed is registered on a taut 
band meter such that 83.5 rpm equal 1 knot. 
Current direction is sensed by a vane which 
is connected magnetically to a compass. Al- 
lowable inclination from the vertical is 20 
degrees. 

Data: (Hydro Products Model) Absolute 
current speed (in knots) and direction (rela- 
tive to magnetic north) are graphed continu- 
ously with time. 


Current Speed: 0.1-6.0 knots +2% 
Current 


Direction: 0-360 degrees +7 


Bottom 

Ocean bottom information is required for a 
variety of reasons. For example, to design, 
install and maintain cables, the following 
bottom and near bottom information is re- 
quired: Nature and size of bottom materials, 
slope, strength, presence of artifacts (wrecks, 
cables, pipelines), sediment stability, cur- 
rents and, if the cable is to be buried or 
plowed under, whether or not solid rock out- 


548 


crops or horizons underlay an apparently 
soft ocean floor which may prohibit plowing. 
While BEN FRANKLIN carried no bottom 
sampling instruments on its drift mission, 
such capability is mandatory for a surveying 
submersible. Hence, various bottom sam- 
pling devices will be included in this section 
and will serve to represent those capabilities 
developed for research and engineering. 
a. Stereophotography System: (Fig. 11.6) 

Operation: To obtain the widest possi- 
ble coverage, two cameras and two strobes 
were mounted in tandem with only minimum 
overlap of their fields of view. Stereo pairs 
are achieved by overlapping successive pho- 
tographs in each camera. Each side can be 
fired in succession or independently. Each 
camera is pre-focused so that the bottom can 
be photographed at ranges from 15 to 50 feet. 
The minimum time between exposures for 
each camera is 4 seconds. 

Data: (EG&G Model 207) This system 
can supply 3,300 stereo-pair photographs of 
the sea floor without reloading. 

Adjustments: f/4.5 to f/22; 1/10-1/200 sec. 

Exposure rate: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 24 
seconds and manual. 


b. Side Sean Sonar: (Fig. 11.7) 

Operation: Each transducer emits a 
0.1-millisecond, 110-kHz pulse at a regular 
interval (0.1, 0.2, or 0.4 sec). The beam pat- 
tern is only 1 degree in the horizontal plane 
but approaches 60 degrees in the vertical 
plane. As the submersible advances, echoes 
from acoustic reflectors in the insonified 
area are recorded on a strip chart. 

Data: (EG&G Model) The acoustic map 
resulting from this sonar provides a three- 
dimensional facsimile of the prominent relief 
features on both sides of the submersible’s 
path to ranges of 250, 500 or 1,000 feet. 
Resolution of 1/250 of full scale is normally 
realized. 


c. Subbottom Profiling: (Fig. 11.8) 

Operation: The transducer emits a 
pulse of no less than 105 decibels (on axis) of 
5-kHz acoustic energy in a 50-degree beam 
towards the bottom. Portions of this pulse 
are reflected at each interface encountered 
and these echoes are picked up as they ar- 
rive back at the transducer. A synchronized 
blade on the recorder registers the arrival of 
each echo on wet recording paper. The sweep 


it 


AVIEWPORT-” fy 
JEWPO! 


4 


* 


35MM CAMERA 


ee 


‘ f= arr 


on see. Pomerat 


= PORT CAMERA 
STROBE LIGHT 


® y 7 a * R 
___ STARBOARD CAMERAP =~ 
- SUIOBE LIGHT ae => 35MM CAMERA 


amine am 
err eee 


Fig. 11.6 Stereophotograph system on STAR III. The entire system is jettisonable (NAVOCEANO) 


Fig. 11.7 EG & G side scan sonar recorder and transducer. (NAVOCEANO) 


549 


Fig. 11.8 ORE subbottom profiler, transducers and recorder. (NAVOCEANO) 


rate and paper speed in the recorder are 
selectable. 

Data: The system (O.R.E. Model 1200 
Subbottom Profiler) provides a record of the 
ocean bottom and its substructure under the 
submersible’s track. 

Pulse Length: 0.3, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 milli- 
seconds. 

Sweep Rate: 50, 100, and 200 sec. 

Paper Speed: 100, 200, 300, and 500 
seans/in. 


d. Bottom Samples: 

The floor of the ocean may range from soft, 
soupy, mud plains (unconsolidated) to hard 
rock (consolidated) cliffs. Between the two 
ranges is a variety of combinations. To ob- 
tain samples of both consolidated (hard) and 
unconsolidated (soft) materials a variety of 
instruments has been developed and used. 
The reader is urged to consult reference (6) 
for a detailed and comprehensive discussion 
of these devices. 


1. Unconsolidated Sediments 
Cores—(Fig. 11.9) By pressing a hol- 
low, narrow cylindrical tube into the sedi- 
ment with the vehicle’s manipulator, sedi- 
ment samples up to 3 feet in length have 
been obtained. An exploded view of this de- 


550 


vice is shown in Figure 11.10. Benthos Ine. 
(10) manufactured a 6-barrelled piston corer 
specifically for DEEP QUEST which drives a 
4-foot-long, 2.6-inch-diameter corer into the 
sediment with a pair of shock cords. A drive 
shaft retracts the core tube from the sedi- 
ment. 

Scoops—(Fig. 11.9) Anything from a 
tin can to a specially designed scoop has been 
used with a manipulator to obtain a shallow 
sample of the bottom. 

Dredges—(Fig. 11.9) A steel mesh 
dredge may be mounted under the bow of the 
submersible and by running along the bot- 
tom the vehicle can scoop up large fragments 
while sifting out the fines. 

Grabs—Merely picking up and stor- 
ing of rock fragments is accomplished 
through the vehicle’s normal grasping hand. 
Using both manipulators DEEP QUEST re- 
trieved a 328-pound rock from 2,800 feet. 

2. Consolidated Sediments 

Drills—Hard rock rotary drills have 
been developed and used by Woods Hole 
Oceanographic Institution and International 
Hydrodynamics Corporation (11), and are ca- 
pable of taking 4-inch x 0.75-inch and 10-inch 
x 5/s-inch cylindrical cores, respectively. The 
WHOI corer (Fig. 11.11) is held in the manip- 


MANIPULATER! 
HAND ss 


sy 
Si 


SEDIMENT | 


ra, 


Fig. 11.9 ALVIN's jettisonable bottom sampling aluminum brow. All the designated sampling devices are employed by the manipulator which is also used to collect grab samples. The 
dredger is employed by making ALVIN negatively buoyant and pushing the dredge into the sediment. (WHOl) 


ulator while the diamond cutting bit rotates 
and water flows through the drill to flush 
away mud generated through cutting. At 
desired penetration, drill rotation is re- 
versed, as is water flow, and the drill assem- 
bly is rocked slightly to assist in seizing and 
breaking off the core specimen. The core is 
held in the hollow corer by the reverse water 
flow until ejected into a sample container by 
once again reversing the flow of water. 

The tethered GUPPY employed a more di- 
rect, brute-force approach to hard rock cor- 


551 


ing. A Schlumberger Side Wall Corer was 
installed outside the pressure hull and aimed 
horizontally to fire hollow bullets into an 
outcrop. The resulting sample is about 1 inch 
in diameter by 2.5 inches in length. The corer 
has a capacity to take 24 individual samples 
on one dive. Mr. William Watson, of Sun 
Shipbuilding and Dry Dock, relates that sev- 
eral hundred samples were collected in this 
manner, but he acknowledges that an assess- 
ment of the effects on viewports and other 
structures is in order. The pressure wave 


Fig. 11.10 Exploded view of plastic core tube, quiver and closure stopper. (WHOI) 


Fig. 11.11 ALVIN's hard rock rotary corer. (WHOl) 


552 


from the charge was considerable and at 600 
feet it was felt all over the submersible. 

Pry Bars and Splitters—A wide vari- 
ety of pries and splitters has been made 
which conforms to a specific vehicle’s manip- 
ulator hand and are used to pry or split 
samples from hard rock. 


Geophysical Measurements 

Magnetics: 

Operation: Since submersibles are made 
primarily of steel, magnetic measurements 
must be made so that the sensing device is 
beyond the influence of the vehicle. In the 
case of ALUMINAUT a boom only 8 feet long 
provided sufficient isolation (12), while the 
steel-hulled BEN FRANKLIN required that 
the sensor be buoyed in a glass sphere 150 
feet above the submersible (Fig. 11.12). The 
total magnetic field strength is indicated by 
measuring the precession rate of polarized 
hydrogen nuclei in the sensor. The generated 
frequency is amplified, counted, and dis- 
played in gammas and recorded on a strip 
chart or digitized. 

Data: Measures the total ambient mag- 
netic field with respect to time over a select- 
able range of 20,000 or 100,000 gammas to an 
accuracy approaching +1 gamma. 

Gravity: 

Two approaches to gravity measurements 
have been taken, one with the submersible 
bottomed and stable, and the second with the 
submersible underway. In the first case, a 
La Coste & Romberg gravimeter (Model 5) 


Fig. 11.12 Magnetometer sensor and glass float on BEN FRANKLIN. An explosive 
guillotine device served to cut the 150 ft of cable in the event of an emergency. 
(NAVOCEANO) 


was used aboard DEEPSTAR 4000 (13), AL- 
VIN (14) and others to obtain average devia- 
tions from station to station. In the second 
case, an Askania gravity meter (Fig. 11.13) 
was used aboard ALUMINAUT and a La 
Coste & Romberg meter aboard BEN 
FRANKLIN. A comprehensive and detailed 
report of the techniques and merits of con- 
ducting gravity measurements from sub- 
mersibles is presented in reference (15). 
Operation: The gravity sensor is sus- 
pended in a gimbal and allowed to hang 
level. It consists of a mass which is a damped 
hinged beam, a spring with adjustable ten- 
sion and a photo-cell to measure the beam’s 
motion. Variations in gravity upset the bal- 
ance of the set spring tension and weighted 
beam. The resultant motion is caused by 
change in spring tension, which has been 
calibrated to indicate a change in gravity. 


Fig. 11.13 Underway gravity measurements were taken with this Askania gravity meter aboard ALUMINAUT. (NAVOCEANO) 


Data: The instrument is a relative 
gravity meter and must be calibrated at a 
known station. It is used only in the slope 
mode, i.e., the rate of change of the beam 
position is recorded with time on a strip 
chart. The generated slope is read as a 
change to the spring tension of dial divisions. 
The dial divisions are then converted man- 
ually to mgal (0.001 cm/sec?). The range is up 
to 12,000 mgal +1-2 mgal. 


Photography 

A variety of cameras and techniques for 
their employment has been devised for use 
aboard specific vehicles (Fig. 11.14). Basically 
there are two options: Mounting the camera 
outside of the pressure hull, or photograph- 
ing through the viewport. On BEN FRANK- 
LIN two 70-mm cameras and a television 
camera were mounted externally on a pan 
and tilt mechanism forward. The television 
camera was monitored internally and served 
to aim the 70-mm cameras. A strobe light 
furnished the lighting. A second system en- 


Fig. 11.14 Various still camera and strobe configurations: a) STAR /// with plankton 

sampler and cameras arranged for stereophotographs, b) STAR // and c) PC-3B with 

single camera and strobe, d) Pan/Tilt unit with two 70-mm cameras, a TV camera for 
aiming and a light. (a & b USNUSL, c & d NAVOCEANO) 


554 


tailed photographing through a forward 
viewport with a hand-held 70-mm camera 
(Hasselblad) which was electrically con- 
nected to an external strobe light. This latter 
system allowed photographing of both small 
organisms which clustered near the viewport 
and of larger features. In other vehicles 
thru-port photographs have been obtained 
by using external flood (viewing) lights for 
illumination in liew of a strobe light. 

Operation: The stobe is positioned to 
light the field of view as seen from a particu- 
lar viewport. The 70-mm cameras, with cor- 
rected normal angle lenses, are set and cali- 
brated to take stereophotographs of this field 
of view on command from a control box. 
Aperture settings from f/2.8 to f/16 are set 
prior to installing the cameras in their hous- 
ings with focus distances available from 18 
inches to infinity. The shutter is triggered 
from the control box and the film advances 
automatically in 1 second. The strobe light 
(250 W/sec) requires a 3-second cycle time. 
The number of frames exposed is counted by 
the control box and any picture can be 
“fogged” from the control box for later refer- 
ence. 

Data: (Hydro Products Model 750) 450 
Stereo pairs. 70 mm B&W or color. 

Cine or motion pictures have been ob- 


555 


tained through the viewports with 8-mm and 
16-mm cameras of virtually every make and 
model using viewing lights for illumination. 
A brief, but highly informative report on the 
problems, equipment and techniques in- 
volved in photography specifically from sub- 
mersibles is given by DEEPSTAR 4000's ex- 
pilot R. Church (16). For a broad and detailed 
description of underwater photography and 
associated equipment reference (17) is recom- 
mended. Additionally, Eastman Kodak pub- 
lished a brochure Bibliography of Underwa- 
ter Photography and Photogrammetry (Ko- 
dak pamphlet P-124) which presents 280 ref- 
erences on this subject published from before 
1950 through 1968. The Eastman brochure 
can be obtained from their Department 942, 
Rochester, New York 14650. 


Compared to the exacting nature of the 
preceding instruments and the candid eye of 
the camera, it is quite legitimate to question 
the need for man. It is not only possible, but 
a well demonstrated fact that all of these 
instruments can be packaged and dispatched 
on the end of a cable to perform as well as 
they do strapped to a submersible. The scien- 
tific advocates of submersibles are fre- 
quently plagued by their engineering associ- 
ates who question the value of data that has 
no numbers, calibration curves or range of 
accuracies. Most frustrating to the natural- 
ist is the engineer’s uncanny ability to best 
him with electronics in everything but knot 
tying. To partially justify the human eye 
undersea Figure 11.15 is presented. This 
drawing was made by Mr. Andres Pruna, 
formerly of the U.S. Naval Oceanographic 
Office, during PC-3B’s operations on a cable 
route survey in the Bahamas. The depths 
and distances were obtained from instru- 
ments, but the panoramic view, the perspec- 
tive and the accompanying descriptions 
came from the human occupant’s ability to 
see and relate to another human what he 
observed. Undoubtedly, photographs could 
have been taken (and many were) to show 
precisely what artist/biologist Pruna has 
captured on his sketch pad. But photographs 
show the letter of the law, the observer 
captures its spirit, and if we are to truly 
understand the ocean, then its spirit as well 
as its anatomy must be understood. 


BARRIER REEF 


OUTER PLATFORM 


SPURS AND GROOVY 


REEF 


TRENDING NORMAL TO 


MOST LUXURIANT RAL DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN |2 TO 20h 


MARGINAL (RIM) ESCARPMENT 


FIGURE 5 ANDROS 


\. 


‘ 4 j- SOM. 
eS Se 

rr ) 

Wi ) 


Xie 


ISLAND TO MARGINAL ESCARPMENT, TYPICAL BOTTOM FEATURES 


Fig. 11.15 Andros Island to marginal escarpment, typical bottom features. (Andres 


RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS 


The instruments used for oceanographic 
research from submersibles range from dis- 
carded beer cans to sophisticated electronic 
devices. In the former case, the amount of 
sediment accumulation atop a “flip top” beer 
can was estimated by R. F. Dill from the 
DIVING SAUCER in 1965. Since the intro- 
duction of this type of can into the particular 
area was known, estimate of settlement ver- 
sus time was attained. Between beer cans 
and sophisticated electronics are perhaps 2,- 
000 dives made for research purposes; and, 
the equipment used varies almost with dive- 
to-dive frequency. 

The greatest variety of research instru- 
mentation originated within the Navy Elec- 
tronic Laboratory’s deep submergence pro- 
gram beginning with TRIESTE I in 1959 and 


Pruna) 


556 


terminated with DEEPSTAR 4000 in 1968. 
In the course of these 10 years NEL con- 
ducted research dives in support of biology, 
geology, acoustics, physics and geophysics. 
Each diving scientist, of which there were 
some 20, equipped the bathyscaph or the 
submersible with off-the-shelf or newly de- 
signed equipment suitable to his task. Sev- 
eral hundred dives were made and the differ- 
ent equipments are legion, and, in many 
instances, one of a kind for a particular dive. 


On the east coast of the U.S. the Navy’s 
Underwater Sound Laboratory in New Lon- 
don was involved with acoustic research and 
also designed a variety of instruments to 
measure and observe the behavior of under- 
water sound. 


Other countries—including Canada, 
France, Russia and Japan—were also active 


during the late 50’s and 60’s, but not to the 
extent found in the U.S. Where the Japanese, 
Russian and French were interested for the 
most part in fisheries and biology, U.S. inter- 
ests were more catholic (1). The result of 
these international efforts was to add an 
even wider variety of instruments to the 
research inventory. To gain an appreciation 
of the widespread nature of these research 
efforts, the report of Ballard and Emery (1) 
is recommended and their exhaustive bibli- 
ography may be consulted for specific de- 
tails. 


Owing to the diversity of research equip- 
ment and its one time application, each in- 
strument will not be described. Instead, a 
tabulation of instruments applied to re- 
search within various disciplines will serve 
as being representative; this is presented in 
Table 11.3. In the same vein, Figures 11.16 
through 11.19 are included to present an idea 
of the instruments developed, versatility of 
submersibles and the imagination of their 
users to adapt over-the-side instruments to 
deep submergence applications. 


In spite of a variety of instruments, the 
majority of research dives relied primarily 
on human observation and photographic doc- 
umentation, and secondarily on the collec- 
tion of samples. The reasons for this reliance 
are worth considering. According to Ballard 
and Emery (1), of 346 scientific articles pub- 
lished in 1970 concerning submersibles in 
oceanography, 208 (57%) dealt with biology, 
fisheries and geology, while the remainder 
dealt with physical oceanography, acoustics, 
geophysics and other kinds of missions. Ma- 
rine geology and biology from submersibles 
are, by and large, descriptive sciences. It 
follows that observations and photography 
are the main investigative techniques. A re- 
cent example of this dependence on photo/ 
visual observations is the MUST program’s 
260 dives with eight different submersibles 
(Sept. 1971-Dec. 1972) where photography 
and vision were the primary instruments. In 
addition to the collection of geological sam- 
ples, one must conclude, therefore, that ex- 
ploration of the Lewis and Clarke variety— 
observing and collecting—will play the major 
part of in situ undersea research for some 
time to come. 


5357 


ENGINEERING/INSPECTION/ 
SALVAGE INSTRUMENTS 


Within this category are grouped submers- 
ible tools and instruments used to accom- 
plish tasks or gather information not related 
solely to an understanding of the natural 
environment. 

Basically, engineering/inspection/salvage 
missions and their most commonly used in- 
struments and devices can be grouped as 
follows: 


uae Gere gn Se ae 
Inspection X xX 
Salvage xX xX xX xX 
Excavation X xX 
Hardware 

Adjustment x 
Observation X X 
Rescue xX xX 
Artifact 

Mapping Xe X 


As with research instruments, none of the 
above is necessarily standard; each was de- 
veloped or purchased to perform a particular 
task. The critical ‘instrument,’ however, is 
the human and his ability to assess the situ- 
ation in situ and employ the vehicle to ac- 
commodate prevailing and changing circum- 
stances. There are few, if any, precedents to 
follow in underwater work of this nature. 
Consequently, the successful mission is a 
reflection of the imagination and ingenuity 
of the personnel. A description of the tools 
and techniques employed in several of these 
tasks will serve to demonstrate this point. 


Ordnance Retrieval (Ref. 41) 

The submersibles PISCES I and III were 
contracted by the U.S. Navy in 1969-70 to 
recover practice torpedoes from a 1,360-foot- 
deep test range in Howe Sound, British Co- 
lumbia. A 47-kHz pinger allowed range au- 
thorities to track the torpedo to the bottom. 
With a hydrophone attached to its manipula- 
tor in the vertical upward position, PISCES 
used the same pinger for “homing in” on the 
torpedo. PISCES usually clamped smaller 
(less than 200-lb) torpedoes with its arm and 


Submersible 


Aluminaut 


Alvin 


Ben Franklin 


Deep Quest 


Date 


1969 


1966 


1966 


1966 


1966 


1966 


1966 


1966 


1967 


1967 


1971 


1969 


1969 


1970 


TABLE 11.3 RESEARCH DIVES AND INSTRUMENTATION 


Max 
Depth 
(Ft) 


6178 


5850 


2750 


3550 


4900 


4900 


4950 


615 


1789 


1832 


800 


1800 


1800 


4068 


Location Task 
Puerto Rico Sedimentology 
Bermuda ls. Biology 
Bahama Is. Optics 
Bahama ls. Soil Mechanics 
Bahama Is. Geophysics 
Bahama Is. Geology 
Bahama ls. Acoustics 
New England _— Physics 


Blake Plateau 


Blake Plateau © Suspended 


Particles 


Gulf of Maine — Soil Mechanics 
Gulf Stream Acoustics 
Gulf Stream DSL Studies 


Pt. Loma, Calif. Soil Mechanics 


Physico-Chemical 


Purpose 


Study lateral variations in 
closely-spaced sediment cores 

Near-bottom organism samp- 
ling 


Underwater visibility tests 


Sediment 
studies 


bearing strength 


Gravity measurements at se- 
lected sites 

Sub-bottom _ profiler 
ation 


evalu- 


Determine magnitude of fluc- 
tuations in normal incidence 
bottom reflectivity data 

Measure temperature micro- 
structure at thermocline 

Measure small-scale tempera- 
ture-salinity variations in 
water column and within 
sediment interstitial waters 

Determine the nature and 
quantity of suspended mate- 
rial in the water column 


Obtain measurements of sedi- 
ment bulk density and pene- 
tration resistance 


To record ambient noise and 
bottom reflected sound sig- 
nals from surface explosions 

To record and measure back- 
scatter from sound trans- 
mitted at varying frequen- 
cies and pulse lengths 


Compare sediment bearing 
strength measurements ob- 
tained /n situ vs. those at- 
tained from cores 


558 


Instrument(s) 


3-ft long plastic cores inserted 
by manipulator 

Two plankton sampling nets 
on bow, manipulator actu- 
ated 

Black and gray targets on 
bow-mounted rack 

Variously configured concrete 
clumps dropped from sur- 
face and observed from 
submersible 
LaCoste-Romberg Field Gravi- 
meter 

EG&G Sediment Probe/echo 
sounder system with 12-kHz 
transducer 

12-kHz transducer and a 
calibrated receiving system 


Manipulator-held 5-ft long rod 
with thermistors at each end 

Bottom probe to measure 
sediment resistivity; ther- 
mistor to measure water 
temperature 

Plastic water samplers closed 
by manipulators; TV-type 
test pattern target mounted 
on sample rack 

Nuclear (gamma) density 
probe and static cone pene- 
trometer 


hydro- 
7-channel 


Externally-mounted 
phone; internal 
tape recorder 

3.5 and 12 kHz transducers, 
tape recorder and strip chart 
recorder 


Diversified Marine Corp. Mod- 
el SA-1040 Sediment Shear 
Measurement Device. Shock- 
cord-driven, 5-ft long sedi- 
ment corers 


Ref 


33 


18 


14 


14 


14 


19 


18 


20 


20 


21 


21 


TABLE 11.3. RESEARCH DIVES AND INSTRUMENTATION (Cont.) 


Sn 


Max 
Depth 
Submersible Date (Ft) Location Task Purpose Instrument(s) Ref 
Deep Quest 1972 4034 San Diego Soil Mechanics Provide bottom sediment in- Static cone penetrometer (4-ft 24 
Trough formation for development penetration) and vane shear 
of a geotechnical test area device (11.2-ft penetration) 
DS-4000 1966 2700 Mission Beach Geophysics/ Bottom reconnaissance and Model “S''LaCoste—Romberg 13 
Calif. Geology gravity measurements gravimeter 
1966 4000 Various off Acoustics Attain information to derive Fjarlie bottles (4 ea.) withre- 26 
Calif. and accurate sound speed equa- _ versing thermometers, Vibra- 
Mexico tions and anomalies trons (2 ea.) pressure depth 
gages, sound velocimeters 
(3 ea.), temperature probes 
(2 ea.) and one salinometer 
1966 2820 San Diego Acoustics Obtain in situ bottom data Onan aluminum tube hanging 13 
and samples to calculate from brow: 4 geophones to 
accurate values of acoustic receive output from 6 elec- 
bottom loss tric blasting caps. Geophone 
Output recorded on internal 
tape. 
1966 3978 Lausen Sea Physico-Chemical Measure: Physical-chemical Fjarlie bottles, temperature 13 
Mount properties of seawater af- sensors, bottom temperature 
fecting sound; water motion _— probe, savonius current me- 
near sea floor; sediment ter 
thermal structure. 
1966 960 San Diego Bio-acoustics Measure /n situ target strength A 14-kHz transducer (5-degree 13 
Trough of Marine organisms cone width) was positioned 
to transmit and _ receive 
sound pulses; a 1-in. steel ball 
was placed in position to 
serve as a target reference 
strength 
1966 2448 San Diego Bio-acoustics DSL investigations “Fish Slurper’’ Biological 13 
Trough sampling device 
1966 3378 San Diego Acoustics Determine /n situ sound veloc- Three probes on arigid frame, 25 
ity and attenuation in upper _ each holding a barium titan- 
sediment layers. ate transducer, were inserted 
into the sediment to a depth 
of 2 ft. 
1966 4080 San Diego Radiation Attain an ambient background A sodium iodide crystal pho- 13 
Measurements gamma radiation profile of | tomultiplier mounted exter- 
the water column for future nally and a rate meter 
comparison (counter) carried internally 
1967 3300 Cozumel Is. Currents Observe and photograph cur- A metal bucket (also serving as 27 
Mexico rent shear velocities through the anchor) containing a 


the use of dyes 


259 


gasoline-filled clorox bottle 
and two dye cakes attached 
to a line between bucket and 
bottle was deployed by the 
manipulator 


Submersible 


DS-4000 


DS-2000 


Pisces I, II, III 


SP-350 


Star III 


Techdiver 


Date 


1967 


1966 


1971 


1968 


1968 


1972 


1970 


1965 


1966 


1969 


TABLE 11.3. RESEARCH DIVES AND INSTRUMENTATION (Cont.) 


Max 
Depth 
(Ft) Location 
ae San Clemente, 
Calif. 


1197 San Diego 


-- San Clemente, 
Calif. 


-- Northwest 
Canada 


-- Northwest 
Canada 


-- Hudson Bay 
Canada 


— Georgian Bay, 
Canada 
San Diego 


2000 Western 


Atlantic 


60 Canada 


Task 


Geology 


Soil Mechanics 


Mineralogical 
Survey 


Ice Observations 


Geology 


Geology 


Physico- 
Chemical 
Acoustics 


Acoustics 


Biology 


Purpose 


Measure bottom slope and 
conduct geological recon- 
Naissance 


Compare /n situ vs. laboratory 
measurements of sediment 
shear strength 

Determine the feasibility of in 
situ mineral surveys from 
submersibles 


Record back-scattering from 
underside of ice 


Collect samples of bottom 


Collect samples of bottom 


Conduct various water column 
measurements 

Obtain data on the spatial 
correlation of ambient noise 


Measure reverberation 
characteristics of DSL 


Quantitative survey of scallops 
on the sea floor 


560 


Instrument(s) 


External lights (one pointing 
directly downward and one 
45-degrees forward) were 
aligned by maneuvering the 
sub to where they both 
coincided on the sea floor; 
at this point the sub is 
horizontal to the slope and 
angle is measured internally 

Vane shear apparatus coupled 
with 2 plastic core tubes 


A Californium-252 neutron 
source was affixed to a 12-ft 
boom and used to activate a 
known sample, a radiation 
detector under the brow was 
used to measure the 
activated sample 

12-kHz transducer pointing 
vertically upward with 
recorder inside pressure hull 

Hydraulic hammer for 
breaking bedrock; hydraulic 
clam-shell grabber to obtain 
large blocks and boulders 

Hydraulically-driven, rotary, 
hard-rock corer taking cores 
10-in length and 5/8-in 
diam. 

Boom-mounted eH, pH, and 
oxygen/temperature sensor 

Geometrically-spaced 
hydrophones_ (6ea.) 
suspended on bow-mounted 


rack 
Parabolic acoustic reflector/ 


transducer system on bow to 
insonify and record returns 
from DSL 


Wheel odometer suspended 
from sub. to measure dis- 
tance and a recorder (man- 
ual) internally to count 
visual observations of scal- 
lops 


Ref 


34 


34 


36 


35 


35 


11 


23 


37 


40 


38 


TABLE 11.3. RESEARCH DIVES AND INSTRUMENTATION (Cont.) 


Max 
Depth 
Submersible Date (Ft) Location Task Purpose Instrument(s) Ref 
Trieste | 1957 10496 Mediterranean Acoustics Measure ambient sound level Vertical and horizontal arrays 28 
vs. depth of hydrophones; 4 receiving 
transducers 
1960 7500 Guam ls. Gravity Conduct bottomed gravity LaCoste-Romberg geodetic 29 
measurements gravimeter Model G 
1960 18900 Guamls. Physics Attain water temperature pro- Resistance bridge and revers- 29 
file ing thermometer 
1961 3870 San Diego Currents Investigate character of low- Metal grid with heavy nylon 30 
Trough order-of-magnitude currents yarn streamers attached. 
near-bottom. Camera to record angle of 
streamers for subsequent 
comparison against calibra- 
tion curve 
1960 18900 Guam ls. Acoustics Obtain water sound speed and Sound velocimeters, Nansen 31 
temperature measurements bottles with reversing ther- 
in situ mometers 
1957 1968 Mediterranean Light Penetration Study daylight extinction vs. A photomultiplier tube inside 32 


blew ballast to surface. With larger torpe- 
does 1,500 feet of braided polypropylene line, 
buoyed at the surface, was secured to 
PISCES’ manipulator and, with the torpedo 
clamped, the manipulator was jettisoned and 
later retrieved by hauling in the buoyed line 
from the surface. At times, the torpedo was 
buried beneath the sediment. In such in- 
stances a 5-hp, electric motor drove a pump 
attached to PISCES’ manipulator which 
sucked up mud and deposited it several me- 
ters away. In this fashion the bottom was 
“dug out” until the torpedo was located. In 
12 months 120 torpedoes were retrieved us- 
ing these methods. In a similar manner the 
PISCES-class vehicle has been used to exca- 
vate the bottom for burial of cables. Lock- 
heed developed a special device for large 
object recovery for DEEP QUEST, shown in 
Figure 11.20. 


Submersible Retrieval (Ref. 43) 

ALVIN was lost in 1968 when a cradle cable 
broke during launch and she descended 5,500 
feet deep off Cape Cod. ALVIN was subse- 


depth 


a deep-sea camera housing 


561 


mounted atop the bathy- 
scaph’s sail 


quently photographed and precisely located 
by a towed “fish” which showed it sitting 
upright on the bottom; a transponder and 
flashing light was installed very close to 
ALVIN which served as a reference point for 
ALUMINAUT. From USNS MIZAR a toggle 
bar was lowered at the end of 7,000 feet of 
4¥%-inch-cireumference nylon line; 500 feet 
from the toggle bar two 1,000-pound lead 
balls were attached and a Stimson anchor 
below these. A flashing light was attached 50 
feet above the toggle and a few feet above 
was a transponder for MIZAR to interrogate. 
On its first dive ALUMINAUT was guided by 
MIZAR to ALVIN and found the hatch open. 
Attempts to place the toggle bar inside the 
hatch were futile until a second dive when 
ALUMINAUT inserted a new toggle bar into 
the hatch and attached its 25-foot-length of 
6-inch line to the original lift line; MIZAR 
then lifted ALVIN to the surface. 


Instrument Retrieval (Ref. 42) 
To retrieve a 2,930-foot-long current meter 
array from the 3,150-foot depth off St. Croix, 


Pw SOUND \ ow” 
Hy VELOCIMETERS| 


By 


TEMPERATURE 
SENSOR 


a 


‘Gye 
a THERM 


SALINOMETER 


Fig. 11.16 DEEPSTAR 4000 prior to a dive for the Naval Electronics Laboratory. The slightly negatively buoyant instrument brow is jettisonable and uses syntactic foam to provide 

buoyancy for the instruments. The water bottles (Fjarlie) are sealed, and filled, when desired, by spring-loaded caps actuated by solenoids. The current meter is placed on the bottom 

and an electric cable connects it to a Rustrak recorder within the hull. The plastic bag contains fluorescein dye, it is opened on the bottom by the manipulator and is used to observe 

water movements. Above the dye bag, but not visible, are 36-in-long probes which hold thermometers along their sides and are stuck into the bottom to measure water/sediment 
temperatures. (NUC) 


562 


tnnanantaseag 


\ nn SYNTACTIC 
FOAM 


PLASTIC 
DYE BAG 


mpCURRENTNG : 
METER © 


Fig. 11.17 DEEPSTAR 4000 equipped with various instruments for an investigation of the water column. Behind the reversing thermometers are water sampling bottles. The details of 
this work are contained in ref. (50). (NUC) 


363 


Fig. 11.18 a) Asediment strength measuring probe deployed by ALUMINAUT at 6,000 ft. The rings provide depth of penetration data and an accelerometer within a glass sphere 
inside the cylindrical housing provides supporting information. The glass sphere is retrieved by retracting the pin on the right which allows the sphere to surface. (NAVOCEANO) 

b) STAR Ill’s parabolic acoustic reflector transducer system was used to monitor reverberation of deep scattering layers. It also includes a stereo camera system. (Gen. Dyn.) 

c) A diver adjusts an apparatus on ALUMINAUT which was used in an experiment to measure sediment consolidation. When ALUMINAUT's manipulator retracted one of the rings, a 
steel ball of known dimensions and density fell to the bottom, a camera photographed the sediment cloud produced and subsequently, the imbedded ball itself. (NAVOCEANO) 

d) A close-up of the reversing thermometer racks shown in Fig. 11.17 The solenoids (left) released the thermometer rack from its upright position when activated. (WHOl) 


564 


Fig. 11.18 c 


Fig. 11.18 b 


965 


Fig. 11.18d 


Virgin Islands, ALUMINAUT carried 2,300 
feet of 1/2-inch nylon line coiled about a pipe 
protruding from one side of a wooden. disc 
(Fig. 11.21). The array was visually located, 
and the bottom of the coiled line was at- 
tached to the array line with the manipula- 
tors. The beehive-shaped coil was then 
placed on the bottom and ALUMINAUT, to 
which the opposite end of the line was at- 
tached, surfaced and the line paid out. When 


ALUMINAUT surfaced the load was trans- 
ferred to a surface ship which subsequently 
hauled in the array with five current meters 
and one acoustic release mechanism. Grap- 
neling for the lost array was impractical 
because of several telemetry cables which 
traversed the bottom in the same area. A 
similar approach was used by DEEP QUEST 
to recover a Navy fighter plane from 3,400 
feet off San Diego in 1970. 


a) 
Fig. 11.19 a) The Benthos-manufactured sediment corer designed for DEEP QUEST. (Benthos Corp.) 
b) Plastic water samplers developed by WHOI. The sampler is rotated by the manipulator to open the lead-weighted doors and then purged by moving it through the water. Further 
rotation closses the flap valve doors to collect a water sample. (WHO!) 
c) An oil-filled compass attached to DEEPSTAR 4000's manipulator provides directional information to augment observations of the bottom 
d) Manufactured by HYCO to cut a sunken tugboat’s anchor chain, the hydraulic cutter attached to the manipulator of PISCES / is capable of exerting 60,000 pounds of pressure on 
its case-hardened steel blade. (HYCO) 


567 


ee 


ee aes 


568 


Fig. 11.20 Designed by Lockheed for DEEP QUEST, this device is attached to the vehicle's keel for retrieval of torpedo-size objects. (LMSC) 


569 


X 


INSTRUMENT PLANT AND RETRIEVAL 


Fig. 11.21 ALUMINAUT's current meter array retrieval technique. (NAVOCEANO) 


570 


Submersible Rescue (Ref. 44) 

The submersible DEEP QUEST became 
entangled in a 3/s-inch polypropylene line 
attached to a 1,600-pound (wet weight) recov- 
ery device at a 430-foot depth off San Diego. 
Not wishing to jettison its expensive equip- 
ment to surface and with the boat at a 
precarious trim angle, Lockheed manage- 
ment called in NEKTON to cut the line. A 
diver’s knife was tied to the smaller vehicle’s 
3-foot-long mechanical manipulator and it 
cut the line 13 hours after DEEP QUEST 
became entangled. In a similar but less ur- 
gent task, the bathyscaph ARCHIMEDE 
freed the unmanned SP-3000 from a depth 
of 3,400 meters in 1971 in the Mediterranean 
(45). SP-3000 was being lowered on a test 
dive. A weight was attached 17 meters below 
on a nylon cable to counteract the submers- 
ible’s positive buoyancy. The lowering cable 
attachment to the vehicle unscrewed and SP- 
3000 sank to the bottom where it remained 
“at anchor.’ No equipment was in existence 
that could operate at 3,400 meters to cut the 
cable. Three devices were immediately de- 
signed and manufactured: A double system 
of cleavers placed on the fender of AR- 
CHIMEDE, two rotating shear devices and a 
mechanical shear with springs. All three sys- 
tems were fitted on the bathyscaph for its 
dive. SP-3000 had both an external pinger 
and transponder. ARCHIMEDE used the pin- 
ger to determine the azimuth of SP-3000 
and advanced to within 1,350 meters of it 
when its CTFM detected the transponder. 
The bathyscaph was maneuvered into a posi- 
tion where the rotating shear was used to 
cut the cable and allow SP-3000 to surface. 
Interestingly, from a historical point of view, 
the first SP-350 hull (then DIVING SAU- 
CER) was lost 14 years earlier in an identical 
fashion (46). 


Hardware Inspection 

A number of submersibles have been used 
to inspect cables, pipelines, offshore struc- 
tures and a variety of other hardware. Such 
missions incorporate visual observations, TV 
video recorders and still and motion picture 
cameras. The types of instruments vary ac- 
cording to the submersible. In one mission 
SHELF DIVER followed a diver while he 
inspected a pipeline and supplied his breath- 


571 


ing gas mixture from a hose within its lock- 
out compartment (Fig. 11.22); in another in- 
stance, the same vehicle inspected 0.6 mile of 
the inside of a 15-foot-diameter pipe carrying 
fresh water beneath the French Alps. 


Artifact Mapping (Ref. 47) 

The submersible ASHERAH was used by 
the University of Pennsylvania to map ster- 
eophotographically a 4th century Roman 
shipwreck in 130 feet of water off Bodrum, 
Turkey. The resultant photomosaic (Fig. 
11.23) of the 20- x 40-foot area was used to 
produce a topographic chart with an accu- 
racy of 1.5 inches in three dimensions. 

To conduct this work the following instru- 
ments were used: 

2— 70-mm cameras (Hydro Products PC- 

750) 
2— 20-W/sec strobe lights 


Fig. 11.22 SHELF DIVER behind the diver. (Perry Sub. Builders) 


Fig. 11.23 Photomosaic of a 4th century Roman shipwreck taken by ASHERAH. (Univ. Penna.) 


Television camera (Hydro Products 
TC0303) mounted between the 20-mm 
cameras 

TV monitor (Sony PVT 304R U) in 
pressure hull 

Tilt sensor (General Precision C70 
9560) to obtain vehicle’s pitch and roll 
with each camera exposure 

Isobaric altimeter (differential pres- 
sure gage) to define a horizontal plane 
parallel to mean sea level and assist 
the pilot in maintaining constant 
above-the-bottom altitude 

Bendix Fathometer (200-kHz) to indi- 
cate distance-to-bottom 

Magnesyn compass to provide azimuth 
direction 


372 


1— Photographic recorder (Nikon F) to ob- 
tain a permanent record of tilt, altime- 
ter reading and camera frame number. 

The cameras were adjusted to expose at a 

preselected interval in concert with the 
strobes. Proceeding at a predetermined com- 
pass course the pilot attempted to maintain 
a distance of 15 to 20 feet off the bottom 
using the Fathometer and the altimeter for 
guidance. With each exposure of the 70-mm 
camera there was a synoptic exposure of the 
35-mm camera to record the vehicle’s atti- 
tude for subsequent photographic analysis. 
Similar results were obtained by Pollio (9) 
using STAR III and 35-mm cameras. The 
choice of 35-mm versus 70-mm format is in- 
fluenced by trade-offs. A 70-mm film provides 


better resolution, but the present number of 
exposures attainable (400) is far less than 
that of the EG&G 35-mm (3,300). 


Ship Salvage (Ref. 48) 

In concept, the salvage of a 95-ton, 51-foot 
tug (Fig. 11.24) in Howe Strait, B.C. from 670 
feet was similar to ALUMINAUT’s recovery: 
Lift lines were lowered from the surface 
instead of reeled up from the bottom. The 
difference lies in the tools required for the 
tug salvage by PISCES I. After anchoring a 
lifting barge with a four-point moor over the 
sunken tug, a plan was devised whereby 
PISCES I would cut two anchor chains on 


the tug’s bow at the windlass to allow inser- 
tion of a toggle bar into each of the hawse 
pipes after the anchor chains slid clear. A 
sling would then be passed from the bow to 
the stern of the ship providing fore and aft 
lines for the required horizontal lift. 
Whereas no hydraulic chain cutter existed, a 
blade cutter of 60,000-pound force was made 
by the owners of PISCES in 5 days to cut the 
5/g-inch-thick chain. After much difficulty 
both anchors were removed and one toggle 
inserted; the second toggle, however, 
jammed in the hawse pipe. A 65-pound 
weight was bolted to the manipulator to pro- 
vide the submersible with a hammering ca- 


Fig. 11.24 The 95-ton EMERALD STRAITS. Retrieved from 670-foot depth in 1969 with lines attached by International Hydrodynamic's P/SCES |. (HYCO) 


pability. Because PISCES had to be maneu- 
vered back into position after each blow, 10 
hours of pounding were consumed before the 
toggle was successfully driven home. Pre- 
vious to the toggle insertion, the submersible 
assisted in maneuvering the wire rope sling 
from bow to stern. Prior to lifting, PISCES 
made a final inspection of the tug and lift 
lines to assure that all components were 
secure. 


Dumping Ground Inspection (Ref. 49) 

Increased environmental awareness has 
prompted a number of recent diving opera- 
tions which are of both an engineering and a 
research nature. DEEP QUEST dived off the 
coast of Southern California in 1972 to deter- 
mine the possible harm and other results of 
dumping contaminated industrial and radio- 
active wastes, garbage and trash in water 
depths of 6,000 feet. Visual observations and 
photographic/TV coverage were used to as- 
sess and document the condition of the con- 
tainers and the obvious effects on the envi- 
ronment. A salinity/temperature/depth sys- 
tem and light transmissometer were used to 
measure in situ conditions. A core sampler 
and multi-rosette water sampler (General 
Oceans Inc.) were used to collect samples for 
subsequent laboratory analyses. 

The instruments described above are 
largely for scientific investigations, but pres- 
ent submersible work is in the engineering, 
e.g., hardware inspection, repair, implant- 
ment, area. Unfortunately, there is a scarc- 
ity of publications dealing with the tools of 
this trade, possibly because some are pro- 
prietary and some may not perform as well 
as anticipated. Whatever the reason, the ab- 
sence of such accounts is detrimental to the 
field at large, because it leaves each user to 
his own devices to try, through trial and 
error, to derive working, practical instru- 
ments. As a result, when progress is on such 
an individual basis it can be painfully slow. 


REFERENCES 
1. Ballard, R. D. & Emery, K. O. 1970 Re- 
search Submersibles in Oceanography. 
Mar. Tech. Soc. Pub., Wash., D.C., 70 pp. 
2. Hull, E. W. S. 1967 Those remarkable 
little work boats. Geo. Mar. Tech., v. 3, n. 
5, p. 22-40. 


574 


10. 


11. 


12. 


13. 


14. 


15. 


16. 


We 


. Haigh, K. R. 1970 Instrumentation Inter- 


ference in submersibles. Mar. Tech. Soc. 
6th Ann. Sym., v. 2, p. 1189-1201. 


. Hawkins, L. K. & Merrifield, R. 1970 In- 


strumentation on manned submersibles. 
U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office, I.R. 
No. 70-8, 28 pp. 


. Rainnie, W. O., Jr. 1968 Adventures of 


ALVIN. Ocn. Ind., v. 3, n. 5, p. 22-28. 


. Winget, C. L. 1969 Hand Tools and Me- 


chanical Accessories for a Deep Sub- 
mersible. W.H.O.I. Tech. Rept. Ref. 69- 
32, 445 pp. 


. Busby, R. F. 1970 Oceanographic Instru- 


mentation on the submersible BEN 
FRANKLIN. Trans. Mar. Tech. Soe. 6th 
Ann. Conf. & Expo., v. 2, p. 1041-1078. 


. U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office 1970 


Manned Submersibles and Underwater 
Surveying. Special Rept. 153, 156 pp. 


. Pollio, J. 1969a Applications of underwa- 


ter photogrammetry. Mar. Tech. Soc. 
Jour., v. 3, n. 1, p. 55-72. 

Benthos, Inc., Falmouth, Mass. Subma- 
rine Piston Corer Benthos Type 343.. 
Thomson, M. F. & McFarlane, J. R. 1972 
Submersible development in Canada. 
2nd Int. Ocn. Dev. Conf., Japan, v. 1, p. 
799-809. 

Higgs, R. H. & Carroll, J. C. 1967 ALUMI- 
NAUT magnetometer operation, St. 
Croix, Virgin Islands 1966. U.S. Naval 
Oceanographic Office, I.R. No. 67-33, 28 
pp. 

U.S. Naval Undersea Center 1968 DEEP 
STAR logs (1 through 4); U.S. Naval 
Undersea Center, San Diego, Calif., 202 
pp. (Unpub. Manuscript) 

Busby, R. F. & Merrifield, R. 1967 Under- 
sea studies with the DSRV ALVIN, Ton- 
gue of the Ocean, Bahamas. U.S. Naval 
Oceanographic Office, Informal Rept. No. 
67-51, p. 54. 

Thompson, L. D. 1968 Gravity meter tests 
on the Deep Research Vehicle ALUMI- 
NAUT, Vieques, Puerto Rico. Final 
Rept. of U.S. Naval Oceanographic Of- 
fice, Cont. No. N62306—68-60008. Items 2 
& 4. 

Church, R. 1969 Abyssal photography 
from DEEPSTAR-4000.Jour. Mar. Tech. 
Soc., v. 3, n. 1, p. 95-100. 

Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation 


18. 


19. 


20. 


21. 


22. 


23. 


24. 


25. 


26. 


27. 


28. 


Engineers, 1968 S.P.I.E. Seminar Pro- 
ceedings, Underwater Photo-optical In- 
strumentation Applications, v. 12, Feb. 
1968. 

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 
1967 Deep Submergence Research Con- 
ducted During the Period 1 January 
through 31 December 1966. W.H.O.1. 
Ref. No. 67-23, 23 pp. 

Breaker, L. C. & Winokur, R. S. 1967 The 
variability of bottom reflected signals 
using the deep research vehicle ALVIN. 
U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office, I.R. 
No. 67-92, 19 pp. 

Milliman, J. D., Manheim, F. T., Pratt, R. 
M. & Zarudski, E. F. K. 1967 ALVIN Dives 
on the Continental Margin off the 
Southeastern United States. W.H.O.I. 
Ref. 67-80, 48 pp. 

Inderbitzen, A. L., Simpson, F. & Goss, G. 
1970 A Comparison of In-Situ and Labo- 
ratory Vane Shear Measurements. Lock- 
heed Missiles and Space Company Re- 
port 681703, 35 pp. (Unpub. Manuscript) 
Perlow, M., Jr. & Richards, A. F. 1972 In- 
Place geotechnical measurements from 
submersible ALVIN in Gulf of Maine 
soils. Reprint from 4th Ann. Offshore 
Technology Conf. Houston, Tex., May 
1972, Paper No. OTC 1543. 

Sly, P. G. 1971 Submersible Operations 
in Georgian Bay and Lake Erie—1970. 
Canadian Dept. of Energy, Mines and 
Resources Tech. Bull. No. 44, 36 pp. 
Hirst, T. J. 1973 Vertical variability of 
sediment shear strength. Mar. Tech. Soc. 
Jour., v. 7, n. 1, p. 21-24. 

Hamilton, E. L., Bucker, H. P., Keir, D. L. 
& Whitney, J. A. 1969 In-Situ determina- 
tions of the velocities of compressional 
and shear waves in marine sediments 
from a research submersible. Naval Un- 
dersea Research and Development Cen- 
ter, San Diego, Calif., TP 163, 26 pp. 
MacKenzie, K. V. 1968 Accurate depth 
determinations during DEEPSTAR- 
4000 dives. Jour. Ocn. Tech., v. 2, n. 2, p. 
61-67. 

Merrifield, R. 1969 Undersea Studies 
with DEEPSTAR-4000. Oct.-Nov. 1967, 
I.R. No. 69-15. 


Maxwell, A. E., Lewis, R., Lomask, M., 
Frassetto, R. & Rechnitzer, A. 1957 A 


575 


29. 


30. 


31. 


32. 


33. 


34. 


35. 


36. 


37. 


38. 


39. 


preliminary report on the 1957 investi- 
gations with the bathyscaph, TRIESTE 
(Unpub. Manuscript) 

Rechnitzer, A. B. 1962 Summary of the 
bathyscaph TRIESTE research program 
results (1958-1960). Naval Engineering 
Laboratory Report 1095, San Diego, 
Calif., 63 pp. 

LaFond, E. C. 1962 Deep current meas- 
urements with the bathyscaph TRI- 
ESTE. Deep-Sea Res., v. 9, p. 115-116. 
MacKenzie, K. V. 1961 Sound-speed 
measurements utilizing the bathyscaph 
TRIESTE. Jour. Acous. Soc. Amer., v. 33, 
n. 8, p. 1113-1119. 

Jerlov, N. G. & J. Piccard 1959 Bathy- 
scaph measurements of daylight pene- 
tration into the Mediterranean. Deep- 
Sea Res., v. 5, p. 201-204. 

Bennett, R. H., Keller, G. H. & Busby, R. 
F. 1970 Mass property variability in 
three closely spaced deep-sea sediment 
cores. Jour. Sed. Petrol., v. 40, n. 3, p. 
1038-1043. 

Buffington, E. C., Hamilton, E. L. & D. G. 
Moore, 1967 Direct measurement of bot- 
tom slope, sediment sound velocity and 
attenuation, and sediment shear 
strength from DEEPSTAR-4000. In. 
Proc. 4th U.S. Navy Symp. on Military 
Oceanog., v. I, p. 81-90. 

Pelletier, B. R. 1968 The submersible 
PISCES feasibility study in the Cana- 
dian Arctic. Maritime Sediments, v. 4, n. 
2, p. 69-72. 

Noakes, J. E. & Harding, J. L. 1971 New 
techniques in seafloor mineral explora- 
tion. Jour. Mar. Tech. Soe. v. 5, n. 6, p. 41- 
44, 

Assard, G. L. & Hassell, B. C. 1966 Meas- 
urements of the spatial correlation of 
ambient noise using a deep-submer- 
gence vehicle. (DIVING SAUCER-SP- 
300). U.S. Navy Underwater Sound Lab- 
oratory Rept. No. 714, 19 pp. 

Caddy, J. F. 1969 Underwater observa- 
tion techniques in fisheries research. in, 
MAN IN COLD WATER, Conf. on Under- 
sea Operations in the Canadian Environ- 
ment, McGill Univ., Montreal, May 12-13 
1969, p. 33-34. 

Barhan, E. G., Ayer, J. J., Jr. & Boyce, R. 
E., 1967 Macrobenthos of the San Diego 
Trough: photographic census and obser- 


40. 


41. 


42. 


43. 


44, 


45 


vations from bathyscaph, TRIESTE. 
Deep-Sea Res., v. 14, p. 773-784. 

U.S. Navy Underwater Sound Labora- 
tory 1966 Acoustic research studies with 
deep submergence vehicles. U.S. Navy 
Underwater Sound Lab. Tech. Memo. No. 
2211-06-66, (Unpub. Manuscript) 
Personal commmunication with R. F. 
Bradley, Arctic Marine Ltd., Vancouver, 
B.C. 

Busby, R. F. 1967 ALUMINAUT retrieves 
Current Meter Array. Geo. Mar. Tech., v. 
3, n. 5, p. 41-44. 

Rainnie, W. O., Jr., & Buchanan, C. L. 
1969 Recovery of the DSRV ALVIN, Ocn. 
Ind., v. 4, n. 11, p. 62-64. 

Vernon, J. W. & Furse, L. D. 1972 Work- 
ing small submersibles. Oceanology In- 
ternation Offshore Technology reprint, 
April, 1972. 

. La Prairie, Y. 1972 Recent achievements 


576 


46. 


47. 


48. 
49. 


50. 


of the French in offshore technology. 
Oen. Ind., v. 7, n. 4, p. 115-120. 
Cousteau, J. Y. & Dugan, J. 1963 The 
Living Sea. Harper and Row Publishers, 
New York and Evanston. 

Bass, G. F. & Rosencrantz, D. M. 1968 A 
Diversified Program for the Study of 
Shallow Water Searching and Mapping 
Techniques. Final Report under Office of 
Naval Research Cont. N00014-67A-0216- 
0002, The Univ. Museum, Univ. Penna., 
Phila., Pa., 130 pp. 

Ocean Industry 1972 v. 7, n. 8, p. 51. 
Niblock, R. W. 1969 Submersible key to 
salvaging tug from 670-ft. depth. Under- 
sea Tech., p. 40-42. 

Mackenzie, K. V. 1970 Oceanographic 
data acquisition system for undersea 
vehicles. Preprints, 6th Ann. Conf. & 
Expo., Mar. Tech. Soc. Conf., 29 June—1 
July 1970, Wash., D.C., v. 2, p. 1078-1098. 


SEA AND SHORE SUPPORT 


The procedures and support required to 
place a submersible on the surface and 
“ready to dive” are extensive. To conduct 
open-sea diving operations one must have a 
means of transportation, a launch/retrieval 
system, specialized technicians and shop fa- 
cilities for overhaul, maintenance and repair. 
The annual cost to maintain an operation- 
ally-ready submersible can begin at $80,000 
(SEA OTTER), which does not include a sup- 
port ship or launch/retrieval system. Larger, 
deeper-diving vehicles, such as ALVIN, may 
require up to $800,000 or more annually, 
which does include a support ship or launch/ 
retrieval system. No figures are available for 
annual support costs of a bathyscaph, but it 


li, 


undoubtedly far exceeds $1 million in the 
case of TRIESTE II. 


TRANSPORTATION 


Before confronting the sea-going problems, 
the submersible operator first must trans- 
port his vehicle to a point where it can be 
either placed aboard ship or launched for 
towing. In some instances, such as the Cali- 
fornia-based NEKTON, a cross-country 
trailer tow brought it to Lake Michigan; SEA 
OTTER was transported from one dive site 
to another by a helicopter; in another case, 
ALVIN made a trans-Atlantic flight from 
Cape Cod to Spain; while ALUMINAUT, too 


large for an aircraft, reached the same desti- 
nation from Miami, Florida aboard an LSD. 
AUGUSTE PICCARD’s trip aboard a flatbed 
trailer from Lausanne, Switzerland to Mar- 
seilles, France involved intricate scheduling 
and the cooperation and participation of po- 
lice and local civil officials as the 93-foot 
submersible carefully wound its way through 
the ancient, narrow streets of southern 
France. Obviously, the larger the submers- 
ible, the larger the problem, and time is of 
the essence, because the user of the sub- 
mersible pays for mobilization as well as 
diving costs. 


Land 

Transportation of a submersible by land is 
not too different from transporting any ob- 
ject of comparable size and weight. Load and 
dimension regulations apply the same as 
they do with conventional cargo, whether it 
be by trailer, flatbed van or rail. One unique 
aspect, however, resides with some vehicles’ 


more delicate instruments, which vibration 
may damage or, at the least, loosen nuts and 
bolts. Tests performed by the Association of 
American Railroads and a summary of accu- 
mulated data relative to loading conditions 
that exist in a variety of transportation con- 
ditions indicate the greatest loading factor to 
be 2.25 g vertical. When ALVIN was shipped 
by flatbed trailer (Fig. 12.1) from Minneapo- 
lis, Minn. to Cape Cod, Mass., shock-measur- 
ing instruments were attached and found 
the loads to be less than those shocks (1.2 g) 
encountered during routine launch/retrieval 
aboard LULU. Regardless of the method or 
rigors of transport, it is a practice of the 
ALVIN group and others to recheck and 
tighten all nuts and bolts prior to diving. 
When load and dimensions allow, trucks or 
trailers incorporating air-ride suspension 
systems are used. Obviously, in the case of 
large submersibles, such as BEN FRANK- 
LIN, a route must be selected which will 
avoid bridges under which the vehicle cannot 
physically pass. 


iy 
Ans HOE 
 GREANOGRAPHIC 

INSTITUTION | 


ee ya : 
7% ae 


AFUCE OF NAVAL RESEARCH 


Fig. 12.1 ALVIN ready to take to the road. (WHO!) 


Fig. 12.2 DSRV-1 entering a C-141A with mating skirt removed. (U.S. NAVY) 


In spite of careful planning and handling, 
it is not uncommon to sustain damage which 
can cause several days’ delay in diving oper- 
ation. P. C. Sly (1) related that during air and 
road transit from Vancouver, B.C. to Trenton 
Air Base on the Bruce Peninsula, and thence 
to Tobermory on the Georgian Bay, PISCES 
III sustained damage to its drop weight 
mechanism, ballast bags and mechanical 
arms; three days were required to repair 
these and other damages incurred during 
the transport phase alone. 


Air 

Submersible transport by air is accompa- 
nied by similar load and dimension con- 
straints as found with land transport. Those 
submersibles not air transportable by rea- 
sons of weight, dimensions or both include 


579 


ALUMINAUT, BEN FRANKLIN, AUGUSTE 
PICCARD, TRIESTE II, ARCHIMEDE and 
NR-1. Lockheed’s C-141A is presently the 
largest cargo carrying aircraft in the U.S.; 
its cargo entrance just accommodates the 8- 
foot 2-inch-diameter DSRV with its mating 
skirt detached (Fig. 12.2). Even so the 37-ton 
submersible must be specially loaded for the 
C-141A to accommodate the 13%/4-ton excess 
over its normal load capacity. There is no 
civilian aircraft of comparable weight dimen- 
sions to the C-141A. When the C-5A is opera- 
tional its 95-ton capacity will accommodate 
all submersibles, with the possible exception 
of the bathyscaphs and NR-1. To gain some 
idea of the size of the C-5A, it presently 
requires three C-141A’s to carry the DSRV 
and its support equipment, whereas only one 
C-5A can do the whole job. 


The critical difference between land and 
air transport of submersibles lies in the pos- 
sibility of pressure loss within the aircraft 
cabin; a loss of this nature may cause bat- 
tery gassing, expansion of entrapped air in 
hydraulic systems or, at the extreme, pop- 
ping of viewports. In some instances, such as 
leaking of battery acid, the failure may be 
detrimental to the safety of the aircraft as 
well as to the integrity of the submersible. A 
study performed on the DSRV identified the 
potential critical components on the vehicle 
with respect to aircraft cabin pressure loss. 
Because of the DSRV’s sophistication, it is 
believed this list (Table 12.1) encompasses all 
components found on any submersible which 
might constitute an air shipping hazard. 


Sea 

Transportation of a submersible as cargo 
aboard ship is relatively simple and primar- 
ily involves tying it down securely and assur- 
ing that a capability to lift it exists at both 
the port of embarkation and debarkation. 
This latter consideration can be a problem 
with the large (over 25-ton) submersibles. 
The 142-ton BEN FRANKLIN required two 
100-ton-capacity cranes (Fig. 12.3) to handle 


Fig. 12.3. The 142-ton BEN FRANKLIN requires two 100-ton (each) capacity cranes 
to lift it out of the water. (NAVOCEANO) 


TABLE 12.1 AIRCRAFT-HAZARDOUS DSRV COMPONENTS AND MATERIALS 


Item Failure Mode 


Failure Effect 


Oxygen Bottles 
Nitrogen Bottles 
Air Bottles 


Explosion/rupture/leak 


Mercury Dump valves open inadvertently 


Refrigeration Unit (contains Freon) Rupture/leak 


Explosive cutters 


Inadvertent detonation 


Hydraulic fluid 


Rupture of hydraulic line or power unit 


Fragments and release of 0», No, or air. 


Contamination of aircraft; release of toxic fumes 
and chemical reaction with metals. 


Under combustion heat would release toxic gas 
(phosgene). 


Units jettisoned (pan & tilt, manipulators, etc.) 
fall free; not considered a hazard. 


Spillage of fluid. Fire hazard. 


Batteries: Rupture of battery case and box. Electrolyte causes corrosion and skin burns. 
Ag-zn Outgassing due to temperature rise above Silicon oil is flammable (flash point 330° F) 
Lead-acid 100°F (becomes severe at 140° F) Release of Hydrogen gas. 


Fire Extinguishers Rupture/Leak 


Release of Carbon Dioxide. 


it at dockside. Such capabilities are not in 
the inventory of every port facility. It is also 
interesting to note that in 1969 each round 
trip BEN FRANKLIN made in and out of the 
water cost $5,000. Compare this effort with 
the handling of STAR I in Figure 12.4. 
Because a submersible contains various 
materials and components, e.g., batteries, 
compressed air —which may be hazardous 
under certain conditions, one should consult 
Department of Transportation regulations 
governing such items. The following regula- 
tions govern such shipments: 
Land: Code of Federal Regulations 49, 
Water: Code of Federal Regulations 46, 
Air: Code of Federal Regulations 14. 
In the case of military air shipments, there 
is a special document entitled ‘‘Packaging 
and Handling of Dangerous Materials for 
Transportation by Military Aircraft.” For 
the Navy this is NAVSUP PUB 505; for the 


Air Force, AFN 71-4. The procedures out- 
lined can be adopted for shipment by com- 
mercial air freight, but the list of hazardous 
materials which may be commercially 
shipped is more restrictive. 


SUPPORT PLATFORMS 


The integral part the support platform 
plays in submersible operations is seen by 
reviewing the functions it performs for the 
submersible. These are: 

1. Transport (aboard or tow) to dive site, 

2. Launch/retrieve at dive site, 

3. Accommodate support personnel and 
diving party, 

4. Carry maintenance and repair equip- 
ment and provide sheltered work 
areas, 

5. Communicate with, track, and direct 
the submersible during submergence, 


Fig. 12.4 The 11/4-ton STAR | presents fewer handling problems than its large counterparts. (Gen. Dyn. Corp.) 


6. Monitor weather and clear traffic for 
surfacing, 

. Provide means of transport to and 
from the submersible, 

8. Carry scientific/engineering instru- 
mentation and provide storage area for 
samples and work area for data reduc- 
tion, 

9. Conduct supplementary studies or 
functions in concert with the submers- 
ible before, during or after the dive, 

10. Provide a safe haven in the event of 

emergency, 

11. Fix submersible position in the event 

of rescue. 

These functions reveal the reason for the 
term “submersible system,” for without the 
support ship and launch/retrieval device, 
there is little a submersible can accomplish 
practically, economically or safely. Hirano (2) 
wrote the only published discussion of sup- 
port ship requirements and commented on 
the fact that little mention has been made of 
support ships, in spite of their being so inte- 
gral to successful submersible operations. 


| 


Support platforms display a variety of 
shapes and characteristics. The majority are 
conventional surface ships, but catamarans, 
barges, offshore fixed platforms and fleet- 
type submarines have been used. A repre- 
sentative sampling of these craft is shown in 
Figures 12.5 through 12.8. 

In very few instances have owners or oper- 
ators of a submersible built support plat- 
forms specifically for their submersibles. 
Generally, submersibles were built first and 
support was obtained during or after con- 
struction. The only exceptions are DEEP 
QUEST’s R/V TRANSQUEST: DEEPSTAR 
2000‘s R/V SEARCHSTAR and the DSRV’s 
ASR-21 class all being designed to support 
the specific vehicle. In a great number of 
cases the builder already had an active inter- 
est in the ocean and owned a platform which 
he equipped with a launch/retrieval appara- 
tus suitable for both the platform and the 
submersible, e.g., Perry's SEA HUNTER and 
SEA DIVER, Cousteau’s CALYPSO, General 
Motor’s SWAN. A number of support plat- 
forms were obtained on lease by the sub- 


USS HAWKBILL (SSN 666) 


Fig. 12.5 Submersibles’ support craft 


+ 


yh 
T¥SR CP ae 


M/V GEMINI 


R/V CALYPSO 


583 


M/V DAWNSTAR 


[32 al. dl é 


Gat i 


M/V MAXINE D 
Fig. 12.6 Submersibles' support craft. 


584 


i 


9 ae car BPE ee. ae iar Bata 
oe Ae ios oe 
Bias jot episod 


M/V SEARCH TIDE 


M/V HUDSON HANDLER 


585 


VICKERS VENTURER. 
BARROW 


M/V VICKERS VENTURER 


USS PIGEON (ASR-21) 


Fig. 12.7 Submersibles’ support craft. 


586 


M/V SWAN 


UNDERSEA HUNTER 


M/V UNDERSEA HUNTER 


587 


OSAVT LULU 


pRIVATEEp 


WAM FL 


M/V PRIVATEER 


Fig. 12.8 Submersibles' support craft 


588 


Peet eee: 
MIV SEA HUNTER 


589 


M/V TRANSQUEST 


mersible owner and equipped with a launch/ 
retrieval apparatus for a particular contract 
or testing period. Examples of these are 
Westinghouse’s SEARCHTIDE, General Dy- 
namics’ GEMINI and SEA CLIFF and TUR- 
TLE’S MAXINE D. 

Equipment and facilities aboard the sup- 
port platform are governed by operational 
and submersible requirements. Battery 
chargers, air compressors, routine mainte- 
nance and minor repair facilities, dark 
rooms, data processing rooms, instrument 
repair and maintenance rooms may be pro- 
vided by permanent accommodations such as 
on ALUMINAUT’s R/V, PRIVATEER, or pro- 
vided by mobile vans such as those mounted 
aboard SEARCHTIDE. During a long-term 
torpedo retrieval contract in Howe Sound, 
British Columbia, PISCES I and II were 
supported by an anchored barge (Figure 
12.9). They were launched therefrom into the 


590 


water and towed several miles by a small 
boat to the dive site. These examples are 
used to demonstrate that there is very little 
in the way of “standard” submersible sup- 
port, and that the requirements change from 
job to job and from area to area. 

A list of the platforms which have sup- 
ported specific submersibles is presented in 
Table 12.2. Also included are their specifica- 
tions and launch/retrieval systems. To list all 
the support equipment aboard a particular 
platform at a given time would only reflect 
the requirements of a particular job. There 
are, however, standard equipments which an 
independently-operating support platform 
carries when divorced from daily shore sup- 
port. In addition to these equipments a sea- 
going ship normally carries ship-to-shore 
communications, electronic navigation, ra- 
dar, echo sounders, ete. The following are 
carried specifically for submersible support: 


Fig. 12.9 PISCES II and its support barge in British Columbia. (International Hydrodynamics) 


391 


TABLE 12.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF SUPPORT PLATFORMS 


Length Cruise Launch 
Overall (Ft) (Ft) Gross Speed Cruise Passenger Retrieval 
Platform Submersible (Ft) Beam Draft Tonnage (Knots) Range Accommod.' Systems Remarks 
SP-350 5,000 nm Articulated 
CALYPSO SP-500 138 24 10 360 12 18 days 10 Crane Conventional Hull 
2,300 nm Overhead 
DAWN STAR NEKTON 52 16 5.75 45 8 14 days 11 ___ Rail Conventional Hull 
Nonarticulated Conventional Hull 
GEMINI? STAR Ill 142.5 36 10 181 11.5 N/A Crane (leased) 
3860 Submerged 
HAWKSBILL* DSRV 292 32 26 (displ.) 15? N/A N/A Platform Submarine 
HUDSON 
HANDLER PISCES 90 38 9.75 340 30 days Ramp Barge-Type Hull 
350 
LULU ALVIN 98 48 9 (displ.) 6 1,200 nm 15 Cradle Catamaran 
MAXINE D SEA CLIFF Nonarticulated Conventional Hull 
TURTLE 165 38 11 198 12 5,000 nm 4 Crane (leased) 
PIGEON Cradle 
(ASR-21) DSRV 251 85 19 4200 13 10,000 nm 14 (Submerged) Catamaran 
PRIVATEER® ALUMINAUT 136 25 9 250 10 N/A 9 Tow Conventional Hull 
Articulated 
R/V JOHNSON SEA LINK 124 24.5 10.8 210 N/A N/A 15 Crane Conventional Hull 
Perry 3,000 nm Stiff Leg 
SEA HUNTER® Vehicles 65 14 6.5 75 8 10 days i) Boom Conventional Hull 
4,000 nm Nonarticulated 
SEAMARK NEKTON 109 24 8.7 177 10 30 days N/A Crane Conventional Hull 
SEARCHSTAR> —DEEPSTAR 2000 40 20 5 30 6 30 hours 0 Cradle Catamaran 
Articulated Conventional Hull 
SEARCHTIDE® DEEPSTAR 4000 155 36 1 199 12 5,000 nm 12 Crane (leased) 
Overhead 
SWAN? DOWB 136 25 9 250 12 N/A 10 (est.) Rail Conventional Hull 
1,500 nm Conventional Forward Hull 
TRANSQUEST DEEP QUEST 108 39 7 176 6.5 14 days 12 Cradle Catamaran Stern 
UNDERSEA Perry 3,000 nm m Nonarticulated 
HUNTER Vehicles 8.5 24 AS) 174 10 21 days 12 Crane Conventional Hull 
VICKERS VOL-L1 630 Stern “A"’- 
VENTURE® PISCES 118 25 12 (displ.) 10 21 days 8 Frame Conventional Hull 
Docking Floating Ory Dock Towed 
WHITESANDS TRIESTE II 491 81 15 3000 5 60 days 4 Well Lift By USS Apache (ATF-67) 


‘Over and above ship & submersible crew accommodations 


Test and Evaluation Platform 


battery chargers 
air compressors 
scuba equipment 
submersible tracking system 
small boat or rubber raft 
citizen band radio 
launch/retrieval apparatus 
. underwater telephone 

in addition the support platform generally 
includes a space suitable for a dark room, 
“customer” work space and space for instru- 
ment maintenance or repair. One of the more 
convenient type of ships for submersible sup- 
port is the oil supply boat such as SEARCH- 
TIDE. Owing to its uncluttered and ample 
deck space, portable vans may be placed 


seth ok eluent 


Submerged speed; with DSRV surface speed 5 knots 


592 


3No longer operating as support ship 


5 The much larger VICKERS VOYAGER also supports these vehicles 


aboard to accommodate virtually any re- 
quirement, while at the same time allow 
space for launch/retrieval apparatus and op- 
erations. 


LAUNCH/RETRIEVAL 
METHODS 


“On occasion the sub (PC3-B) would 
appear to be in imminent danger of 
being dashed against the side of the 
ship, only to have the hook suddenly 
take hold and pull her free of the 
water. Other times she was not so 
fortunate. On one particularly rough 


day the sub passed under the hook 
while in the trough of a large swell, 
and the man on top of her was unable 
to reach the hook with the bridle. As 
she was lifted up by the next swell she 
was out of range of the hook. The man 
aboard ship who was tending the for- 
ward steadying line saw what had 
happened, and immediately took a 
strain on the line, intending to pull 
the sub back into position under the 
hook. Of course he succeeded only in 
pulling her into the side of the ship, 
where she was severely scraped and 
banged against the hull. 


A similar incident nearly occurred 
about a month later when operating 
off the ALBANY. This time the crew 
had been well briefed beforehand that 
if the pilot missed the hook on his first 
pass they were to give plenty of slack 
in the steadying lines to allow him to 
maneuver back into position. Inevita- 
bly, one rough day we missed the 
hook, and the man tending the after 
steadying line immediately threw the 
line into the sea. CUBMARINE, back- 
ing away from the ship at the time, 
backed over the free floating line, and 
fouled her screw. This left her with no 
maneuvering power. Fortunately, the 
ALBANY deck crew was successful in 
pulling her under the hook by using 
the forward steadying line. 


More than once a steadying line 
fouled or broke loose. Then the sub 
would pivot on the hook and her bow 
or stern would crash into the side of 
the ship. The momentum gained by the 
free-swinging, three-ton submarine was 
certain to cause damage. The bow was 
damaged twice. Once the propeller of 
the thruster motor was snapped off, 
and the other time a bowplane guard 
was bent out of alignment. The stern 
took even more punishment. One blow 
damaged the rudder and snapped the 
rudder pin. Another one twisted the 
entire rudder assembly some five de- 
grees out of alignment. It was a tribute 
to CUBMARINE’s rugged design that 


no diving time was lost due to damage. 


593 


No matter what damage occurred, the 
crew managed to have her ready to go 
by diving time the next day.”’ (3) 


From the very beginning—as John Barrin- 
ger’s description of PC-3B’s Spanish opera- 
tion testifies—the air-sea interface proved as 
hostile as the great depths. Indeed, once the 
more obvious problems of deep submergence 
were overcome, the apparently simpler tasks 
of transporting the submersible to, and 
launch/retrieval at, the dive site proved to be 
and remains a major limiting factor. 


Few published reports deal directly with 
launch/retrieval, although past and present 
inadequacies are readily acknowledged 
within the submersible community. In 1967 
Mr. D. B. Usry, Jr., of Westinghouse compiled 
A Survey of Launch-Recovery Concepts & 
Systems for DEEPSTAR Vehicles which sum- 
marized the various approaches and con- 
cepts relative to at-sea handling of submers- 
ible craft. This report was not published, and 
it is unfortunate because it is an excellent 
summary of the state-of-the-art and the re- 
quirements of a successful launch/retrieval 
system. Mr. Usry has made this report avail- 
able and a great number of his observations 
and data are included herein. 


C. W. Bascom (4) described typical support 
ships and handling systems for vehicles oper- 
ational in 1968. Bascom’s report is one of the 
first, if not the only, published attempt to 
summarize what was then being used and 
the many factors involved in at-sea submers- 
ible deployment. Bascom also presents a 
method of predicting dynamic loads on han- 
dling equipment and breaks down the costs 
of major subsystem acquisition and opera- 
tion (Fig. 12.10 a&b). Bascom’s cost break- 
downs reveal, what might be termed, en- 
lightening aspects of a submersible program. 
In short: Operating a submersible is no mean 
financial feat. Bascom acknowledges that 
these are rough approximations and, al- 
though not stated, it is assumed represents a 
large corporation’s (General Dynamics) ap- 
proach, which can differ from the small in- 
dustrial builder/operator. Nonetheless, the 
conclusion, as any parent will agree, is ines- 
capable: Creation of the progeny is the least 
expense; it’s the care and raising that ex- 
tracts a frightening toll. 


VEHICLE 
40% 


HANDLING 
SYSTEM 
10% 


SUPPORT 
EQUIPMENT 
10% 


SUPPORT SHIP 
40% 


a RELATIVE COSTS OF ACQUISITION OF SMALL 
VEHICLE WORK SYSTEMS 


VEHICLE 
28% 


SUPPORT 
EQUIPMENT 
17% 


SUPPORT SHIP 
48% 


b RELATIVE OPERATING COSTS OF SMALL 
VEHICLE WORK SYSTEMS 


Fig. 12.10 Cost percentages of submersible system acquisition and operation. [After Bascom (4)] 


Doerschuk et al. (5) performed a detailed 
analysis of over-the-side handling concepts 
of the U.S. Navy’s Deep Dive System-MK 1 
(DDS-1). The approach used was to evaluate 
every feasible arrangement and to derive 
one which included features of systems 
which were not desirable in toto, but con- 
tained individual features which were desir- 
able to the final solution. The investigators 
had one major advantage; the DDS-1 is al- 
ways connected to its support craft by a lift 
cable, submersibles are not, and attachment 
of the lift cable is an evolution equal in 
magnitude to the lift itself. Their analysis, 
however, is directly applicable to submers- 
ible launch/retrieval once the lift com- 
mences. Indeed, these analyses were suffi- 
ciently detailed and conclusive to prompt 
Vickers Oceanics into selecting the stern- 
mounted U-frame (with modifications) as 
their method of launch/retrieval (6). 

In 1969 the U.S. Navy’s Deep Submergence 
Systems Project awarded a contract to the 
Makai Range Ine. of Hawaii to perform at- 
sea tests and evaluation of a system Makai 
Range developed known as the Launch, Re- 


594 


covery and Transport (LRT) vehicle. The 
LRT was a catamaran platform which could 
submerge, hover and ascend to the surface. 
The submersibles NEKTON ALPHA and 
STAR II were launched and retrieved under- 
water from the LRT as part of the test 
program (7). Apparently impressed with the 
potential of the LRT, the Navy proceeded to 
construct the Launch and Recovery Plat- 
form (LARP) in 1970 to handle MAKAKAI 
and DEEP VIEW. LARP is essentially simi- 
lar to the LRT, but differs in materials, air 
transportability and an optional remote con- 
trol feature. Subsequently, MAKAKATI and 
the unmanned CURV III were deployed from 
LARP and, while there were drawbacks, the 
system demonstrated its practicality. Not a 
great deal has been heard of LARP since 
Estabrook and Horn’s report (8) which de- 
scribes it and events leading to its develop- 
ment, and with the laying up of the Navy’s 
small submersibles MAKAKAI and DEEP 
VIEW in 1973, it is assumed that nothing 
further has occurred to improve or advance 
this concept. 

Because of the variety of submersible con- 


figurations and operational capabilities, se- 
lection of a launch/retrieval system is on an 
individual basis. Some vehicles are so large 
and heavy that it is impractical to consider 
lifting them out of the water after each dive; 
others, although smaller, are sufficiently 
large so that the only feasible method is to 
employ a cradle as with DEEP QUEST or 
ALVIN. With the smaller vehicles a single 
point attachment can be used, but protrud- 
ing instruments or controls may require 
some vehicles to lay off several feet from the 
support platform, while others can come 
quite close. In some submersibles the opera- 
tor can work in concert with the support 
platform’s Master to effect attachment and 
retrieval; in others, the operator can do no 
more than surface and wait for the support 
crew to retrieve his vehicle. 

Further constraints and considerations in 
the choice of launch/retrieval systems arise 
from the owner’s or user’s method of opera- 
tion. For example, if the user owns the sub- 
mersible’s support craft, then the launch/ 
retrieval apparatus can be permanently in- 
stalled. If one uses a different platform for 
different operations, then the launch/re- 
trieval system must be air or truck trans- 
portable, easily installed and require little, 
or nothing, in the way of shipboard modifica- 
tions. Such vehicle characteristics and opera- 
tional procedures preclude an across-the- 
board solution to launch/retrieval. 

Possibly the greatest problems are derived 
from the fact that the launch/retrieval sys- 
tem, like the support platform, has not been 
considered until after the submersible is de- 
signed or constructed. In Doerschuk et al. (5) 
several systems which showed promise had 


to be abandoned because the procedure 
might damage external instruments or com- 
ponents on the DDS-1 by bringing its sides 
into contact with a part of the retrieval 
system. If the DDS-1 had been designed with 
the launch/retrieval system in mind, such 
protruberances might have been avoided or 
protected in such a way as not to interfere 
with the retrieving systems. But the real-life 
situation is generally the opposite and one 
must devise a system that does not jeopard- 
ize the existing vehicle. 

Usry’s report summarizes parameters 
which he evolved in seeking a solution to 
DEEPSTAR’s handling system; these are 
presented in Table 12.3. It should be noted 
that these parameters reflect a system that 
will be used on different platforms and in the 
open sea. A list of system elements (Table 
12.4) represents factors concerning the vehi- 
cle, the platform, personnel and safety which 
must be considered in relation to the launch/ 
retrieval system; this table was also taken, 
in part, from Usry’s report and is included to 
show the many design and operational as- 
pects one must satisfy. 

The major adversary to any launch/re- 
trieval system is the state of the sea. Mr. F. 
Willet of Westinghouse has made the follow- 
ing calculations which illustrate the prob- 
lem. Presume an 8-foot-high wave of 5.4- 
second period and 102-foot length. This short 
wavelength will move the stern of the vessel 
and the submersible in relation to each 
other. The stern will plunge as the submers- 
ible is on the crest and heave as the sub- 
mersible is in the trough. With their cycle of 
motion about 90 degrees out of phase and 
assuming an 8-foot submersible vertical mo- 


TABLE 12.3 SELECTION PARAMETERS FOR HANDLING CONCEPTS 


—transportable by air or truck 

—maximum safety and reliability 

—easy installation on variety of 
ships and platforms 

—back-up provisions 

—smooth, positive control 

—rapid hoist from water 

—operate in variety of sea states 
reducing relative motion effects 

—operated without extensive training 


—accommodate variety of vehicles 
—simple design, standard parts 
—reasonable cost 
—no additional personnel required 
—no positive action required 
of vehicle being recovered 
—not require swimmers for critical 
attachments or maneuvers 
—utilize minimum deck space 


—require no modification to 

mounting platform or ship 
—minimum maintenance and equipment 
—no inhibiting effect on vehicle design 
—reduce need for critical skills on 

part of ship operator 
—minimize handling effects on vehicle 
—useful for other equipment 

handling 
—power source requirements 


395 


TABLE 12.4 DETAILED SYSTEM ELEMENTS 


Safety Platform 
Certification requirements Platform Behavior Sea-keeping behavior Electrical power available 
Operator training Tests and Maintenance Maneuverability Configuration 
Back-up systems Reliability Deck space Operating personnel 
Vehicle capability Casualty Analysis Freeboard Length, beam and draft 
Construction criteria Affect on Platform Ballasting and stability Deck reinforcement 
Operating Area 

Vehicle Personnel 
Size Attachment points Manpower profiles Insurance 
Weight Special attachments System complexity Special training 
Configuration Vehicle behavior in water Maintenance Human factors in design 
In-air trim Visibility 


tion and 10-foot ship motion (both 5.4-second 
periods), this will create a maximum relative 
velocity of 8 to 9 feet/second. Furthermore, 
when the submersible is out of the water and 
supported by the handling system, rolling, 
pitching and heaving of the ship imparts an 
unpredictable motion to the submersible 
which consequently must be restrained. 

The following pages describe approaches 
various groups have taken to surmount the 
air-sea interface. The only method which 
seems to avoid all compromises and offers a 
solution to all vehicles is to launch and re- 
trieve underwater from a support subma- 
rine; the DSRV has done just this using the 
attack submarine HAWKSBILL. Attack sub- 
marines start at about $180 million. Un- 
doubtedly privately-owned surface-oriented 
support systems will dominate for some time 
to come. 


Methods In Use 

Following is a brief summary of the proce- 
dures followed during launch/retrieval with 
the systems shown in Figures 12.11 through 
23s 

Non-Articulated Boom (Fig. 12.11): Several 
submersibles use this system; the main prob- 
lems are overcoming pendulum motion and 
detaching/attaching the lifting hook. The 
STAR III system employs a 12-ton, non-artic- 
ulated boom for lift and three small tugging 
winches to steady the submersible. When the 
submersible is in the water, divers release 
the steadying lines (4 points) and the lift 
lines (4 points). Retrieval is more difficult 


596 


than launch owing to diver attachment of 
the lines on a generally rolling, pitching and 
slippery submersible and especially when the 
attachment of the lift bridle demands ex- 
treme alertness on the part of the divers to 
avoid being hit by the swinging, heavy lift 
hook. Coordination of the four winch opera- 
tors places an additional burden on the oper- 
ation. At times, in moderate sea states (up to 
3), the pendulum effect is sufficient to wrap 
the lift hook around the boom in preparation 
for lifting, thereby causing additional delays. 
The submersible pilot’s only function in this 
operation is to maneuver his vehicle as near 
to the ship as safety allows. 

Articulated Boom (Fig. 12.11): The DEEP- 
STAR 4000 system employs a modified 
Koehring, articulated crane with a lift capac- 
ity of 25 tons. Because the boom end is closer 
to the submersible there is less pendulum 
motion. A winch operator and two man-con- 
trolled steadying lines are involved when the 
vehicle is in air. When placed in the water 
(DEEPSTAR is negatively buoyant) the lift 
hook is tripped, but the vehicle remains teth- 
ered by a line to the ship which a diver 
releases after performing pre-dive checkouts 
underwater. Retrieval involves swimming a 
line out to the surfaced submersible and, 
after attachment, hauling the vehicle close 
enough to the ship to connect the lift hook. 
Placement of the submersible in its onboard 
cradle is expedited by a pneumatic skirt on 
the cradle which inflates to join with the 
vehicle. The pilot’s role during the entire 
operation is passive. 


ee 


Non-articulated Boom Articulated Boom 


Articulated Boom Overhead Rail 


Fig. 12.11 Launch/retrieval systems 


597 


A modification of this system is employed 
with the JOHNSON SEA LINK (Fig. 12.11) 
where a universal joint is rigidly coupled to 
the armtip. A diver is required to attach bow 
and stern steadying lines and to insert a 
special hooking device into a housing atop 
the submersible. The pilot’s role is to maneu- 
ver the submersible to a convenient point 
astern of the ship. The entire procedure is 
performed underway at low speed and expe- 
dited by the fact that the boom need only be 
retracted or extended along the fore and aft 
line of the ship. In other boom systems the 
vehicle pad location requires swinging the 
crane through the ship’s roll plane. 


Overhead Rail (Fig. 12.11): The DOWB and 
NEKTON use an overhead fixed rail system. 


The pendulum effect can be substantial in 
this case with the added requirement for 
greater maneuvering by both the ship and 
the submersible because of the untrainable 
nature of the rail. 


Ramp (Fig. 12.12): International Hydrody- 
namic’s HUDSON HANDLER is the only sup- 
port platform known to use this system. The 
following description of its launch/retrieval 
procedure is taken from McFarlane and 
Trice (9). 

“One module of the vessel is hinged 

along its foremost transverse, the 

hinge point being almost exactly mid- 

way between the vessel’s stem and 

stern. The module is watertight and 
contains internal subdivisions. When 


Fig. 12.12 Hinged ramp of HYCO’s HUDSON HANDLER. 


598 


Docking Well Lift 


Catamaran-Submersible Surfaced 


599 


DSRV MATED DSRV IN SERVICING ) DSRV POSITIONED ON 
WITH DDC POSITION LIFT PLATFO&M 


Stern-Mounted A-Frame 


600 


filled with air its deck line is horizon- 
tal and co-planar with the deck level 
of the vessel. When partially flooded 
the stern end sinks some 17 degrees 
leading into the water. The deck is 
fitted with rails and a carriage into 
which the skids of PISCES III fit. The 
carriage is moved along the rails by a 
winch and drag line arrangement. 
When the submersible is on board the 
support vessel, the carriage is fully 
forward and locked rigidly in place. 
To launch the submersible, sufficient 
water is allowed to flood into the 
ramp section to submerge its stern end 
some ten feet below the surface. 


The carriage is allowed to run aft 
until the submersible floats free. To 
recover, a line is used to haul the 
submersible into the carriage which is 
then drawn fully forward. The water is 
blown out of the ramp section which 
then returns to the horizontal. 


The stern end of the ramp section is 
restrained by shock absorbing preven- 
ters which, while protecting the ramp 
from damage, permit it to synchronize 
relatively well with prevailing wave 
action. Recoveries in seas with wave 
amplitudes of up to 3.5 meters have 
been accomplished.”’ 


Docking Well Lift (Fig. 12.12): The only 
submersible which routinely employs a well 
lift or LSD-type concept for launch/retrieval 
is the U.S. Navy’s TRIESTE II. The system 
is simple in concept but complex in practice. 
The support ship WHITESANDS floods down 
(25 feet is maximum for ARD-12) to a depth 
where TRIESTE II is afloat; prior to this 11 
restraining lines are attached. One is a bow 
line which later serves as a tow line. Four 
lines on each side are passed aft as the 
vehicle exits the WHITESANDS, and two 
lines are held by two handling boats which 
pull TRIESTE II out of the well. The bathy- 
scaph cannot use its own power because it is 
completely deballasted of gasoline and shot 
for launch and retrieval; this condition puts 
all propellers above the waterline. As a gen- 
eral operating procedure, if the prevailing 
wavelength is shorter than the length of the 
WHITESANDS no launching is conducted un- 


601 


til either the wavelength increases or the sea 
calms. The WHITESANDS has no propulsion 
power and is towed by the USS APACHE 
(ATF-67). 


Catamaran-Submersible Surfaced (Fig. 
12.12): ALVIN’s launch/retrieval system uses 
this approach. It differs from the DSRV cata- 
maran system in that the DSRV mates with 
its lifting cradle while submerged; ALVIN 
mates while surfaced. During launch LULU 
is laying to with her bow into the sea, ALVIN 
is then lowered between the hulls on LULU’s 
cable-suspended cradle until it is floating 
and the cradle is brought to rest some 8 feet 
below ALVIN’s skegs. Six steadying lines, 
three on each side, are passed aft as ALVIN 
clears the catamaran. Divers aboard the sub- 
mersible are used to cast off lines and con- 
duct pre-dive checks. Retrieval is accom- 
plished in the reverse fashion with ALVIN 
maneuvering into the catamaran. The opera- 
tor standing in the submersible’s sail directs 
the entire launch/retrieval operation. Clear- 
ance between ALVIN and the hulls is about 
4.5 feet on each side, which constitutes the 
major hazard when sea state is high. 
Launch/retrieval has been conducted up to 
sea state 4. 


Catamaran-Submersible Submerged (Fig. 
12.12): Though it has not been field tested at 
present, the DSRVs can be launched/re- 
trieved on the surface in an ALVIN-like fash- 
ion or retrieved below the surface. For sub- 
surface retrieval the catamaran lowers the 
cradle approximately 100 feet below the sur- 
face and, through the use of guide arms and 
a television system on the platform, the 
DSRV positions itself on the cradle and is 
hoisted to the surface. The purpose here is to 
avoid the problems associated with sea state. 
Subsurface launch and recovery in sea state 
3 is considered possible. 


Open Stern Well (Fig. 12.13): This system 
is employed by Lockheed’s DEEP QUEST 
and is similar to the ALVIN catamaran pro- 
cedure. Within the 62-foot-long, 25-foot-wide 
open well is a hydraulically-powered elevator 
platform, 28 feet long and 23 feet wide, capa- 
ble of lifting 60 long tons. Two handling lines 
are attached on each side to assure that the 
submersible does not collide with the sides of 
the well or the forward bulkhead. Unlike 


Submarine 


Stern A-Frame 
Fig. 12.13 Launch/retrieval systems. 


602 


Open Stern Well 


603 


ALVIN, a bow line assists the submersible in 
and out of the well. Rubber fenders line each 
side of the stern well for additional protec- 
tion, and a net spans the forward end of the 
well to protect the bow against collision with 
the forward bulkhead. During launch, 
TRANSQUEST maintains slight headway 
and DEEP QUEST is essentially paid out of 
the well; during retrieval TRANSQUEST pro- 
ceeds at 1 to 2 knots into the sea and the bow 
line is used to haul the submersible into the 
well. With assistance from the line handlers 
and the submersible’s pilots, it is eased into a 
position where the cradle (6.5 ft below the 
keel) can begin to lift. TRANSQUEST is de- 
signed with four ballast tanks, port and star- 
board, which permit draft changes from 6.5 
to 10 feet to facilitate launch/retrieval. 


Submarine (Fig. 12.13): Specially modified 
nuclear submarines can be used for sub- 
merged launch and recovery of the U.S. 
Navy’s DSRVs. The DSRV is placed on the 
submarine’s after rescue hatch at the pier 
and can be transported at a submerged 
speed of 15 knots. At the launch site it is 
unlocked from within the mother submarine 
to conduct its mission. A transponder on the 
mother submarine is used by the DSRV to 
locate it for docking. Reflective paint marks 
obstructions on the submarine and high- 
lights mating areas and guide lights on indi- 
vidual pylons. External television on the 
DSRV is used to monitor final approach and 
tie down. With the DSRV secured to the after 
hatch, ballast and life support replenish- 
ment, battery charging and other servicing 
and minor repairs can be conducted under- 
water or on the surface. This system is not 
restricted by sea state. 


Submerged Platform (Fig. 12.13): To avoid 
the turbulence of the surface, the Naval 
Undersea Center has constructed and tested 
a towed, underwater, launch/retrieval plat- 
form called LARP (Launch and Recovery 
Platform). LARP is a catamaran structure 
consisting of two compartmental cylindrical 
fiberglass hulls cross-connected by four alu- 
minum pipes; the latter are overlayed by an 
aluminum grating with appropriate cutouts 
for controls, etc. Three fiberglass-covered ur- 
ethane blocks provide buoyancy and stability 
and house 12 each 200-cubic-foot-capacity 


604 


compressed air bottles which serve to debal- 
last the hull. Forward on the platform are 
remote and manual valves for controlling 
buoyancy. The platform is presently capable 
of lifting 10 tons and is 35 feet long, 18 feet 
wide, 7 feet high and weighs 8.5 tons in air. 


During tests LARP was towed with a sub- 
mersible (MAKAKAI) aboard. Reaching the 
dive site the tow ship layed to, and four 
divers flooded the main ballast compart- 
ments and, subsequently, the variable bal- 
last tanks. At 60 to 70 feet deep LARP was 
made to “hover” by control of the variable 
ballast tanks. The submersible’s tie-downs 
were released by the divers, and the vehicle 
“flew” off the platform which was then sur- 
faced. Retrieval involved the reverse proce- 
dure. Remote control of LARP’s ballasting/ 
deballasting was possible, but remote control 
of the tie-downs was not. 


A further refinement to LARP (in experi- 
mental design) is BALARE (Buoyancy Ac- 
tuated Launch and Retrieval Elevator) in 
which a similar platform is attached by two 
pivoting, telescoping arms to the stern of the 
support ship. The hydraulically-operated 
arms bring the platform close to the support 
vessel where maintenance/repair can be ef- 
fected without the use of divers and where 
the platform, because it is firmly held, as- 
sumes the same motion as the support ship. 


Stern-Mounted A-Frame (Fig. 12.13): Vick- 
ers Oceanics employs this system to launch/ 
retrieve their PISCES series vehicles from 
aboard the support ship VICKERS VOY- 
AGER. Basically the system works as fol- 
lows: To retrieve, a line is attached by divers 
to the vehicle’s stern which is used to draw it 
within hook-up range of a 6-inch wire rope 
attached by divers to a lift padeye aft of the 
sail. The lift rope is fairleaded through the 
apex of the frame and the arm or pendant 
and is wound about a specially-developed 
compensating winch which always keeps the 
rope taut. With the submersible drawn up to 
the pendant, the pendulum effect is slight 
and the vehicle is drawn stern-first onto the 
support craft. Rotation of the submersible in 
the horizontal is checked by steadying lines 
attached port and starboard. According to 
Goudge (6) a 12-ton submersible has been 
recovered in 14-foot seas and larger swells; 


the most important feature of this system is A variation on this theme is shown in 


the compensating winch, which ensures that Figure 12.14 which Taylor Divers uses with 
the lift line will never become slack and TS-1. Identical in operation to PISCES’s han- 
create massive loads due to wave action. dling system, the departure comes in the 


Fig. 12.14 Taylor Diver's hopes to avoid the use of swimmers by stationing an individual in the platform at the base of the pendant to hook up a hauser for retrieval 


605 


method of attaching the lift line. Encompass- 
ing the end of the pendant is a platform on 
which a person stands and manually lowers 
and attaches the lift line to the submersible 
directly below. When the attachment is made 
the submersible is reeled in taut against the 
pendant and retrieval proceeds as with the 
PISCES vehicles. The point of this approach 
is to eliminate the need for putting a person 
in the water. 


Conceptual Launch/Retrieval 
Methods 

Owing to the significant obstacle the sea 
surface presents to submersible operations, 
many approaches to launch/retrieval have 
been conceived. While none of these systems 
are as desirable as the mother submarine 
concept, they are within the financial grasp 
of submersible operators and, because of the 
importance of the problem, they are cata- 
logued here to acquaint the reader with the 
many options for handling heavy loads at 
sea. Whereas the diagrams are generally 


N-HAUL WINCH 


VEHICLE READY FOR LIFT 


STEPS TO PREVENT OUTER 


STRUCTURE FROM PIVOTING 


DOWN. FREE TO ARC UP 


WITH WAVE MOTION & VEHICLE 


BUOYANCY. 


self-explanatory, aspects of system pros and 
cons are briefly discussed. 

Elevator (Fig. 12.15): Designed by F. Willet 
(Westinghouse), the system has the advan- 
tage of requiring small deck space and of 
being adaptable to ships of high freeboard. 
Disadvantages are in the need to use divers 
in a dangerous area (ship’s wake) and in a 
high degree of maintenance to the many 
cables and pulleys. 

Floating Dock (Fig. 12.16): Designed by 
A. P. Ianuzzi (Westinghouse), the system 
provides protection to the submersible, but 
the ‘‘moment of truth” (connection of ship to 
vehicle) at the interface still exists. Studies 
by A. Vine (Woods Hole Oceanographic Insti- 
tution) show the ‘‘wheel concept” to be appli- 
cable to the retrieval of moderate loads (life- 
boats, buoys) aboard ship by attaching shock 
absorbing aircraft wheels to the load itself. 

Stern Crane-Ways (Fig. 12.17): An AMF 
Corporation concept envisions mating the 
submersible rigidly to a lift carriage which is 
then winched up the craneways and aboard 
ship. Mating the submersible to the carriage 


41 DIVERS ATTACH DOWNHAUL LINES 


AFTER TOWING LINE BRINGS 
VEHICLE OVER TROLLEY. 


DIVER OPERATES 
DOWNHAUL WINCH AND 
VEHICLE LOCKS INTO 
CRADLE/TROLLEY, 
OVERCOMING VEHICLE 
BUOYANCY. 


Fig. 12.15 Elevator concept. (F. Willet, Westinghouse) 


606 


LOW PRESSURE 
AIRCRAFT OR 


E 
AUTOMOTIVE WHEELS Ce ae 


BY TWIN SCREWS 
POWERED BY DIESEL 


CREW CABINS 


HEAVY 
LIFEBOAT 
DAVIT 


SHIP HULL 


Fig. 12.16 Floating dock concept. (A.P. lanuzzi, Westinghouse) 


607 


ARTICULATED 
CRANEWAYS 


SE 
; 


PONTOON 


TWIN-SPOOL WINCH 


Fig. 12.17 Stern crane-ways concept. (AMF) 


appears to be the critical operation in this 
concept and would likely involve use of di- 
vers. 

Drawbridge (Fig. 12.18): Also designed by 
A. P. Ianuzzi, the drawbridge system has 
advantages and disadvantages similar to the 
AMF and U-frame concepts. 

Stiff-Leg Boom (Fig. 12.19): One of the 
most readily available and simple concepts 
for lifting objects at sea, the stiff-lezg boom 
suffers from all the problems associated with 
such activities: Pendulum effect, handling 
when the vehicle is in the air and differential 
motion between lift device and submersible. 

Constant Tension System (Fig. 12.20): This 
was designed by J. T. Leiby (10) to eliminate 
shock loading on both submersible and lift 
device, while at the same time controlling 
pendulum motion. The constant tension de- 
vice limits the load on the hook to 1.5 times 
the rated load. A motion restraining device 
permits vertical heave but restrains horizon- 
tal motion. A light ‘‘tag’”’ line (nylon) is 
hooked to the submersible from the ship and 
the main hook-up (lift) connection is made 
under constant tension using the tag line as 
a guide. When lift is started, the constant 
tension feature is locked in payout mode but 
still provides pay-in (overhauling) if the vehi- 
cle should rise faster than hoisting speed. 


608 


Design of the pendulum motion restraining 
device was not discussed by Leiby. 

Telescoping Boom (Fig. 12.21): The disad- 
vantages of this approach are as follows: In- 
haul lines are required to guide the vehicle 
into hook-in position and, in addition, modifi- 
cation of the lifting points is required. A 
shock absorber on the grapple is designed to 
overcome differences in vertical motion be- 
tween vehicle and crane tip. 

Hinged Ramp (Fig. 12.22): Proposed by R. 
Gaul and R. Bradley (Westinghouse), the 
hinged ramp system seeks to mate the sub- 
mersible to a submerged, slanting platform 
which heaves and plunges in concert with 
the surfaced submersible. Once the submers- 
ible is on the ramp, it is winched aboard; 
during the course of recovery, the roll, heave 
and mass force of the submersible are gradu- 
ally transferred to the ship. The ball-in- 
socket joint de-couples roll between ship and 
ramp, and hydraulic ramps act first as shock 
absorbers and subsequently as vertical sup- 
port when the submersible is drawn out of 
the water. Movement up the ramp may be 
over skids or rollers on the submersible (re- 
quiring attachment of the heaving cable by 
divers) or on a specially designed mobile 
platform to which the submersible mates. 

The following launch/retrieval concepts 


CRADLE 
OUTBOARD SECTION FOR SUB 
RETRACTS UNTIL 
FLUSH WITH HULL 


HEAVY SPROCKET CHAIN 


ARCH MAINTAINS 
VERTICAL POSITION 
AS UNIT LIFTS 


HULL 
PRESSURE 
PADS 


FLOATS 


PNEUMATIC FENDERS 
REQUIRED IN 
SUB DOCK SPACE 


Fi 


g. 12.18 Drawbridge concept (A.P. lanuzzi, Westinghouse) 


DROGUE 


Fig. 12.19 Stiff-leg boom. 


609 


DAMPENER 


STAND-OFF DEVICE 
PROVIDING PENDULUM 
DAMPENING 


MAIN DECK HYDRAULIC ROTATOR 


J—=— FENDER 


a TALVIN 
PNEUMATIC 
FENDER PARTIALLY 
FILLED WITH 
WATER 


Fig. 12.20 Constant tension system. [From Ref. (10)] 


ROTATION MOTOR 


GRADALL 


FITTING ON HULL 


ROTATION 150° 


Fig. 12.21 Telescoping boom. 


610 


BALL-IN-SOCKET 


FLOATS JOINT 


RAMP 
(TWO SECTIONS FOR 


VEHICLE SLED 


RETRACTABLE 


VARIABLE 
FORCE 
RAMS 


RETRACTION AND STOWAGE) 


GUIDE SHEAVE 


DRAW WINCH 


Fig. 12.22 Hinged ramp concept. (Proposed by R. Gaul and R. Bradley, Westinghouse) 


Fig. 12.23 Spar buoy with trolley. 


and the accompanying discussion of their 
pros and cons are taken from Doerschuk et 
al. (5) who, as mentioned previously, per- 
formed analyses of many different systems 
for the U.S. Navy’s Personnel Transfer Cap- 
sule (PTC). 

Spar Buoy With Trolley (Fig. 12.23): This 
system provides a gradual transition from 
the underwater motion of the vehicle to the 
motion of the ship. The spar-buoy end of the 
trolley is stable, while the pinned end is fixed 
relative to the ship. Deployment and recov- 
ery of the vehicle takes place far out on the 
arm next to the buoy. The vehicle travels to 
and from this point above water by virtue of 
an electric or hydraulic trolley. Using a 5- 
foot-diameter spar buoy, recovery of a vehi- 
cle from the water would cause a 20-foot drop 
in the spar-buoy’s vertical position (total 
weight of vehicle, buoy and arm equals 12.5 


tons). A major drawback with this concept is 
sheer magnitude. Transportability, stowage, 
and deployment of a buoy at least 5 feet in 
diameter and long enough to attenuate the 
maximum waveheight would pose severe 
problems. 

Inflatable Ramp (Fig. 12.24): In this con- 
cept an inflatable rubber ramp is suspended 
over the side of the ship. The vehicle is 
lowered and raised using the ramp as a guide 
and the ship’s boom as support. Stowage and 
weight problems would be practically nonex- 
istent. However, the idea may be too simplis- 
tic in that the configuration of the vehicle 
may not lend itself to be easily guided by a 
simple ramp. Vertical orientation may be 
difficult to maintain, and fragile exterior 
equipment would be prone to damage. 

Centerwell (Fig. 12.25): Deployment and re- 
covery through a hole in the ship near the 


Fig. 12.24 Inflatable ramp. 


Fig. 12.25 Centerwell 


612 


Fig. 12.26 Guiding chute. 


intersection of the roll and pitch axes may 
greatly reduce undesired motion. However, 
this feature is rarely available on ships of 
opportunity. 

Guiding Chute (Fig. 12.26): In this concept, 
a cage acting as a guiding chute is deployed 
over the side of the ship. The vehicle is 
raised and lowered through it using a series 
of guide shoes attached to the vehicle. Lift is 
provided by the ship’s boom. The probability 
of dangerous impact loads between vehicle 
and cage as the vehicle is first drawn into 
the chute during recovery makes this con- 
cept unfeasible. 


613 


Balloon Assist (Fig. 12.27): The Balloon As- 
sist is a variation on the “‘gradual change to 
ship-motion” theme. Recovery and deploy- 
ment take place from a winch riding the 
tether of a relatively stable balloon towed by 
the ship. Once the PTC is pulled completely 
out of the water during recovery, the winch 
is wound down onto the ship and the PTC is 
secured. Major drawbacks are the possibili- 
ties of wind direction change, requirement of 
at least 315,000 SCF (in the case of the PTC) 
of helium for the balloon, and the balloon 
handling, maintenance, and manning prob- 
lems. 


Fig. 12.27 Balloon assist. 


Quick Snatch (Fig. 12.28): This concept 
employs a shock-absorbing collar such that 
the vehicle can be quickly removed from the 
sea. As the vehicle passes thru the air-sea 
interface it contacts the absorbing collar 
which is attached to an arm that moves 
upwards to a restraint. The pivot of the arm 
is set on a rotating table that allows the 
entire package to rotate the vehicle over a 
stowage point. 

Telescoping Cylinder (Fig. 12.29): This con- 
cept employs a hydraulic cylinder with two 
modes of operation—normal push-pull power 
and damping, controlled by variable orifices. 
The lift cable leads through an attachment 
at the end of the cylinder that provides auto- 
matic latching. The cylinder is powered 
about its horizontal axis by a rotary actuator 
or gears, with the entire unit on a turntable. 

Deployment commences by positioning the 
attachment on the cylinder end over the 
vehicle which is in a stowage position. 
Hookup is made and the vehicle is moved 
overboard and into the water. At some point 
below the surface the hookup is released and 
the vehicle is lowered. Recovery commences 
by pulling the lift-cable in until the vehicle 
latches onto the attachment device, at which 
time the cylinder is in its damping mode, 
preventing undesired ship motion from re- 
sulting in damaging dynamic loads. Once the 
vehicle is attached the cylinder is switched 


614 


Fig. 12.28 Quick snatch. 


to power mode and the vehicle is raised from 
the sea and set on deck. 

The major problem with the dual-mode 
telescoping cylinder, in the case of the 10-ton 
PTC, is the bending stress induced when it is 
extended and carrying the weight of the 


f 


= 


Fig. 12.29 Telescoping cylinder. 


PTC. The moment arm would be at least 15 
feet, which would mean bending moments of 
15 feet x 20,000 pounds or 300,000 foot- 
pounds. Design of a cylinder to handle such 
loads would be difficult. This concept was 
considered unfeasible for the PTC. 

Rope-Net Catch (Fig. 12.30): The simplest 
concept in which the principle of pulling the 
vehicle snug against a member fixed relative 
to the ship manifested itself in the rope-net 
catch concept. Two or three outriggers are 
used to lay a large rope net on the ocean 
surface. A strength cable is then threaded 
through the center of the net and used to 
pull the vehicle up. Once caught in the net, 
the weight of the outriggers keeps a taut 
downward pull on the vehicle and prevents 
undesired motion as the vehicle is removed 
from the sea. The strength cable is reeved 
through a sheave on the ship’s boom. 

The major problem with this concept is the 
inherent untidiness and unpredictability of 
the net. Also, fragile appendages on the vehi- 
cle could easily be damaged. 


Fig. 12.30 Rope net catch. 


The foregoing delineates the wide variety 
of methods and concepts available to launch/ 
retrieve a submersible at sea. 

It would be tidy to say that system ‘“‘X”’ is 
the best and therefore recommended over all 
others. But, as we have seen, the variety in 
submersible weights, dimensions and config- 
urations is myriad, and what might work for 
one will not work for another. Doerschuk et 
al. found that no one concept was right for 
handling the PTC and they proceeded to take 
the most desirable features of several and 
combine them, as was feasible, into a suita- 
ble system. This procedure might well be the 
best solution to present and future handling 
problems. But no matter what the selection 
procedure is based upon, one should not ex- 
pect an ultimate arrangement; because the 
sea has a whimsical personality and, as Usry 
concluded: “There will always be an element 
of danger when handling such loads at sea 
and no computer is going to suddenly reveal 
a shining solution free of compromises.” 


LIFT HOOKS 


Though seemingly a simple problem, the 
selection of lift hooks is of extreme impor- 
tance and—as demonstrated by DS-4000’s 
helicopter hook failure with pilot and crew 
aboard and a consequent 8-foot drop—it can 
be a critical choice. The proper selection calls 
for a hook that is quickly and easily attached 
for lifting and will not jump out of its re- 
straint as the submersible is lifted or jerked 
about. For launching, the requirements are 
that it will not fail or release accidentally 
and can be quickly released when desired. 

Pelican Hook (Fig. 12.31): This type of hook 
is in general use. It is cheap, rugged and 
quick to attach. Problems can arise, however, 
when the vehicle and support craft are in 
dissimilar motion, and it is sometimes quite 
difficult to obtain sufficient slack to hook up. 
Further, a diver is required to detach the 
hook, and, as the submersible is wet and 
slippery, the diver must hold on with one 
hand, detach the hook and then avoid its 
wild swinging until it is lifted clear. It can be 
a difficult proposition. 

U.S. Navy Safety Hook (Fig. 12.32): This 
hook has been adapted for use by the DEEP- 
STAR series of submersibles. It has been 
tested to 44 tons and cannot be opened as 


Fig. 12.31 A pelican hook on the lift bridle of STAR /I/. (NAVOCEANO) 


long as 500 to 800 pounds of load are on the 
hook. It provides positive visual identifica- 
tion in the locked condition and a guide line 
is led by hand into the submersible’s lifting 
ring, which is fairleaded back to the ship for 
closure. During launch a release lanyard is 
triggered from the ship at an appropriate 
time, thereby negating the use of divers. 
The Link Hook (Fig. 12.33): Built into the 
lifting structure of the LINK-designed sub- 
mersibles (DEEP DIVER, SEA LINK and 
others) is a housing into which an inverted 
“T” shaped device, with a circular base, is 
inserted. The edge of the circular base is 
designed such that once the device is in- 
serted and twisted it cannot be freed until 
twisted back to the original position, thereby 
avoiding inadvertent release. A further re- 


616 


Fig. 12.32 U.S. Navy safety hook. (NAVOCEANO) 


finement built into the JOHNSON SEA LINK 
system is shown in Figure 12.34. The in- 
verted “U” shaped arm termination fits over 
a device on the vehicle’s topside and pro- 
hibits it from rotating in the horizontal 
plane once the submersible is snug against 
the boom. 


TOWING 


Submersibles too large for at-sea launch/ 
retrieval and not having access to an LSD for 
support, must be towed to distant dive sites. 
There are several disadvantages to towing: 
Towing speed is slow (5-6 knots maximum); 
working on the pitching topside of a sub- 
mersible is difficult and, at times, dangerous 
(the Federal Civil Service regulations pro- 


vide for hazardous duty pay when such work 
is performed during sea state 5 or greater); 
and work below the vehicle’s waterline must 
be performed by divers which is dangerous 
as well as time consuming and cumbersome. 
In some instances external equipment instal- 
lation can be performed in a sheltered an- 
chorage and the submersible subsequently 
towed to the dive site. If the sea is rough a 
great deal of damage can be done to the 
instruments and their electrical connectors 
by wave slap during the tow. On the positive 
side, towing gets the submersible to the job. 


PERSONNEL AND SHORE 
FACILITIES 


Predictably, the larger the submersible, 


we 


Fig. 12.33 A lifting hook (already inserted into the lift housing) designed by Mr 
Edwin Link. (NAVOCEANO) 


the greater the number of and more special- 
ized the personnel required for its mainte- 
nance. In most instances the ship’s crew 
bears a hand in launch and retrieval, al- 
though they may not be considered part of 
the submersible crew. Hence, it is difficult to 
precisely define the submersible’s comple- 
ment. When the submersible is brought 
ashore for overhaul or repair, a similar iden- 
tification problem occurs when individuals 
with special talents are called in on a tempo- 
rary or one-time basis. Consequently, the 
personnel support listed (Table 12.5) is less 
than minimal, but gives an appreciation of 
the overall support required. 

The numbers and types of support person- 
nel required ashore to take care of logistics, 
planning, documentation, certification or 
classification and a wide variety of other 


Fig. 12.34 The “index” bar in the foreground serves to restrain JOHNSON SEA 
LINK from rotating in the horizontal plane 


TECHDIVER (PC-3B) 


STAR III 


DEEPSTAR-4000 


ALVIN 


DEEP QUEST 


TRIESTE II 


TABLE 12.5 PERSONNEL SUPPORT AT SEA 


(3) 


(4) 


(12) 


(11) 


(8) 


(21) 


Submersible’s 
Crew 


Operations Leader/Pilot 
Pilot 
Pilot/Tech 


Pilot/Diver 
Pilot/Maint. Eng/Diver 
Pilot/Elec. Tech/Diver 
Pilot 


Operations Leader 
Chief Pilot 

Pilots (2) 
Maintenance, Chief 
Electrician (3) 
Mechanic (3) 
Service Asst. 


Expedition Leader/Pilot 
Pilots (2) 

Crew Chief 

Mechanic 

Electrician 

Materials Tech. 
Instrument Supervisor 
Instr. Technician (2) 
Photographer Diver 


Operations Leader 
Chief Pilot 

Pilot 

Electrician (2) 
Electronics Eng. 


Hull & Life Support Eng. 


Hydraulics Eng. 


Officer in Charge 
Operators (Pilots) (3) 
Instr. Elec. Tech. (3) 
Elec. Tech. (3) 

Mach. Mates (4) 
Boatswain’s Mate 
Storekeeper 

Yeoman 

Shipfitter 


Data Syst. Tech., Photographers Mate, Seaman 


618 


(3) 


(7) 


(7) 


(7) 


(9) 


(100) 


Support Ship’s 
Crew 


Master 
1st Mate 
Cook 


Master 

Chief Engineer 
1st Mate 
Seaman (2) 
Cook 

Cook’s Helper 


Master 

Chief Engineer 
1st Mate 
Seaman (2) 
Cook 

Cook's Helper 


Master 

Chief Engineer 
Engineer 
Navigator 
Seaman 

Cook 
Steward 


Master 

Engineer 

Cook 

Steward 

Ship Fitter 

Deck Hands/Technician (4) 


WHITESANDS Complement: 
4 officers; 96 enlisted men 


day-to-day duties depend on the complexity 
of the vehicle and its support system. More 
or less typical of the mid-range vehicles is 
ALVIN, whose shore-based support personnel 
are: A Quality Control Engineer, Chief 
Draftsman, Draftsman, Secretary, Instru- 
ment Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Engi- 
neering Technician and Structural Engineer. 

The background of submersible operators 
or pilots and support personnel is varied. By 
and large, most pilots are ex-Navy personnel 
with submarine experience, but this is not a 
requirement; for example, of DEEPSTAR 
4000’s four pilots, only one was an ex-sub- 
mariner. Of the remaining three, one was a 
naval aviator, one a civilian draftsman with 
extensive scuba experience and one a civil- 
ian diver/photographer. On the other hand, 
DEEP QUEST’s submersible pilots and crew 
are almost solidly of Naval background. 

Versatility is one aspect common to all 
backgrounds, for in many instances an engi- 
neer or pilot may be required variously, to: 
Don scuba tanks to inspect or help repair the 
submersible, handle a line during the launch/ 
retrieval or bear a hand in loading supplies 
on the support ship or submersible. In es- 
sence, a member of a submersible’s support 
crew must be specialist, generalist and ordi- 
nary seaman, and the smaller the submers- 
ible, the wider the range of individual duties. 
There can be no prima donnas in a submers- 
ible crew. 

Facilities ashore to support the submers- 
ible range from garage-size to hangar-size. 
Within this range is a wide variety of capa- 
bilities with none individually being repre- 
sentative of the community in general. 

Quite naturally, the more transportable 
(smaller) the submersible, the farther away 
from a dockyard or pier it may be. Submers- 
ibles of the NEKTON class are trailer-trans- 
ported to their shop. Large submersibles, 
such as DEEP QUEST, are generally based 
on the water front where a marine railway is 
available to haul the vehicle to and from its 
shop. 

A submersible as large and sophisticated 
as DEEP QUEST requires considerable 
shore-based support. The San Diego, Cal., 
shore base includes a 165-foot pier, marine 
railway (70-ton capacity), waterfront ramp 
area and a building housing offices, shops, 


619 


equipment and maintenance area. The latter 
includes electronics, electrical, hydraulic and 
diver equipment shops. 

On the other hand, SEA OTTER’s home 
base is several blocks from the waterfront 
and consists of one large room (shop) and a 
small office. 

The majority of submersible operations 
have been conducted in temperate and tropi- 
cal latitudes. Only a few have taken place in 
the Arctic. The only problems unique to the 
tropics are the obvious ones of heat and 
humidity; for this reason an air conditioning 
unit is used to blow air into the pressure hull 
while the vehicle is being worked over 
aboard its mother ship. When operating on 
the surface or in shallow water the heat and 
humidity can become unduly oppressive in a 
very short time, for it is assisted by heat 
generated by electric equipment in the pres- 
sure sphere. Even so the tropics and sub- 
tropics are far more benevolent than are the 
high latitudes. 

Arctic operations are controlled by 
weather, temperature and ice. Diving under 
an ice cover is risky business in a short- 
duration submersible with no accurate and 
reliable means of navigation and any num- 
ber of potential failure areas. Hence, the 
majority of such dives proceed with a line 
attached to the vehicle to retrieve it in the 
event of a breakdown or navigation error. 
Obviously, the vehicle must be in a heated 
shelter aboard ship in order to perform rou- 
tine maintenance. 

Most cold weather problems with submers- 
ibles are predictable, but one that was not 
was the O-ring viewport seals on DEEP DI- 
VER working in the Aleutian Islands in 1972. 
During each dive seawater would collect be- 
tween the viewport and its metal insert and 
freeze when DEEP DIVER was retrieved; 
the O-ring would freeze solid on exposure to 
the air. When the submersible was placed 
back in the water the ice melted, but the O- 
ring remained contracted and inflexible. 
Consequently water leaked into the pressure 
hull between the viewport and its housing. 
This required retrieving the vehicle, remov- 
ing each viewport and wiping the housing 
dry. Subsequently the neoprene O-rings were 
replaced with silicon O-rings which solved 
the problem. 


Supporting and maintaining a submersible 
to dive on schedule is fraught with the poten- 
tial for disappointment. The field of submers- 
ible operations is still new and experience- 
limited; hence, equipment failures and oper- 
ational problems are inevitable. Even sur- 
face ships, with hundreds of years of experi- 
ence, regularly encounter the unexpected 
and are forced to retire for repairs or devise 
a new approach. So, it must be expected that, 
with slightly more than a score of years’ 
total experience, submersible operations will 
encounter the unpredictable for some time to 
come. Figure 12.35 provides an insight into 
some of the unpredictables with PISCES IIT; 
similar tables can be expected from virtually 
every other submersible operation. 


REFERENCES 

1. Sly, P. C. 1971 Submersible Operations 
in Georgian Bay and Lake Erie—1970. 
Tech. Bull. No. 44, Inland Waters 
Branch, Dept. Energy, Mines and Re- 
sources, Ottawa, Canada, 36 pp. 

2. Hirano, Y. 1972 The Mother Ship of an 
Undersea Research Vehicle. Preprints, 
2nd International Ocean Dev. Conf., To- 
kyo, v. 1, p. 757-769. 

3. Barringer, J. L. 1967 CUBMARINE Oper- 
ations in Spain. Geo-Marine Tech., v. 3, 
n. 1, p. 12-18. 


620 


10. 


. Bascom, C. W. 1970 Small Submersible 


Support Systems. ASME Pub. 69-Unt-5, 8 


pp. 
. Doerschuk, D. C., Adkins, D. E. & Glas- 


gow, J. S. 1970 Mark I Deep Dive System 
(DDS-1) Handling Study Phase 1—Con- 
ceptual Design. Summary Rept. to Naval 
Ship Engineering Center, Contract No. 
N-0014-70C-0072. 


. Goudge, K. A. 1972 Operational Experi- 


ence With PISCES-Submersibles. Conf. 
Papers Oceanology International 72, 
Brighton, England, p. 270-273. 


. Makai Range Inc. 1970 A Method to Han- 


dle Small Submersibles at Sea. Rept. to 
U.S. Naval Undersea Research and De- 
velopment Center, Contract No. N00123- 
70-C-1842, 35 pp. 


. Estabrook, N. B. & Horn, H. M. 1972 


Stable platforms for the launch and 
recovery of submersibles. 4th Ann. Off- 
shore Tech. Conf., Houston, Texas, Paper 
No. OTC1624, p. 77-86. 


. McFarlane, J. R. & Trice, A. B. 1972 Core 


Sampling in the Hudson Bay. Preprint 
Offshore Tech. Conf., Houston, Texas 
1972, Paper No. OTC1631, p. I1-169-II- 
174. 

Leiby, J. T. 1968 Constant Tension Sub- 
mersibles Handling System. W.H.O.1., 
Ref. No. 68-34. (Unpub. Manuscript) 


DOWN TIME DATE DIVE TIME 


EORGI 6 
APPROXIMATE TIME SCALE—H: 
ot 
LAC ERIE AN 
= = Pe 
REV 
MERSIBLE 
sai Keg 
E ENT 
E R SUBMERSIBLE ARRIVE 
NTINUED AN t 
En TE 10 
JBMERSIBLE LAUNCHED IN LITTLE 
11 TUB AND TEST DIVES MADE 
° 
TANK BUR 
4 IL CLE 
We = 
E PLETE 13 
T IVES IN BI 1B HARBOUF 
EN )MERS DIVE 
RECt iF E 
GOLDSTEEN AND FREENER DIVE OFF 
14 DOCTOR ISLAND AND BIG TUB 
Lew F IVE OFF MI 
ISLA 
ING AND TASK FORCE 
LITTLE DUNK’S BAY 
NED TO BIG TUB 
15 PR. DIVES IN BIG TUB HARBOUR 
KEMP, ROE, SLY AND SANDILAND: 
IVES IN BIG TUB 
SUBMERSIBLE RECHARGING 
TOW TO FLOWERPOT ISLAND, LEWIS 
16 ) SANFORD DIVE. MOTOR 
EZED, DIVE ABORTED LE 
VJURED MAN TAKEN TO HOSPITAL 
BY HELICOPTER DIVES IN BIG TUB BY RUKAVINA. ST 
JACQUES, RODGERS. SIMPSON 
JB RECHARGED AND TOWED TO A PORTER AND MUDROCHOVA 
POSIT FF MIDDLE ISLAND 
R AND LEE DIVE IN THE 
17 M AND FLOWERPOT ISLAND 
AND PREF LEAVE FOR E 
ERIE 
PER EL AND EQUIPME 
R 


N 
[o>) 


NEPSZY, LEACH AND COLEMAN 
DIVES OFF PELEE ISLAND 


LEWIS AND SLY. DIVES OFF PELEE 


ISLAND 


RECHARGING AND RETURNED T 


PELEE LEWIS, TERASMAE AND SLY. DIVE 

OFF POINT PELEE 
ELLICOTT AND BLANCHARD. DIVE 
OFF POINT PELEE 


x 


= 


N 
LD) 


RESTRICTED DIVES BY BURNS AND. 
OTHERS AT ERIEAU-BAD WEATHER 


£5 ABORTED BECAUSE OF BA DIVES OFF PC 
EATHER TASK FORCE PREPARE 23 BECAUSE OF \ 


TASK FORCE DISBANDED 


T ALMA CANCELLE 


Fig. 12.35 Summary of PISCES III's Operations. [From Ref. (1)] 


621 


CERTIFICATION, CLASSIFICATION, 


REQUIREMENTS 


Depending upon their use, there are and 
there are not Federal legal requirements 
covering construction, materials or operat- 
ing licensing in the U.S. for manned sub- 
mersibles. Submersibles which carry passen- 
gers for transportation or recreational pur- 
poses fall into a category wherein Federal 
regulations are applicable. Prior to 1971 the 
Motor Boat Act of 1940 encompassed the 
only regulations for submersibles. In 1971 
this act was rewritten and under its provi- 
sions passenger-carrying and recreational 
submersibles are covered. However, no sub- 
mersibles now operating fall into a category 
wherein the “‘passengers” are defined under 
the Motor Boat Act of 1971; therefore vehi- 
cles carrying scientists and engineers have 


623 


only minimal legal requirements to fulfill. 
These, and others, are discussed more fully 
under U.S. Coast Guard Requirements later 
in this chapter. The U.S. Navy has its own 
certification procedures, established in 1967, 
for submersibles operating under their aegis 
with Navy personnel aboard. 

For the civilian sector, in 1968 the Ameri- 
can Bureau of Shipping, in response to a 
request made by the U.S. Navy and private 
industry, organized a Special Committee on 
Submersible Vehicles to deal with the prepa- 
ration of regulations to govern commercial 
submersibles. Due to the limited commercial 
use and lack of ABS experience with sub- 
mersibles, it was decided to publish a guide 
manual instead of a specific rule book. The 


Guide for the Classification of Manned Sub- 
mersibles covers various governmental regu- 
lations which owners, builders and designers 
must keep in mind for safe operation and 
licensing. 

A number of attempts have been, and are 
being made, to establish legal requirements 
for the construction and operation of all sub- 
mersibles. Table 13.1 lists these attempts, 
and a copy of the latest (HR 8837) is shown in 
Appendix II. In essence, these bills propose 
to regulate the design, construction and op- 
eration of the vehicle and the qualifications 
of the operator, as well as to rate the ade- 
quacy of schools offering instructions in ve- 
hicle operations. In all cases but one (82145), 
the U.S. Coast Guard is designated as the 
regulatory body. The one exception would 
give that authority to the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration. Signifi- 
cantly, no bill has yet been enacted into law. 

Before dealing with requirements of Navy 
certification or ABS classification, it would 
seem appropriate to outline the case for legal 
requirements. Private owners of submers- 
ibles in the United States look with some 
apprehension on proposed submersible 
safety legislation because they feel the “Bu- 
reaucrats” would subject their vehicles to 
expensive and restrictive requirements 
which would not only put them at a competi- 
tive disadvantage internationally, but would 
also stifle innovation. The proponents of leg- 
islation (Table 13.1) feel that some sort of 
safeguards, in addition to the builders’ good 
intentions, should be a legal requirement to 
protect the passengers. 

It would appear that both groups are cor- 
rect. The cost of certification as carried out 


under U.S. Navy regulations can be expen- 
sive if the procedures are initiated after the 
submersible is constructed and in service. On 
the other hand, costs would be least if the 
certifying procedures ran concurrently with 
design and construction. Mr. John Purcell of 
the U.S. Naval Ships System Command 
stated that anywhere between $5,000 and 
$25,000 can be required to fund the efforts of 
Navy’s certifying of personnel on one vehi- 
cle, depending upon when the certifying pro- 
cedure was started. This estimate does not 
include the cost of any physical efforts on the 
part of the owner, and, in all likelihood, the 
total cost of Navy’s material certification 
will be on the high side of this range. On the 
other hand, without some safety governing 
organization, the scientific and engineering 
passengers in submersibles, who are largely 
ignorant of submersible construction or oper- 
ation, must place complete faith in the capa- 
bilities of the designer, the builder and the 
operator. 

If we look at the present situation, how- 
ever, it further appears that the submersible 
industry is doing a good job of policing itself 
despite the lack of any legal requirement to 
do so. 

A list of ABS-classified submersibles is 
presented in Table 13.2. Accompanying these 
are submersibles which have applied for clas- 
sification, but, for reasons unconnected with 
their design, have not yet received such. All 
presently operating Navy submersibles (AL- 
VIN, DSRV-1 & 2, SEA CLIFF, TURTLE, 
TRIESTE II) and inactive Navy submers- 
ibles (NEMO, MAKAKAI, DEEP VIEW) have 
undergone Navy certification. The vehicles 
which are not included in either category are 


TABLE 13.1 PROPOSED SUBMERSIBLE LEGISLATION 


Sponsor Bill Date Introduced 

Congr. Rogers HR 16286 1968 

HR 11282 1969 
Congr. Lennon HR 15711 1968 

HR 246 1969 

HR 2484 1970 
Congr. Downing HR 8837 1973 

HR 8924 
Sen. Hollings S 2145 1973 


U.S. Coast Guard OMB 93-48 


Congress Title 
90th Manned Submersible Safety Act 
91st Pe Hy - Ss 
90th Submersible Vessel Safety Act 
91st - z * oe 
91st a n a oe 
93rd Submersible Vessel Safety Act 


(A reissue of HR 8837) 


93rd Civilian Oceanographic Research 
Facilities Act of 1973 


Not yet introduced (Nov. 1973) 


TABLE 13.2 SUBMERSIBLES CLASSIFIED BY THE AMERICAN 
BUREAU OF SHIPPING 


Classified Submitted for Classification 
AQUARIUS | PC-1201 AUGUSTE PICCARD 
BEAVER PC-1202 DEEP QUEST 
BEN FRANKLIN PC-1401 DEEP STAR 20,000 
DEEPSTAR 2000 PC-1402 SEA OTTER 
GUPPY PISCES |, Il, Wl, IV, V, VII, VIEL, X SEA RANGER 450 
JOHNSON SEA LINK I PS-2 PC-1203 
K-250 (VAST MK II) SDL-1 PC-1204 
NEKTON (BETA & GAMMA) SHELF DIVER PC-16 
OPSUB TS-1 (PC-9) PISCES VI 
PC-8B VOL-L1 


vehicles which do not ordinarily seek to 
carry occupants other than the operator(s). 
In short, charterers of submersible services 
can choose from a wide list of vehicles either 
ABS-classified or Navy-certified. 

At this point we shall leave the Naval 
submersibles, which by Navy policy must 
undergo and pass certification to operate, 
and will deal with privately-owned vehicles. 
In particular, let us address the question of 
why’s and the benefits to owners and build- 
ers of ABS classification. 

Commander C. B. Glass, USCG, in a 1969 
paper (1) described the U.S. Coast Guard’s 
position on legal requirements for submers- 
ibles (pro) and pointed out that industry 
owners themselves (Refs. 2 and 3) saw the 
following benefits from certification: 

1. Reduction of insurance expenses. 

2. Establishment of confidence/acceptance 

by the customer. 

3. Safety from an irresponsible few who 
might endanger the economic and scien- 
tific growth of submersible activity. 

Personal communications with Dr. J. W. 
Vernon, General Oceanographic Inc.; Mr. D. 
Barnett, Perry Submarine Builders, Inc. and 
Mr. M. Thompson, International Hydrody- 
namics, Ltd., who collectively have built and 
operated 20 manned submersibles, reveal 
that there is no apparent reduction in insur- 
ance policies after the vehicle has undergone 
ABS classification. The only conceivable ad- 
vantage, according to Dr. Vernon, is that it 
(ABS Classification) might influence an in- 
surance company to decide whether or not 
they will cover the vehicle. This opinion is 
shared by Mr. Barnett who further states 


625 


that, in his opinion, the insurance companies 
have had insufficient experience in submers- 
ible insuring and do not distinguish between 
a classed or unclassed vehicle as far as the 
size of the premium is concerned. 

A benefit can be seen in classification re- 
garding establishing confidence and accept- 
ance on the customer’s part. Mr. Barnett 
states that adherence to ABS classification 
demonstrates that the vehicle is “built to a 
standard” established by recognized authori- 
ties in the field, and not merely those of the 
builder. In the past several years ABS classi- 
fication has become a requirement of several 
non-military American Federal Agencies. 
The submersible owner who wishes to lease 
his vehicle to these agencies must produce 
the required ABS documents, a benefit of 
classification not mentioned by Commander 
Glass. 

ABS classification standards were drawn 
up by representatives from the Navy, Coast 
Guard, industry and academia. Commander 
Glass states that except in special cases, the 
Coast Guard now accepts—though not neces- 
sarily “rubber-stamps’”—ABS classification 
of surface vessels as proof of the adequacy of 
structural design and expects that a similar 
relationship will develop with submersibles. 
One is therefore led to speculate why laws 
are required, when the vast majority of vehi- 
cle owners and users have voluntarily 
adopted ABS classification as a prerequisite 
to utilization. 

Regarding the benefit of safeguarding 
against ‘“‘. . . an irresponsible few,” it is suf- 
ficient to note that since the operation of 
Auguste Piccard’s FNRS-2 in 1948, over 100 


submersibles have been built throughout the 
world and have conducted thousands of dives 
carrying over 30,000 people. In this 25-year 
period there have been four fatalities in sub- 
mersibles themselves and one submersible- 
related fatality. It would seem that irrespon- 
sibility is not a characteristic of this ungov- 
erned industry. 


POTENTIAL HAZARDS 


“If everything has been done in ad- 
vance, and no one makes a fool of him- 
self, or forgets, a submarine is the safest 
kind of boat to be in.” 


—Simon Lake 


Albeit a submarine is a safe boat to be in, but 
Mr. Lake did not envision that it would be 
lifted out of the water after each dive and 
carry an agglomeration of equipment while 
it poked its way into narrow canyons or 
amongst a tangle of debris. Because it is a 
component of a system, the submersible’s 
occupants are as dependent upon a safe 
launch/retrieval system as they are upon a 
safe vehicle. 

There are two general areas wherein po- 
tential hazards exist; 1) the submersible sys- 
tem, and 2) the environment in which it 
operates. These two areas are grouped under 
System Hazards and Environmental Haz- 
ards, and the potentials for failure are dis- 
cussed below. 


System Hazards 

Within this category fall Materials and 
Sub-Systems, Instruments, Operators and 
Launch/Retrieval Systems. Many of the po- 
tential hazards which may befall the sub- 
mersibles’ occupants are obvious; some are 
not, and the possibility of more than one 
occurring during the same dive is always 
present and has occurred. The groupings be- 
low are not presented in order of priority, 
because, at the risk of being repetitious, the 
submersible is part of a system and that 
system, like the proverbial chain, is only as 
strong as its weakest link. 


Material and Sub-System Failures 
Pressure Hull: Failure of the pressure hull 
may occur within the vehicle’s operating 


626 


depth due to a design fault, incorrect mate- 
rial selection or errors during fabrication 
procedures. 

Penetrations: Thru-hull penetrations are ad- 
ditional areas where failure may occur. Elec- 
trical penetrations are liable to overload con- 
ditions which may completely burn away the 
thru-hull conductor and open a conduit 
through which water may enter the hull 
(Fig. 13.1). Conversely, in a lock-out vehicle, 
the sudden pressure drop created by the loss 
of the conductor may be detrimental to the 
occupants if they are decompressing at 
higher-than-ambient pressures. 

Emergency Deballasting: All submersibles have 
some means of reducing weight in order to 
surface when the normal procedures mal- 
function and the possibility exists that these 
emergency systems may also malfunction. 

Entanglement: Various vehicle appurte- 
nances, e.g., skids, motors, ballast tanks, may 
protrude or be designed in such a fashion 
that they are liable to entanglement in ca- 
bles or ropes (Fig. 13.2). 

Life Support Systems: Failure of a life support 
system and its emergency backup system 
can occur during a dive leaving insufficient 
time to surface or, if unable to ascend, to 


Fig. 13.1 A short circuit produced these burned penetrator housings on ALUMI- 
NAUT. (NAVOCEANO) 


Fig. 13.2 A “snaggable,” but jettisonable acoustic array on STAR Ili. (Gen. Dyn./ 
Elec. Boat) 


support the occupants until help arrives. In 
another vein, the devices used to monitor 
oxygen and carbon dioxide may be faulty and 
lead to incorrect decisions regarding internal 
atmosphere or the remaining life support 
duration. 

Fire: The interior cabling of a submersible 
may short circuit or overheat to a point 
where combustion may occur and endanger 
the occupants by burning or by evolution of 
noxious gasses or fumes. 

Propulsion: Where a vehicle’s mission may 
require it to travel under ice, overhanging 
ledges or under man-made structures, fail- 
ure of the propulsion motors may make 
emergency deballasting procedures impracti- 
cal. 

Instrument Failures 

Within this group are failure or emergency 
potentials created by the physical presence of 
instruments external to the hull, and by the 
failure of the instrument to operate. In the 
first case are: 

Entanglement: Instruments external to the 
hull fairings are subject to entanglement 
with ropes or cables. 


627 


Pressure-resistant instrument 
housings may implode and create a shock 
wave which renders inoperative other sys- 
tems critical to the vehicle’s safety. 

In the second instance are instrument fail- 
ures which may render continued operations 
hazardous; these are: 

Depth Gages: The failure or inaccuracy of 
depth gages may lead the operator to de- 
scend below safe limits. 

Obstacle Avoidance Sonar: This sonar is used to 
warn the operator of distant (up to 1,500 yd) 
obstacles. Failure of this sonar essentially 
blinds the operator in limited visibility situa- 
tions. 

Underwater Telephone: Failure of the under- 
water telephone opens the possibility of sur- 
facing into or in the path of surface traffic 
and, in a situation where the vehicle is una- 
ble to surface, renders surface support vir- 
tually helpless to respond. 

Tracking Equipment: Loss of the submersible’s 
position relative to the surface ship may 
result in the vehicle surfacing some miles 
from its support ship and essentially 
becoming.adrift with slight chance of being 
visually located, and, because of its low 
superstructure, becoming susceptible to colli- 
sion with oncoming surface crafts. 

Corrosive/Radioactive Materials: Certain instru- 
ments utilize radioactive materials (e.g., sed- 
iment probes) or corrosive liquids (battery 
electrolytes) which, if freed, could be harmful 
to both personnel and vehicle. 


Implosion: 


Operator Failures 

The operation of a submersible ranges 
from simple to extremely complex, and the 
training, knowledge and duties of the opera- 
tors increase proportionally. On a vehicle of 
the DEEP QUEST variety, the pre-dive re- 
sponsibilities of the operator commence sev- 
eral hours before the actual dive. Into this 
scenario are introduced different missions 
and equipments for each dive, and the need 
for the operator to function in concert with 
the support ship’s Master during launch/re- 
trieval. 

The operator must have a knowledge of 
every aspect of the vehicle’s construction, 
operation and handling capabilities, as well 
as emergency procedures and instrument op- 
erations. The operator’s panel on DEEP 


QUEST (Fig. 13.3) or the DSRV’s, for exam- 
ple, is as complex as that of a commercial 
airliner, and the wide range of potential haz- 
ards is equal in every respect to that facing 
aircraft pilots. 

The potential for failures which the opera- 
tor may cause are legion, but they may be 
attributed to one of several causes: Sickness, 
inexperience, forgetfulness or error in judge- 
ment. The first two can be controlled by 
medical examinations and a rigorous train- 
ing/testing program, respectively. The third 
and fourth problems, forgetfulness and 
judgement errors, can be controlled to some 
degree by pre-dive check-lists and surface 
advice, but in the final analysis it is con- 


trolled by the operator himself. Fortunately, 
the passengers’ desire for an operationally 
routine dive is matched by that of the opera- 
tor—as fail safe a system as is humanly 
possible. 
Launch/Retrieval Failures 

The systems used to launch and retrieve 
submersibles are subject not only to electri- 
cal and mechanical failures, turbulent sur- 
face conditions may also cause situations 
wherein the system may be operational, but 
unsafe, owing to the erratic differential mo- 
tion between the submersible and its support 
ship (Fig. 13.4). 

Cables: The results of a cable or boom break- 
ing during launch or retrieval are fairly ob- 


Fig. 13.3 Control console of DEEP QUEST. (LMSC) 


Fig. 13.4 In moderate seas the close quarters between LULU’s pontoons make line-handling and control of ALV/N an exacting task. (NAVOCEANO) 


vious and may cause damage to the vehicle, 
the occupants and the support ship as well. 

Hydraulics: The most vulnerable moment 
during launch/retrieval is when the submers- 
ible is free of the deck or water and sus- 
pended between the two. If, for example, the 
hydraulically-powered lift system were to ex- 
perience a failure which made it incapable of 
lateral or vertical movement, and the sea 
were running high, the pendulum motion of 
the vehicle could be sufficient to cause great 
damage to participants and components. 

Collision: Present submersibles come within 
a few feet of the support ship for attachment 
of the lift device; at this point the danger of 
collision, with its attendant damage, is cru- 
cial. 


629 


Line-Entanglement In addition to the main 
lifting cable, from two to six lighter restrain- 
ing lines may be used to steady the submers- 
ible. Personnel entanglement with such lines 
is a possibility which may cause injury from 
the line itself, or temporarily immobilize the 
crew member, thereby putting him in a posi- 
tion of considerable jeopardy if the vehicle is 
plunging or swinging. 


Divers Virtually all submersibles use divers 
or swimmers to attach or detach lift and 
steadying lines. Working between the sub- 
mersible and ship, which may at times be 
separated by only a few feet, the swimmer is 
exposed to getting caught and crushed be- 
tween both (Fig. 13.5). In addition, he is 


liable to entanglement in the lines he is 
responsible for clearing. 


Environmental Hazards 
Within this category are hazards external 
to the submersible. These hazards include: 1) 


Natural Hazards (weather, currents, bottom 
sediment, topography, visibility, and orga- 
nisms), and 2) Man-Made Hazards (cables, 
wrecks, bottom hardware and buoyed arrays, 
surface traffic, subsurface traffic and explo- 
sive ordnance). A more detailed account of 


Fig. 13.5 Divers attaching a salvage line to ALUMINAUTss bow. The hull of its support ship is in the background. (Robert Dill, NOAA) 


630 


environmental hazards and how they affect 
submersible operations is presented in refer- 
ence (4). 


Natural Hazards 


Weather: The effects of weather on sea state 
and its influence on launch/retrieval are dis- 
cussed in Chapter 12. A further problem 
arises when waves higher than 4 or 5 feet 
make visual sighting of submersibles ex- 
tremely difficult owing to their low silhou- 
ette. Although radio contact can be made, 
homing on submersibles is accomplished visi- 
bly and, in some instances, as much as 3 to 4 
miles may separate support ship and sub- 
mersible. This condition makes visible sight- 
ing of a low silhouette vehicle almost impos- 
sible. Deterioration of weather during the 
dive may affect not only the subsequent re- 
trieval of the submersible, but the transfer 
of personnel to the support craft. 

Currents: While the major ocean surface cur- 
rents are generally known and their posi- 
tions charted, little data exist concerning 
near-bottom currents where the submersible 
may be required to operate. Near-bottom 
currents are variable in both direction and 
speed over short periods of time, and they 
are strongly affected by topography. Short- 
term shifts in current speed and direction 
are common and have caused severe opera- 
tional problems in an area where less than 
0.1 knot was observed at commencement of a 
survey and over 3 knots were present at its 
termination (5). Control of the low speed 
submersible is almost impossible under such 
conditions, and the problem of avoiding man- 
made or natural hazards is magnified sub- 
stantially. 

Where extensive shallow water or enclosed 
areas are situated adjacent to a deep ocean 
area, a current may be generated by the 
differences in water densities between shal- 
low and deep areas. 

An example is the Strait of Gibraltar 
where water of greater density than contig- 
uous Atlantic waters exits the strait due 
west along the bottom and then descends to 
a depth of over 3,000 feet where it spreads 
along areas of equal density. The danger of 
such a current is particularly significant to 
the low-speed, shallow-diving submersible 
which may get caught in the current and be 


631 


carried to areas in excess of its collapse 
depth before remedial action can be taken. 


Sediments: The likelihood of being inundated 
by a turbidity current created by natural 
causes is probably very slight. The prospect 
however, of a submersible causing a turbid- 
ity current or sediment slide is possible and, 
in fact, has occurred. 


During a dive into Toulon Canyon in the 
FNRS-3, the vehicle apparently broke a 
block of mud loose causing a mud slide or 
turbidity current (6). A sediment cloud was 
generated which reduced visibility to zero. 
In an effort to clear the sediment cloud, 
FNRS-3 steered across the canyon on a de- 
scending course and ran into the opposite 
wall at a depth of 5,250 feet. After more than 
an hour’s wait, the sediment cloud caused by 
impact with the opposite wall had not 
cleared; the vehicle began ascent and finally, 
at a height of 800 feet above the bottom, 
visibility returned. 


An additional hazard would occur if the 
slide or avalanche weakened the formation 
above the vehicle. Under these conditions it 
is conceivable that a sufficient quantity of 
sediment can settle on a small submersible 
to prohibit the vehicle from ascending. In 
this regard, a submersible may collect mud 
through openings in the exostructure and 
keel—a more likely, but less obvious, means 
of accidentally gaining large mud weight. 
ALUMINAUT picked up 4,000 pounds of mud 
in its keel tanks when it inadvertently slid 
down a slope during an H-bomb recovery 
mission off Palomares, Spain, in 1966 (7). 


Topography: Knowledge of ledges, overhangs 
and sheer walls observed in some areas of 
the ocean is of utmost importance to the 
submersible operator, who is generally re- 
stricted to limited visibility and little or no 
upward viewing capability. Though the sub- 
mersible operator may operate with caution, 
even the most competent pilot can find him- 
self in an unfavorable position. 


During operations in the La Jolla Canyon, 
DIVING SAUCER entered an area of the 
canyon where the upper walls began to over- 
hang and the distance between the walls 
became progressively less. Finally, the can- 
yon narrowed to such an extent that the 
vehicle could not ascend due to the overhang 


and it could not progress further upslope due 
to canyon narrowing. Owing to its high de- 
gree of maneuverability, the DIVING SAU- 
CER was able to extricate itself from this 
situation; however, many of the less maneu- 
verable submersibles might have been 
trapped. 

Such topographic extremes can produce 
acoustic shadows which interfere with any 
acoustic link between submersible and sup- 
port craft. DEEPSTAR 4000 had occasion to 
enter a submarine canyon in the Gulf of 
Maine where the walls were so steep that 
signals from its pinger could not be heard on 
the surface. Consequently, tracking could 
not be maintained, and the dive was aborted. 

Visibility: The lack of long range visibility 
and the limited number of viewing ports can 
bring the submersible into contact with all of 
the hazards mentioned heretofore. In tropic 
and sub-tropic waters, beyond the influence 
of terrestrial run-off, long range horizontal 
visibility exceeding 200 feet is possible. This 
is an optimum condition, however, and is not 
common. Beyond the limits of ambient light, 
30 to 50 feet of lateral viewing with artificial 
light is average. 

Even at a speed as low as 1 knot, only 30 
seconds are available at 50-foot viewing 
range to detect, identify and respond to 
bring the vehicle to a halt. 


Organisms: It is impossible to evaluate the 
over-all reaction of marine organisms to our 
invasion of their domain and to identify all 
those forms which represent some degree of 
hazard. 

Over the past 50 years military subma- 
rines have logged countless hours in every 
body of water on this planet without encoun- 
tering any significant threat from marine 
life. However, due to the difference in size 
and depth range, this experience cannot be 
related directly to submersibles. A good ex- 
ample is an attack made on ALVIN in 1,800 
feet of water by a 250-pound swordfish with- 
out any obvious or intentional provocation 
on the part of ALVIN. The swordfish’s bill 
wedged in the fiberglass superstructure of 
ALVIN on the first charge (Fig. 13.6) thus 
preventing him from pursuing his attack. 

No damage was done to ALVIN, and later 
everyone enjoyed a swordfish dinner. But, it 
is possible that electrical wires or oil lines 


632 


could have been severed thus creating seri- 
ous problems. A port could have been dam- 
aged through impact from a head-on encoun- 
ter. Whether this was a ‘‘maverick”’ reaction 
or a characteristic reaction to small sub- 
mersibles is not known. BEN FRANKLIN 
also experienced a swordfish attack during 
its Gulf Stream Drift Mission, but with less 
dramatic results. 

A passive but no less potentially danger- 
ous form of marine life, is the giant kelp. It is 
quite possible that a submersible penetrat- 
ing a kelp “forest”? could become so entan- 
gled that return to the surface would be 
impossible. This threat is compounded by 
redueed visibility caused by heavy growth. 

When swimmers are used to support 
launch/retrieval, the threat from dangerous 
marine animals is compounded. Some of 
these threats are obvious in the case of 
sharks, but less obvious where Sea Wasps or 
other stinging coelenterates are concerned. 

Miscellaneous: During operation on the Blake 
Plateau in 2,500 feet of water ALUMINAUT 
was traveling at 5 feet above the bottom and 
approached a large hole. Over this hole the 
vehicle descended although the 100-pound 
negative buoyancy had not been modified by 
the pilot. At least 1,000 pounds of steel shot 
had to be dropped before ALUMINAUT could 
stop its descent. Since no bottom current, 
which could have pulled the vehicle into the 
hole, was evident, the cause of descent was 
ascribed to fresh ground water seepage out 
of the hole which created a less dense water 
patch within the cavity. Although this is 
supposition by the crew, the fact remains 
that ALUMINAUT did descend, and marine 
fresh water aquifers are known to exit under 
the ocean along parts of the Atlantic coast. 
How widespread and prevalent such sub- 
aqueous aquifers may be is a matter of con- 
jecture. A similar buoyancy change was said 
to have occurred when ALUMINAUT tra- 
versed the mouth of a large river off Connec- 
ticut. 


Man-Made Hazards 

Cables: Submarine cables represent a dan- 
ger of entanglement to the submersible. 
While the cable’s route may be known, its 
configuration on the bottom can be in snarls 
or it may be suspended off the bottom as it 


Fig. 13.6 A 250-ib swordfish impaled below ALVIN's viewport. (WHOI) 


passes over cliffs or depressions. Most cables 
are dark and may or may not provide con- 
trast with their background. In some cases 
they lay buried beneath the bottom or may 
be covered with a thin veneer of sediment. In 
the above situations a submersible is open to 
snagging the cable with its superstructure, 
other appendages or its skids. 

A dangerous situation is created by dis- 
carded or lost cables which may be present 
anywhere in the ocean and in any configura- 
tion (Fig. 13.7). Cables laid for power, commu- 
nication or data transfer purposes are re- 
ported to cognizant authorities and their 
location is generally known. In the case of 
military cables, this may not always be true. 
There are no requirements for reporting or 
recording discarded or lost cables. 


633 


Wrecks: The possibility of fouling in rigging 
or appendages is the main hazard involving 
wrecks. Because viewing capability is limited 
in present submersibles, an operator may 
unwittingly cruise under a boom, spar, or 
rigging. Corrosion or boring organisms may 
have so weakened some appendages that the 
slightest pressure could bring a section of 
the wreckage down on top of the submersible 
or wrap a cable or line around its propellers. 

If a wreck is on a steep slope or resting 
uneasily on the bottom, a slight nudge may 
cause it to shift in a manner jeopardizing the 
submersible. 

Some wrecks may lie in depths where truly 
watertight compartments, containers, air 
bottles, boilers, and the like are near their 
collapse point. It is conceivable that a dis- 


Fig. 13.7 A tangle of cable at 5,500 feet in the Bahamas as seen from ALVIN 


turbance of the wreckage could cause them 
to implode with consequent serious damage 
to a submersible in the vicinity. 

Bottom Hardware and Buoyed Arrays: Bottom 
hardware may consist of military tracking 
devices, oil pipelines and completion systems, 
and a host of scientific equipment. Similar to 
cables and wrecks, they present another 
form of potential entanglement. Most bottom 
hardware has one thing in common: cables 
generally lead from them to shore or surface 
terminals. Some of this hardware is very 
heavy and may have moved downslope fol- 
lowing implantment. This can result in the 
attendant cable being stretched taut from 


634 


the equipment and suspended several feet 
off the bottom so that the bottom-crawling 
submersible may pass under the cable. The 
array itself may have several appendages 
protruding outward which can snare the sub- 
mersible. These appendages may be many 
feet off the bottom and not visible to the 
operator when bottomed. 

The most hazardous aspect of all arrays, 
moors and similar hardware may result from 
the method used to install them. In many 
cases additional lines are used to lower the 
device and are left on it for subsequent re- 
trieval. The result is an undisclosed and gen- 
erally unknown number of lines or cables 


lying at the base or hanging from various 
portions of the array. Rigging and handling 
lines may part under heavy strain resulting 
in a large ball of loops, snarls, etc. These 
lines, which are generally not shown in the 
array or buoy schematic, can be more haz- 
ardous than the hardware itself. 

Surface Traffic: The primary danger to the 
submersible from surface traffic is the possi- 
bility of surfacing under or in the path of 
transiting vessels, and, to a lesser degree, 
being snagged by a fishing vessel. Most sub- 
mersibles lack the control and the sensors 
necessary to stop ascent and assure that no 
surface traffic is present. Although the sub- 
mersible’s support ship may be displaying 
the proper signals to denote subsurface op- 
erations, commercial or pleasure craft may 
and often do ignore them. 


Subsurface Traffic: The possibility of collision 
with a fleet-type submarine in the open sea 
is small. There are, however, areas of the 
ocean clearly marked on navigation charts 
as submarine transiting lanes. In some in- 
stances clearance to operate in these lanes 
and various ranges can be obtained by prior 
arrangement and appropriate charts along 
with supporting data may be available prior 
to an operation. Although the operator is 
under no legal requirements to coordinate 
his efforts with the Navy, to ignore such 
lanes and operating areas can place the sub- 
mersible in danger of collision. 


Explosive Ordnance: Millions of tons of explo- 
sive ordnance have accumulated on the floor 
of the world’s oceans and seas, particularly 
over the last century. Explosive projectiles, 
sea mines, torpedoes, depth charges and 
bombs, hedgehogs and aerial bombs repre- 
sent a threat to submersibles. Some may 
detonate only by contact, but others may be 
detonated magnetically or by pressure 
changes. The submersible operator will ob- 
viously avoid ammunition dumping sites, but 
an inestimable amount of ordnance litters 
the ocean floor at all depths and in all loca- 
tions. The nature of this hazard is discussed 
in detail in reference (4). The explosive 
threat is not the only aspect of such ord- 
nance; moored mines have employed moor- 
ing cables ranging in length from less than 
100 feet to 5,000 feet. The cable is small in 


635 


diameter and is connected to an anchor 
which, depending upon the mine, may range 
in weight from about 300 pounds to 1,500 
pounds (in air) and is connected at the other 
end to a mine case which may range in 
weight from 50 pounds to 1,000 pounds (in 
air). Snagging or becoming entangled in this 
cable could represent a serious hazard. In 
some areas the density of these cables and 
anchors is quite high. For instance, in the 
zone running between the Orkney Islands 
and the coast of Norway some 71,000 cables 
and anchors litter the bottom. 

Miscellaneous: The effects of radioactive 
wastes and corrosive chemicals on a sub- 
mersible may not be immediate, but the long 
term effects of investigating such dumping 
grounds could be hazardous, not only to the 
vehicle itself, but to the surface support crew 
as well. 

Abandoned, lost and discarded junk of all 
descriptions litters the sea floor, especially in 
areas of high surface traffic. In most cases, 
information is unattainable concerning such 
debris and the pilot is left to his own discre- 
tion. Little can be said concerning where 
discarded hardware, cables, and lines will be 
encountered except that historically high 
density ship traffic areas are the most likely 
areas. Harbors, roadsteads and channels— 
contrary to rules and regulations—are gen- 
erally littered with all types of debris. Lim- 
ited visibility generally prevails in such 
areas, and the practice of making shallow 
test dives in a harbor while the surface ship 
is conveniently tied up may lead to unfore- 
seen consequences. Fortunately, these areas 
are generally shallow and therefore permit 
diver assistance in the event of an 
emergency. 

From the foregoing list of potential haz- 
ards, it would appear that diving is a danger- 
ous pastime; it is. In spite of the cute names 
given to some vehicles, there is nothing cute 
about cold, pressure, asphyxiation or drown- 
ing, and the high safety record in submersibles 
reflects the fact that serious, contemplative 
consideration of such hazards has preceded 
the thousands of successful dives. Such con- 
sideration follows two fundamental planes: 
Preventing the emergency, and responding 
to it. Certification and classification are the 
frontline defenders for prevention. 


Prevention of emergencies commences 
with the design stage of the submersible 
system and continues throughout construc- 
tion and fabrication by virtue of quality con- 
trol and testing of materials, components 
and systems. In essence, the builder at- 
tempts to construct a submersible following 
sound engineering principles and practices. 
As shown in this chapter, there is no legal 
requirement for the builder to adhere to any 
particular guideline, but if he wishes to lease 
to the U.S. Navy or other governmental 
agencies the vehicle must meet standards 
selected by these agencies. Prevention of ma- 
terial failures, then, falls under the topic of 
material certification and the various stand- 
ards are presented later in this chapter. 

The operator of a private submersible need 
only meet his employer’s or his own training 
and competency standards. These also are 
dealt with later. It is sufficient to note that 
sound engineering procedures and well-qual- 
ified, knowledgeable operators are the main 
ingredients of a safe diving program. 

A third category under prevention of emer- 
gencies is Operational Safety—the process of 
predetermining whether a proposed mission 
is safe to undertake in the first place. Deter- 
mining the risk factor in a proposed mission 
involves weighing the vehicle’s design and 
capabilities against the nature of the job and 
the conditions one can anticipate at the job 
site. 

One approach to this determination can be 
to take those Natural and Man-Made Haz- 
ards listed above and consider the likelihood 
of their occurring or hindering the submers- 
ible’s operation. Such an approach involves 
thorough research into the literature con- 
cerning the candidate dive site. Having de- 
termined what the environment holds in 
store, one may then evaluate whether or not 
the vehicle can safely contend with these 
conditions. Unfortunately, this procedure is 
not quite so simple, because, though a great 
deal is known of the world oceans, it soon 
reduces to generalities and a submersible 
does not dive generally, it dives specifically. 

While many difficulties lay in the path of 
gathering operational safety information, 
the results, no matter how meager, do pro- 
vide some indication of what may be ex- 
pected and may identify areas of investiga- 


636 


tion which the mission planners did not con- 
sider. 

The final judgement on what is or is not a 
safe operational practice can be debatable. 
Generally the operations officer and the op- 
erator have sufficient experience and sea- 
manship ability to provide expert opinion 
which the user follows. On the other hand, 
there are no time-honored principles in sub- 
mersible diving as there are with military 
submarines, although some military operat- 
ing procedures can be applied. What might 
be considered a foolish procedure for one 
submersible, may be entirely safe for an- 
other. It is not difficult to foresee where the 
present work of inspecting of oil well heads, 
pipelines and associated equipment will lead 
submersibles into conditions as potentially 
hazardous as a scuttled ship. And, being 
quite practical, if that’s where the money is 
the submersible owner faces two options: Do 
the job or go out of business. Hence, judging 
the safety or risk of a particular task is 
accompanied by economic considerations 
which may prompt the commercial user to 
attempt a maneuver the scientific user feels 
too risky. 


U.S. NAVY CERTIFICATION 


The U.S. Navy defines a manned submers- 
ible as “. . . any ship, vessel, capsule or 
craft capable of operating underwater with 
or without propulsion, on and under the 
surface of the water with the operator(s) 
and/or passengers embarked in a dry habi- 
tat and which by its design is incapable of 
defensive or offensive action in combat” 
(Secretary of the Navy Instruction 9290.1A). 
This definition includes habitats such as 
SEALAB, rescue chambers of the McCann 
type and tethered and untethered manned 
submersibles, both military and non-mili- 
tary. Provisions of this instruction allow mil- 
itary or civilian naval personnel with proper 
authority to dive in a non-certified vehicle on 
an occasional or one-time basis for specified 
purposes of indoctrination, evaluation or re- 
search. A vehicle can remain uncertified and 
still operate under Navy contract as long as 
naval personnel (military or civilian) do not 
dive in it. 


Navy certification is divided into three 
areas: a) Systems certification, b) operator(s) 
competency and c) operational safety. The 
Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) was as- 
signed the responsibility of assuring safety 
in these areas and delegated systems certifi- 
cation to The Chief of Naval Material (CNM), 
who subsequently directed the Naval Ship 
Systems Command (NAVSHIPS) to promul- 
gate the criteria by which submersibles can 
be evaluated for certification. Submarine De- 
velopment Group 1 (SUBDEVGRU-1) was 
designated as the inspecting activity for op- 
erators’ certification, and their requirements 
are outlined in Chief of Naval Operations 
Instruction (OPNAVINST 9290.3). Chief of 
Naval Operations (OP-23) is the recipient of 
information on operational safety aspects 
and pertinent environmental data. 


Systems Certification 
Certification of a submersible for material 
and procedural adequacy must be obtained 
by the Naval user prior to signing a contract 
for lease or purchase. When a naval activity 
contracts for construction of a vehicle the 
certification requirements must be invoked. 
Those submersible systems which material 
and procedural adequacy treats fall under 
the Certification Scope and “. . . includes 
the sea water pressure boundary, the mate- 
rials, equipment, and operating procedures 
systems, needed to recover from a malfunc- 
tion or accident and above all a system for 
sustaining life which will permit recovery 
of the operators, divers, or occupants of the 
Deep Submergence System without unduly 
impairing their health or well being.” (8). 
Examples of such systems or equipment are: 
Pressure hull, hard structure and appurte- 
nances 
Ballast systems 
Life support systems 
Jettisoning systems 
Non-pressure compensated equipments 
subject to implosion 
Release devices for external appendages 
Fire fighting devices or systems 
Intership/intraship communications sys- 
tems 
Depth measurement devices 
Obstacle avoidance systems and electric 
propulsion motors as applicable 


637 


Accessibility to vital equipment 
Submersible stability and buoyancy 
Buoyancy materials and/or devices 
Electrical power systems 

Operating procedures 

A detailed and lucid explanation of the 
requirements for systems and procedural ad- 
equacy is presented in NAVMAT Publication 
P-9290 of July 1973 System Certification 
Procedures and Criteria Manual for Deep 
Submergence Systems which is available to 
the public through the Government Printing 
Office. 

To obtain Navy certification a submersible 
must first be sponsored by a projected Naval 
user. Only the highlights of Navy material 
certification will be discussed, and informa- 
tion regarding this aspect of certification 
was obtained mainly from the above 
NAVMAT publication. 


Required Records 

The scope of certification is not a pre- 
determined list of Naval demands but is a 
detailed list of those portions of the submers- 
ible which in the builder’s judgement fall 
within the certification scope. 

Additionally, the applicant is asked to pro- 
vide the criteria and supporting justification 
for limiting the scope of certification. Gener- 
ally, the following procedures are expected: 

—the applicant must establish and identify 
the pertinent design parameters, e.g., op- 
erating depth, safety factors, design life, 
etc., used in the design and needed to 
evaluate the safety of the submersible; 

—a design review report should be submit- 
ted which minimally includes a summary 
description of the vehicle, design param- 
eters, agreed-upon certification scope, 
system descriptions, operability and 
maintenance criteria and procedures and 
material justification; 

—the design of each system, including the 
fluid, electrical, compressed air and gas 
systems, must be described by the appli- 
cant; 

—design calculations which state all as- 
sumptions and rationales used in the 
analyses must be submitted to demon- 
strate the adequacy of design; 

—test reports, used to justify design ade- 
quacy, must be self explanatory, conclu- 


sive, and must include a description of 
the test set-up, test conditions, instru- 
mentation and accuracy of measure- 
ment; 

—up-to-date copies of the manufacturing 
drawings of each component and system 
evaluated in the design analysis must be 
submitted; 

—it is desired, but not a stated require- 
ment, that there also be submitted such 
analyses as an information flow diagram, 
an operational sequence diagram and a 
human engineering analysis of the in- 
strumentation and control station lay- 
out; 

—all materials used within the certifica- 
tion scope in the design of the vehicle for 
expected service environments must be 
justified. This is to determine the possi- 
bility of galvanic corrosion on adjacent 
materials, and emission of noxious odors 
from points, insulation or other compo- 
nents within the vehicle which may give 
off such odors below 200°F. Flammable 
materials are also considered. 


Introduction of New Materials 

To anticipate the introduction of new ma- 
terials into a rapidly advancing technology, 
candidate materials and/or components are 
grouped into the following categories: 
Materials and/or components 
which have had a considerable 
amount of fabrication and oper- 
ational experience in the in- 
tended environment and for the 
intended application. Examples 
are HY 80 and HY 100 plate 
(MIL-S-16216) for spherical or 
cylindrical pressure hulls 70/30 
Cu-Ni (MIL-C-15726) valve bod- 
ies and lithium hydroxide 
(LiOH) for CO, removal at am- 
bient pressure. 
Materials and/or components 
which have had a considerable 
amount of commercial opera- 
tional use but lack an apprecia- 
ble degree of experience in a 
marine environment or in the 
proposed application. Examples 
in this category are given as 
certain types of aluminum, tita- 


Category |: 


Category 2: 


638 


nium and several high and low 
strength steels. 

Materials and components for 
which definitive information 
and experience are not yet 
available. Examples in this cate- 
gory are such pressure hull ma- 
terials as ultra high strength 
steel, titanium, aluminum, ce- 
ramics, plastics or glass or com- 
binations of these. 

The burden of proof that the material or 
component is adequate and the justification 
of the acceptance criteria is upon the appli- 
cant who must present such to the reviewing 
board. 


Category 3: 


Construction and Fabrication Processes 

The applicant must also meet various re- 
quirements in regard to the construction and 
fabrication processes for systems within the 
certification scope. These processes include 
work procedures, heat treating instructions 
and welding and assembly procedures. In 
essence, the applicant should include all con- 
struction and fabrication procedures that af- 
fect the design performance of the system or 
component. 


Quality Assurance 

The applicant must demonstrate that an 
effective quality control program has as- 
sured that all design requirements of the 
systems and components within the certifica- 
tion scope of the submersible are met in 
order to assure vehicle safety. 


Testing 
Systems within the scope of certification 
must be tested to demonstrate their ade- 
quacy, e.g., pressure hull strength, flotation 
and buoyancy systems, emergency deballast- 
ing and jettisoning systems, electrical insu- 
lation integrity and safety features. Three 
general testing categories are required: 
development tests: To verify the perfor- 
mance of materials, mechanical designs 
and systems which are unique to the 
marine environment; 
quality assurance tests: To demonstrate that 
the components, materials and fabrica- 
tion of the vehicle meet the require- 
ments of design; 


operational and proof tests: To confirm the 

designs and operational characteristics 

of the submersible. 
These are further divided into Pre-Sea Trial 
Tests and Sea Trial Tests. In the latter, tests 
within a single dive or a series of dives are 
made to the vehicle’s maximum operating 
depth with members of the certifying team on 
board. 


Operability and Maintenance 

Written procedures are required for both 
the normal and emergency submersible oper- 
ations, as well as a checklist of major evolu- 
tions such as repair, maintenance and in- 
spections. Appendix III presents daily main- 
tenance routine and checklist as an example 
of such procedures. 


Survey of the Submersible 

Subsequent to all dockside testing, a sur- 
vey of the vehicle will be made to determine 
that it was actually built and will perform as 
designed. The survey team is composed of 
naval and applicant representatives. 


Tenure of Certification 

Once having obtained Navy certification 
the sponsor user or operator must maintain 
review records and procedures in order that 
the vehicle remains certified. Certification is 
not granted for the design life of the vehicle, 
but is generally based on its intended mis- 
sion profile and operating and test history. 
Major overhauls, expiration of a lease or 
breaching the scope of certification automat- 
ically terminates material certification. The 
tenure of certification is categorized into 
three areas: 1) Sustaining certification, 2) 
Continuance of certification and 3) Recertifi- 
cation. 

1) Sustaining Certification —This is action to 
assure that the submersible remains in the 
“as certified” condition for the period of cer- 
tification. Sustaining certification is gener- 
ally the responsibility of the Naval user and 
the civilian operator. In order to sustain 
certification the responsible party must ap- 
prise NAVSHIPS of the following: All design 
changes within the certification scope or 
those which could change the certification 
scope; that repairs and maintenance have 
been conducted so that all systems and com- 
ponents within the scope of certification op- 


639 


erate normally before each dive; that re- 
quired periodic inspections of certification 
scope systems and components have been 
performed and the results forwarded; and 
that the vehicle has and will operate within 
its certified operational limits. Finally NAV- 
SHIPS must be advised of all abnormal situ- 
ations such as excursions below certified 
depth, collisions, grounding, entanglements, 
fires and emergency ascents. 

2) Continuance of Certification his category 
applies to the extension of certification be- 
yond the initial period granted, and it nor- 
mally accommodates continued use of a vehi- 
cle which has undergone no changes to the 
basic design, the scope of certification or 
general operating characteristics. To main- 
tain this condition all the requirements and 
procedures of ‘Sustaining Certification” 
must be observed. 

3) Recertification —Breaching the scope of 
certification, major overhauling or termina- 
tion of a lease shall cause the initial certifi- 
cation to expire, and the applicant must rees- 
tablish a scope of certification and fulfill all 
the requirements that were necessary for 
initial certification. 


External Instrumentation 

Instrumentation or devices external to the 
submersible also fall within the scope of cer- 
tification, although they may have nothing 
to do directly with the operation of the vehi- 
cle. The potential hazard of such instrumen- 
tation—e.g., manipulators, transducers, 
oceanographic sensors, cameras, etc.—may 
rest either in their imploding, if not pres- 
sure-compensated, or in their becoming en- 
tangled and immobilizing the vehicle if the 
instrument is not jettisonable. 

In the case of the pressure-resistant (vs. 
pressure-compensated) component or system 
implodable volume and standoff distance are 
the critical factors. If the volume of the 
instrument is such that by imploding it could 
cause a casualty to any component within 
the certification scope it must be mounted a 
minimum “standoff” distance from such crit- 
ical components so that if an implosion oc- 
curred the component would not be affected. 
The guidelines for determining the criticality 
of systems and/or components which may 
implode and cause material damage are pre- 


sented in reference (8), and a sample calcula- 
tion is presented in Figures 13.8 and 13.9. It 
is noted that this sample calculation applies 
only to spherical pressure hulls of design 
crush depth 1.5 times or greater than the 
design depth and not fabricated from a brit- 
tle material such as glass or ceramics. 

When a non-pressure compensated item 
has a critical implodable volume and cannot 


be waived from a NAVSHIP’s point of view, 
then the component must be cycled nine 
times to 1.5 times its operating depth and 
held at that depth for 10 minutes on each 
cycle; on the tenth cycle it must be held at 
greatest pressure for 1 hour (35°F in seawa- 
ter is recommended). Any leakage or visible 
indications of change result in test failure. 
Where instruments extend beyond the ve- 


MINIMUM STANDOFF DISTANCE FROM A SPHERICAL DSS FOR AN IMPLODABLE CAMERA CASE 


MMe =o. | ae 


ile CALCULATE INSIDE VOLUME 


V = 7 (3/2)2 X 16 


Vv 


Tm (9/4) X 16 = 36 X = 113 CUBIC INCHES 


2. ENTER GRAPH UNDER MAXIMUM DESIGNED DEPTH OF 6000’ AND VOLUME OF 113 CUBIC INCHES 


TO GET K-FACTOR. 


K ~ .85 
é 
3. MULTIPLY K-FACTOR BY 
JR 
R = 3.5’ > (3.5)'/2 = 1.87 
85 
MINIMUM STANDOFF DISTANCE =—7>- = . 


MINIMUM STANDOFF DISTANCE = 5-1/2” 


WHERE R IS THE PRESSURE HULL RADIUS IN FEET. 


THIS IS THE MINIMUM STANDOFF FOR CONSIDERING AN ITEM OF “NON-CRITICAL 
VOLUME.” TESTING PER PARAGRAPH C.3 OF REF. (8) WOULD NOT BE REQUIRED 
AS LONG AS THE HULL STANDOFF IS GREATER THAN 5-1/2’ AND THE ITEM IS 
NOT LOCATED WITHIN 5-1/2’° FROM ANY CERTIFICATION SCOPE ITEM. 


Fig. 13.8 Sample calculation (assume spherical DSS has 6,000-ft maximum design depth). 
640 


SS |S // (ei BAAVTA/AEEA 
S/R Ay ae ASAE 


ESS CaS SSiyasae 


fae 


IMPLODABLE VOLUME IN CUBIC INCHES 


20 


ye 


tht LY 
WOT AAO 
Ty anal 


Haas 


40 506.0 8.0 10.0 


K-FACTOR 


Fig. 13.9 Minimum standoff distance for implodable items (spherical pressure hull). 


hicle’s greatest diameter and fouling on a 
wire or line is a distinct possibility, the rules 
are flexible. There is no limit to the size of an 
object which can be attached externally to 
the vehicle, but if it apparently protrudes to 
the point where fouling is possible it must be 
jettisonable. Again, there is no required 
method of jettisoning, but pyrotechnic re- 
lease devices, e.g., explosive bolts (Fig. 


641 


13.10), are preferred over weak-link devices. 
One type of component which can cause 
problems in this area is the manipulators 
or mechanical arms. If in the process of 
repairing or moving a heavy cable or piece of 
hardware, the manipulator fails and its grip 
cannot be released or if it becomes fouled in 
an appendage, it must be possible to jettison 
the arm(s). In general, the more streamlined 


Ty APPLIANCES CO, 


c.- 4M-U 


ol ie ie 


Fig. 13.10 All power cables and support cables leading from the brow on DEEPSTAR 2000 can be severed by the guillotine cutter on the right by electronically actuating an explosive 
squib (left) from within the pressure hull 


the submersible the easier it is to certify in Operator Competency 

terms of snagging or fouling potential. According to OPNAVINST 9290.3, opera- 
A flow diagram showing the milestone tors of a submersible include “‘. . . those 

events of material certification is presented personnel who physically control the oper- 

in Figure 13.11. ating parameters of the submersible such as 


642 


MAJOR CERTIFICATION EVENTS 


APPLICANT/SPONSOR 

DEFINE OBJECTIVES, SUMMARY DESCRIPTION, 
OVERALL PARAMETERS, AND DESIRED TENURE 
PERIOD. 


APPLICANT/SPONSOR & SCA 
NEGOTIATE CERTIFICATION SCOPE, PSOB & 
MILESTONE EVENT SCHEDULE. 


APPLICANT/SPONSOR 
COLLECT AND SUBMIT CERTIFICATION 
DOCUMENTATION. 


SCA 
PERFORM DOCUMENTATION TECHNICAL REVIEW 
AND EVALUATION. 


SCA 
PERFORM DSS ON-SITE SURVEY. 


APPLICANT /SPONSOR 
PERFORM CERTIFICATION OPERATION (DIVE). 


SCA 
ISSUE CERTIFICATION CERTIFICATE. 


APPLICANT /SPONSOR 
SUSTAIN CERTIFICATION THROUGHOUT TENURE. 


Fig. 13.11 Flow chart, system certification milestone events. 


depth, course, speed, pitch, roll, etc. Oper- 
ators include those crew members whose 
control functions are essential to the safe 
operation of the submersible.” 


643 


Except in special cases, all Navy-owned 
submersibles require operators who are mili- 
tary personnel and ‘‘Qualified in Subma- 
rines.” In the case of privately-owned sub- 
mersibles leased by the Navy and Navy sub- 
mersibles operated (piloted) by civilians the 
following documents are required which the 
sponsor or prospective user must assure are 
forwarded: 

1) A written statement of physical exami- 
nations and certification of the oper- 
ator’s fitness by a medical doctor; 

2) A copy of the physical requirements set 
forth by the operator’s employer; 

3) A resume of the operator’s background 
and level of competence; 

4) Seuba qualifications (for lock-in/lock-out 
submersibles); 

5) Operator’s qualification notebooks if re- 
quired by the operator’s company; 

6) Dive Logs if maintained by pilot. 

This information is reviewed by Submarine 
Development Group One which also conducts 
an in-depth interview of each pilot expected 
to operate the submersible during the lease 
period. This interview is to determine the 
operator’s knowledge of the submersible de- 
sign, construction, operation and handling 
characteristics. After determining that the 
foregoing is satisfactory a qualified officer is 
designated to dive in the vehicle and observe 
the operator(s) during a demonstration dive 
which requires operations similar to those 
anticipated during the lease period. Qualifi- 
cation as a pilot in one submersible is not 
transferable to a different submersible. 

Operator recertification is required when 
the operator has not piloted the vehicle for 6 
months or after a major equipment change 
or major alteration (as determined by CNM). 

The naval passengers themselves are also 
required to undergo submarine physical and 
psychiatric examinations before they can 
dive and must repeat these examinations at 
periodic intervals (every 3 years for the men- 
tal examination and annually for the physi- 
cal). 


The Deep Submersibles Pilots Association 
Qualification requirements of operators or 
pilots as recommended by the Deep Submers- 
ibles Pilots Association are in general agree- 
ment with Naval standards. Membership in 


the Pilots Association, a voluntary organiza- 
tion begun in 1967, requires a person to have 
been the pilot in command of a submersible 
on at least five dives with one to the mini- 
mum depth of 200 meters. The association 
considers the following as constituting pilot 
requirements and training: 
Experience —A solid background of sea- 
going experience is primary, and scuba 
diving, aircraft flying, power boat maneu- 
vering and submarine experience are de- 
sirable, but not necessary. Motivation and 
demonstrated work competence are the se- 
lecting criteria. 
Physical Requirements —Navy physical re- 
quirements for submarines are considered 
too stringent, but may serve as a guideline 
for ascertaining the required good general 
health. 
Psychological Requirements —Stability, matu- 
rity and general reliability and compe- 
tence should be demonstrated, if possible, 
under actual diving operations. 


Training and Familiarization —The candidate 
should display a working knowledge of: 
Diving principles, submersible construc- 
tion, operational performance and emer- 
gency procedures; environmental limits 
(physiological) of living in a closed environ- 
ment; test, maintenance and overhaul pro- 
cedures and surface support requirements 
and procedures; small boat piloting; the 
ocean environment; and some first aid. 
Operational Training —The candidate must 
successfully demonstrate his ability to: 
Maneuver and launch/retrieve the sub- 
mersible under both normal and emer- 
gency conditions; operate all normal and 
mission oriented equipment; perform sup- 
port functions and maintenance; and suc- 
cessfully deal with such environmental 
systems emergencies as might occur in the 
cabin (pressure capsule) when submerged. 
The Association considers a pilot’s qualifi- 
cations to be current if he is continuously 
and actively involved in the submersible’s 
operation. If he is not actively involved for a 
period greater than 6 months or if a major 
equipment change has occurred with which 
he is not familiar he should requalify. Quali- 
fications from one submersible design to an- 
other are not transferable. Annual physical 


644 


examinations are required and age, by itself, 
is not a disqualifying factor. 


Operational Safety 

Owing to the controls which can be and 
generally are applied, the prospects of a sub- 
mersible getting into trouble due to material 
failure and operator incompetence are un- 
likely. On the other hand, the lack of opera- 
tional experience and the gross nature of our 
basic oceanographic knowledge provide am- 
ple opportunity for at-sea mishaps. (See 
Chapter 14.) 

By direction of OPNAVINST 9290.2 series 
the naval users of submersibles are held 
responsible for assuring non-interference 
with surfaced or submerged shipping in the 
projected operations area. They must evalu- 
ate environmental conditions which may af- 
fect communications and the operation and 
must insure that dates, times, locations, de- 
scription of the submersible and support ship 
and the nature of the operation are pub- 
lished in the appropriate Notice to Mariners. 
Additionally they must, through the Com- 
mander Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic 
Fleet, reserve an area of operations that 
precludes interference with Naval opera- 
tions. Along with the above information they 
must also submit to the Chief of Naval Oper- 
ations (OP-23) the mission objectives, de- 
tailed plan of activities, rescue and salvage 
plans, area assignments and communication 
plans. The operational safety aspects of sub- 
mersible certification are a consideration al- 
most equally as detailed and demanding as 
material certification to the naval user. In- 
deed, as more submersibles are used and as 
more attention is focused on this area, certi- 
fication of operational safety shows every 
indication of assuming equal importance. 

Full Naval Certification is not only costly 
but time-consuming. It can take from several 
months to several years, and the prospective 
user must be prepared well in advance for 
problems of variety and complexity, both 
with hardware and personalities. 


AMERICAN BUREAU OF 
SHIPPING CLASSIFICATION 


Classification by the American Bureau of 
Shipping (ABS) is voluntary and represents 


the only detailed civilian guides for submers- 
ible construction. Classification by the Bu- 
reau is instigated by the submersible owner 
at his request, and all expenses incurred in 
the process are borne by him. These ex- 
penses may range from $2,500 for a NEK- 
TON-type vehicle to over $25,000 for a BEN 
FRANKLIN-type vehicle (M. Letich, ABS, 
personal communication). 

The American Bureau of Shipping defines 
a submersible as ‘*. . . any vessel or craft 
capable of operating under water, submerg- 
ing, surfacing and remaining afloat under 
weather conditions not less severe than Sea 
State 3, without endangering the life and 
safety of crew and passengers.’ In their 
Guide for the Classification of Manned Sub- 
mersibles (9) they present the requirements 
and procedures which must be considered in 
the certification of a submersible by ABS. 

ABS states in the foreword to their guide 
that their limited commercial experience in 
submersible operations requires that the 
guide be considered as an attempt to make 
various procedures and techniques available 
to designers until sufficient operating expe- 
rience is available from which more defini- 
tive requirements can be formulated. In es- 
sence, the guide presents the minimum re- 
quired information for drawings and calcula- 
tions which must be submitted for classifica- 
tion. Additionally, a portion of the guide 
deals with surveys required during and after 
construction by ABS surveyors. 


Required Drawings 

—Pressure hull and appurtenances 

—Non-pressure hull (superstructure, 
fairwater, etc.) 

—Tanks not subject to submergence 
pressure 

—Foundations to equipment 

—Ballast and blow systems 

—Deballasting/jettisoning systems 

—Release devices for external appen- 
dages 

—Anchor, lifting and handling systems 

—Propeller 

—Propulsion machinery with shafting, 
bearings and seals 

—Control surfaces 

—Electric wiring and equipment 

—Life support systems 


645 


—Fire fighting systems 
—Intership communication systems 
—Ship-to-shore communications 


Required Calculations 

—Stability (normal and emergency) 

—Buoyancy 

—Equilibrium polygon 

—Minimum freeboard 

—Foundations to vital equipment 

—Tanks subject to submergence pres- 
sure 

—Pressure hull 

—Life support 

—Lifting and handling attachments 

—Electric load analysis 

—Piping systems vital to crew safety and 
vehicle survival 


Buoyancy Characteristics 

1) Surface Buoyancy—Through calcula- 
tions and/or tests demonstrate that the vehi- 
cle can surface and remain so without jeop- 
ardizing vehicle safety in normal sea condi- 
tions (Sea State 3) and with adequate free- 
board. 

2) Neutral Submerged Buoyancy—Through 
calculations and/or tests demonstrate the ve- 
hicle’s ability to hover at a fixed depth at 
even keel at zero speed while submerged and 
under all loading conditions unless acted 
upon by an outside force. 


Stability and Trim Characteristics 
The designer must demonstrate through 
calculations and/or tests that the stability 
and trim characteristics of the vehicle are 
adequate for the following Normal condi- 
tions: 
1) Operating on the surface 
2) Transient 
3) Underwater operation 
The designs must also show by calculation 
and/or tests that under any possible combi- 
nation of dropped jettisonable weights the 
submersible would retain adequate stability; 
this is referred to as Emergency or Damage 
Condition. Additionally, the vehicle’s ability 
to survive within certain identified damaged 
conditions should be verified by calculation 
and/or testing. 


Ballast System Requirements 
Owing to its extreme importance to safe 


operations, complete details of ballast sys- 
tem materials and design are to be submit- 
ted with special attention given to methods 
of attachment to hull and protection against 
external damage. Tanks and piping mate- 
rials must be tested and inspected in accord- 
ance with ABS rules where applicable. Fab- 
rication, installation and testing of the bal- 
last system should be carried out in the 
presence of ABS surveyors. 


Maneuverability and Controls 

If rudders and/or diving planes are used 
for maneuvering, detailed drawings of them 
must be submitted which include steering 
mechanisms and necessary controls. All sub- 
mersibles are required to have some means 
of determining their location and avoiding 
obstacles when submerged. 

In addition to the general guidelines pre- 
sented above, the ABS manual provides ex- 
cellent guidance of a more specific nature on 
the design, construction, and testing of the 
pressure hull, “exostructure,’ environmen- 
tal control, mechanical equipment, electrical 
equipment, emergency equipment, proce- 
dures followed during surveys and lock-in/ 
lock-out contrivances. The ABS also requires 
submission of a spare parts list, and the 
appendices to the manual deal with support- 
ing data for Class II materials and sustain- 
ing data for Class III materials (similar to 
Naval classification of materials I, II, III). 
Requirements for toughness testing, X-ray 
acceptability standards and environmental 
control parameters are also to be included. 

Adherence to the ABS guidelines during 
submersible construction does not imply that 
certification by the Navy is a rubber-stamp- 
ing effort, since several areas of the vehicle’s 
construction and operation are dealt with in 
different fashion by both. However, the ABS 
guidelines have drawn heavily on naval sub- 
marine experience. Indeed, several members 
of the committee who contributed to this 
manual are directly or indirectly involved 
with Naval certification. 

The original 1968 ABS Guide is being ex- 
panded and revised, and will be published as 
the ‘‘Guide for the Classification of Under- 
water Vessels and Related Systems.’’ The 
new guide, according to Letich (11), will in- 
clude: 


646 


1) Lock-out submersibles 

2) Tethered submersibles 

3) Submersible vehicles 

4) Small submersibles 

5) Stationary underwater vessels 

6) Support ships 

7) Diving systems 

8) Launch and recovery gear 

9) Equipment including requirements on 

anchors and chains, lines and umbilical 
cords. 

The submersible builder of today is in a far 
better position to build a safe, certifiable 
vehicle than his predecessor, for the combi- 
nation of the NAVMAT criteria, the ABS 
guidelines and the guidelines presented in 
Marine Technology Society’s Safety and Op- 
erational Guidelines for Undersea Vehicles 
provides a wealth of knowledge heretofore 
unavailable to early submersible builders. 


U.S. COAST GUARD 
REQUIREMENTS 


Present U.S. Coast Guard submersible reg- 
ulations are essentially non-existent owing 
to lack of legal authority pertaining to the 
small submersibles now operating. All sub- 
mersibles presently operating under a U.S. 
flag and which carry no more than six pas- 
sengers fall under the Motor Boat Act of 
1971 and must comply with ‘‘Rules and Reg- 
ulations for Uninspected Vessels,’’ subchap- 
ter 6, CG—258. This act requires that the 
submersible have running lights, a fire ex- 
tinguisher and life preservers for each per- 
son aboard, and that it display its state 
registration number (personal communica- 
tion, CDR Charles B. Glass, USCG). 

In the case of the following submersibles 
the regulations governing surface ships 
again apply, but are more stringent and com- 
plex by requiring that the submersible 
owner show the vehicle to have been built 
following good engineering practices: 

a. Submersibles not more than 65 feet in 
length and under 100 gross tons carrying 
more than six passengers; 

b. Submersibles more than 65 feet in 
length and over 15 gross tons carrying pas- 
sengers for hire; 

c. Submersibles more than 15 gross tons 
carrying freight for hire; 


d. Submersibles 100 gross tons or more 
carrying passengers; 

e. Submersibles 300 gross tons or more; 

f. Any submersible carrying combustible or 
flammable liquid in bulk; 

g. Any submersible carrying dangerous 
cargo. 

The standards to be met are based upon 
the Coast Guard’s background of engineering 
talent, which additionally draws from U.S. 
Navy and American Bureau of Shipping 
certification requirements and the proce- 
dures outlined in the Marine Technology So- 
ciety’s guidelines for undersea vehicles. The 
proposed civilian use of ex-military subma- 
rines for under-ice surveys in the Arctic 
would fall under this category. 


SEARCH AND RESCUE 
RESPONSIBILITIES 


Contrary to its present limited role in sub- 
mersible certification, the Coast Guard has 
the sole responsibility for search and rescue 
of civilian submersibles. Though presently 
limited in its own undersea rescue capability, 
the Coast Guard may request assistance 
from the U.S. Armed Forces under the gen- 
eral concepts of a National Search and Res- 
cue Plan referred to as SAR. This plan is a 
federal inter-agency agreement established 
to assure coordinated response among fed- 
eral agencies in the event of a search and 
rescue emergency. Briefly, it works as de- 
scribed below. 

There is a Coast Guard Rescue Control 
Center (RCC) in each of its 12 districts, and 
within each district are several SAR sta- 
tions. The operators of a submersible in dis- 
tress contact the nearest SAR station on 
2182 kHz or 156.8 MHz and informs it of the 
nature, location, etc., of the emergency. The 
SAR station begins taking immediate action 
with whatever assets it has on hand, and 
concurrently informs the RCC within its dis- 
trict. In the event that the need arises for 
underwater rescue calling for assets beyond 
those of the Coast Guard, the RCC requests 
assistance from Chief of Naval Operations 
(CNO) who provides such through the Navy’s 
Supervisor of Salvage (SUPSAL). An on- 
scene commander (OSC) is designated by 
CNO to carry out rescue procedures as he 
sees fit. 


647 


As one step in expediting safe civilian sub- 
mersible operations, the Coast Guard estab- 
lished a voluntary reporting system to: 1) 
Provide immediate information to their Res- 
cue Coordination Centers in the event of an 
emergency; 2) lessen the possibility of incor- 
rectly identifying the submersible as a for- 
eign naval submarine; 3) prevent undersea 
conflicts with other surface or subsurface 
vessels in the area of operation; and 4) pro- 
vide the general maritime community with 
notice that such operations are being con- 
ducted. 

In a notice to all owners, manufacturers 
and operators of civilian submersibles, dated 
11 August 1967, the Coast Guard Comman- 
dant asked for cooperation in providing to 
the nearest Coast Guard District Com- 
mander the following information prior to 
commencement of each operation: 

a. General submersible description; 

b. Operations area, surface and sub- 

merged; 

c. Dates and times of start and termina- 

tion of operation; 

d. Any special methods of warning surface 

ships of surfacing intentions; 

e. If surface craft accompanying, give gen- 

eral description of such; 

f. Emergency communications capability 

of support ship and submersible; 

. Information helpful in event of distress, 
e.g., escape capability, life support dura- 
tion, flotation gear and location aids 
aboard submersible. 

According to Lieutenant R. Pyzer, USCG 
(personal communication), response to this 
request was excellent initially, but has grad- 
ually become a “sometime thing” in all but 
military-owned and federally-leased vehicles. 
With the recent JOHNSON SEA LINK and 
PISCES III incidents (see Chapter 14), how- 
ever, compliance with this request has in- 
creased in the private sector. 


MARSAP 


An acronym for Mutual Assistance Rescue 
and Salvage Plan, MARSAP is an attempt by 
industry’s owners of submersibles to be able 
to render assistance to a distressed submers- 
ible. The MARSAP report and reeommenda- 


tions (never formally published) cover var- 
ious standard equipment a member-submers- 
ible should carry and techniques employed in 
a rescue situation. The plan, however, ran 
into some difficulty regarding indemnifica- 
tion and liability of the rescuer, and has 
languished since its inception in 1967. 


INSURANCE 


According to the Marine Technology Soci- 
ety’s Guidelines (10), the owner or operator 
of a submersible is required by law to carry 
insurance covering employees engaged in 
the operation of a submersible and the sup- 
port ship. This coverage is required for any 
employee subject to: 

1. U.S. Longshoreman’s and Harbor 
Worker’s Compensation Act, U.S. Code (1946) 
Title 33, Section 901-49 or, 

2. U.S. Longshoreman’s and Harbor 
Worker’s Compensation Act as extended by 
act of August 7, 1953 (Public Law 212, 83rd 
Congress, the Outer Continental Shelf) or, 

3. The Defense Bases Act, U.S. Code (1946) 
Title 42, Section 1614-54 (Public Law 208, 
77th Congress as amended) and the provi- 
sions applicable thereto under the Long- 
shoreman’s and Harbor Worker’s Compensa- 
tion Act, U.S. Code (1946) Title 33, Section 
901-49. 

The owner/operator should carry Bodily 
Injury Liability and Property Damage Lia- 
bility in sufficient amount to provide the 
necessary protection in the event of an acci- 
dent. 

Additionally, the owner/operator should 
carry all Risk Marine Insurance to cover 
accidental damage and/or loss to the sub- 
mersible. 

Insurance coverage for total loss of the 
vehicle, though desirable, is not always ob- 
tained. Companies such as Perry Submarine 
Builders are self-assuring because the cost of 
total (hull) coverage would put them out of 
the competitive market. 

Legal requirements for submersibles of 
other nations appear to be essentially the 
same as in the U.S.; requirements are up to 
the user. Canadian private submersibles 
generally seek to attain ABS certification. 
The Canadian Armed Forces vehicle (SDL-1) 
has received such and operates under its 


648 


own set of requirements similar to its U.S. 
Naval counterparts. 

According to Dr. Tadayoshi Sasaki (12), 
when design work began on YOMIURI con- 
cern was expressed to the Japanese Ministry 
of Transportation regarding the lack of rules 
and regulations ensuring safety of civilian 
submersibles. As a result, in September 1963, 
the Inspection and Technical Standards for 
Submarine Boats were established as a part 
of the Safety Law for Ships (Senpako Anzen 
Ho) and YOMIURI was designed and con- 
structed in accordance with this law. Sasaki 
further stated that this law was partly 
amended in September 1966 and is in force 
today (1970). 

On the other hand, Dr. Tamio Ashino (13), 
of Japan Ship’s Machinery Development As- 
sociation, defines these regulations as provi- 
sional and only deal with the structures, 
facilities, and methods for inspection of sub- 
mersibles. There are no operator’s qualifica- 
tions, but it is necessary to get the approval 
of the Ministry of Transportation’s Seamen 
Bureau based upon their Section 20, The 
Regulation for Crews of Ships. Dr. Ashino 
further relates that there is no present pro- 
cedure for reporting submersible operations, 
but one will be established when the Japa- 
nese Maritime Agency attains a rescue capa- 
bility. 

In the United Kingdom, Lloyds Register of 
Shipping has drawn up a set of rules and 
regulations for the construction and opera- 
tion of submersibles. These regulations are 
for insurance purposes (K. R. Haigh, Admi- 
ralty Experimental Diving Unit, personal 
communication) and serve the same purpose 
as ABS classification. 

Similar insurance inspection guidelines 
were written by Germanischer Lloyd, Ham- 
burg, in 1971 and are entitled Regulations 
for the Classification and Construction of 
Submersibles. 

Mr. James Dawson (14) presents an excel- 
lent, if not the only, account of submersible 
insurance from an underwriter’s viewpoint. 
Dawson states, “It is virtually a prerequi- 
site to buying insurance to have certifica- 
tion from a classification society already 
approved by the underwriters . . then in 
all probability (the underwriter will) re- 
quire an expert consultant’s report and 


recommendations before they will actually 
quote terms and rates.’ Classification by 
ABS, Lloyd’s Register of Shipping and Ger- 
manischer Lloyd is acceptable. Interestingly, 
Dawson (a member of Lloyd’s of London) 
strongly opposes legislation which would ‘po- 
lice’ the submersible industry because: 1) the 
extraordinary record of safety in the indus- 
try is proof of its safety consciousness, and 2) 
the concept opens the prospect of certifica- 
tion withdrawal for political reasons in order 
to protect domestic operations from thrust- 
ing exporters. 

Information regarding regulations on, 
French, Italian or Russian vehicles is not 
available. 


REFERENCES 

1. Glass, C. B. 1969 A Coast Guard role in 
civil submersible safety. Soc. Automo- 
tive Engineers, Pub. 690027, presented at 
the International Automotive Engineer- 
ing Congress, Detroit, Mich., 13-17 Jan. 
1969. 

2. Shumaker, L. A. 1967 Safety Standards 
for Deep Submersible Vehicles. Paper 
67-819 presented at AIAA 4th Annual 
Meeting and Technical Display, Anna- 
heim, Calif., Oct. 1967. 

3. Pritzlaff, J. A. 1967 Submersible Safety, 
Classification Certification and the 
Law. Paper 67-WA/UNT-5 presented at 
ASME Winter Annual Meeting and En- 
ergy System Exposition, Pittsburgh, Pa., 
Nov. 1967. 

4. Busby, R. F., Hunt, L. M. and Rainnie, 
W.O. 1968 Hazards of the Deep. Ocn. 
Ind., v. 3, Nos. 7, 8, & 9, p. 72-77, 32-39, 
53-58, respectively. 

5. Pollio, J. 1968 Undersea Studies With 


649 


10. 


babe 


12: 


13. 


14. 


The Deep Research Vehicle STAR III. 
U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office, I.R. 
No. 68-103, 71pp. 


. Cousteau, J.Y. 1955 Diving through an 


undersea avalanche. National Geo- 


graphic, p. 5388-542. 


. Melson, L. B., Contact 261. U.S. Naval 


Inst. Proc., No. 6, v. 93, 1967, p. 26-39. 


. Naval Material Command Publication P- 


9290 1973 System Certification Proce- 
dures and Criteria Manual for Deep 


Submergence Systems. U.S. Gov. Printing 
Office, Wash., D.C. 20402. 


. American Bureau of Shipping 1968 


Guide for the Classification of Manned 
Submersibles. New York American Bu- 
reau of Shipping. 

Marine Technology Society 1968 Safety 
and Operational Guidelines for Under- 
sea Vehicles. Wash., D.C., Marine Tech- 
nology Society. 

Letich, M. J. 1973 New priorities in 
ocean engineering. Proc. Mar. Tech. Soc. 
9th Ann. Conf., Sept. 10-12, Wash., D.C., 
p. 401-407. 

Sasaki, T. 1970 On underwater observa- 
tion vessels in Japan. Trans. 6th Ann. 
Conf. & Exhibition, 29 June-1 July 1970, 
Mar. Tech. Soc., Wash., D.C., v. 1, p. 227- 
PASI 

Ashino, T. Manager Promotive Head- 
quarters of Oceanic Machinery Dev., Ja- 
pan Ship’s Machinery Dev. Assoc., Tokyo, 
Personal communication of 25 Dec. 1973. 
Dawson, J. W. 1970 Vehicle development 
and operations—Europe. Preprints 6th 
Ann. Conf. and Exposition, June 29—July 
1, Marine Tech. Soc., Wash., D.C., v. 1, p. 
263-267. 


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EMERGENCY DEVICES AND 


PROCEDURES 


There are three basic categories of emer- 
gency-related devices and procedures: 1) 
Those designed to avoid emergency situa- 
tions; 2) those designed to extricate the vehi- 
cle from a submerged emergency and to as- 
sist in resolving a surfaced emergency; and 
3) those designed to assist rescue operations 
when the vehicle’s own emergency alterna- 
tives fail. 

Table 14.1 presents the variety of re- 
sponses each vehicle has at its disposal, and 
it is accurate insofar as built-in systems 
(weight-drops, ballast blow, hull release, 
emergency breathing, etc.) are concerned. It 
seems reasonable to assume that flashlights 
and fire extinguishers are carried by all; the 
same assumption may be incorrect where 


651 


anchors and flares are concerned. The U.S. 
Coast Guard requires that life preservers, 
running lights, an anchor light and fire ex- 
tinguisher be carried; this may be considered 
as the minimal safety/emergency equipment 
on all U.S. submersibles. 


EMERGENCY AVOIDANCE 
SYSTEMS 


Devices and instruments carried on sub- 
mersibles to avoid and warn of potential 
emergency situations are presented in Table 
14.2. Two factors critical to avoiding emer- 
gencies are not included: a pre-dive checkoff 
list and sound judgement. The former, if 
thorough and followed, can prevent a great 


TABLE 14.1 SUBMERSIBLE EMERGENCY SYSTEMS AND DEVICES 


Auto Obsta. Man Pres Releas Closed Bot Ra- Rock Sur Sur 
matic Echo cle Atmos. ual Trim Equip. High Hull Person. able Submgd. Circuit Scuba tom Flash: dio ets Inflat. face face Mark- Under External 
De- Sound- Avoid. Moni- Weight Ballast Fluid Jetti- Pres. Re: nel Cap- Inflata- Breath- Port Emerg. Ra- Mount. ing Sig- and Hatch Hatch Inflat.Snor- er Water Trans- Ping- Connections Life 


UCC ballast er Sonar tors Drop Blow Drop son Blow lease Egress sule bleBag ers able Fixed Power dio UOC Light nal Flares Sail Trunk Bags kel Buoy Lights ponder er Gas Air Elec Rafts 


5. 


ALL OCEAN 


INDUSTRIES . ° 5 O c 5 
ALUMINAUT fe ° 5 . . 5 5 ° 6 5 ° 2 
ALVIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
AQUARIUS . . . . ° : te ° 4 . 5 < 
ARCHIMEDE aq 0 : . . ° 0 . . 5 5 5 
ARGYRONETE . - . . . . . 
ASHERAH . . 6 8 . 5 5 . 2 0 5 
AUGUSTE 

PICCARD . . D 5 5 . 
BEAVER . . . 5 5 0 5c 0. 0 0 4 & & i ee 
BEN FRANKLIN «ees . ° 7 6 O 2 5 6 6 6 a G ag o 4 
BENTHOS V . . C c 
DEEP DIVER : . . = O 5 5 5 2 8 5 co ° 
DEEP JEEP . 2 is . 0 Gi 5 c 5 o 0 . 
DEEP QUEST . . . . . . . . . . . 5 a . . . 
DEEPSTAR 2000 . . . . o 9 é Go 5 . . . 
DEEPSTAR 4000 Oo 6 . =) fe . oe ° tte 5 5 5 5 5 ° 
DEEPSTAR 20000 . . . o wees oO .6 ste ‘ 
DEEP VIEW . . 5 . eee) C 5 oO 4 5 . 5 
pows . . GAG 5 5 o a 6 5 7 5 
DSRV-+1 : ° - ° Do 5 yo 6 50 Serio 
DSRV-2 - . . . . . . . . . o 0 . . . 
FNRS-2 . : . * 5 6 
FNAS-3 Soi . ° . G < a . 
GOLOFISH . . ° 5 fa 5 
GRIFFON . 
GuPPY . . 5 “ 5 O 5 . 
HAKUYO . . . . . . . . . . . . 
HIKINO . . 
JOHNSON SEA LINK * 
KUMUKAHI . . . . . . . 
KUROSHIO II - - . - ; a as 
MAKAKAI . . . . . . . . . 
MERMAID I/II eat tO 5 c 5 . - a o 
MERMAID III/IV sh nae. . . . . . 5 - is 
MINI DIVER : . A 5 . 
NAUTILETTE . 5 3 + 5 
NEKTON ALPHA . 5 o 6 2 a 6 . 5 o 5 G6 6 10 
NEKTON BETA . - . ° o oO 5 5 5 5 o oo o 
NEKTON GAMMA . . ° 3 - o © 5 5 o 5 GO oo 2 
NEMO . oe HO OO C 2 
NEREID 330 . . . : . 5 5 
NEREID 700 : . . . . D = 
oPsus 
PAULO 1 . ° e ° 5 5 = 
PC-3A1 e 5 5 5 é 4 : D o 
PC-3A2 - . . . . c c © O 
PC3-X . . ° . : 5 . 
PC5C . . . . . . . . . . 
PCB O 
PISCES | . o 5 2 . 5 4 4 - ° . 
PISCES II . ° ite c 6 6 c < 6 5 
PISCES III . . ee 5 SG + 3 5 o 
PISCES IV . . . 5 : 5 6 5 ° 5 O 
PISCES V . 5 o > . ie 5 . 5 . 
PISCES VI . 5 c 5 . 5 6 o . e . 
SDL . . “ 4 ° . C C c O c Aes 
SEA CLIFF . 5 : . oh te é . > 6 5 5 
SEA LINK . 5 5 . oY to ; 2 O G a -o 
SEA OTTER . 5 ° . 3 . . se ° 
SEA-RAY . e 5 5 6 . 
SEA RANGER . oO ° . . 
SHELF DIVER . ° . . Oo oO 5 chore 5 0 
SHINKAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
SNOOPER . ° a 5 < 5 5 
SP-350 . . . . . . . . . 
SP-500 . . . . . . . . . . . . 
SP-500 . - . . . . . . . . . . 
sP-3000 . ° ne ° a tS 5 . oierey, ofa) 5 3 5 . 
SPORTSMAN 300 . 5 ° . 2 
SPORTSMAN 600 ° ° 5 . = 
STAR I ° © ae ° oinints 5 ° . . 
STAR II . . ° 5 c Clg Aas 5 > 5 . 
STAR III of ks . ° ° ° . pti eo LG 5 ate 5 5 
SUBMANAUT 

(Helle) . e ° oars 
SUBMANAUT . . 5 ° ° O 
SUBMARAY . . . . 5 6 6 0 . a) ip 
SURV . ° . . 5 O . . 
SURVEY SUB . ° ce vs . e . 5 . 5 5 A so 
TECHDIVER . . om ls 5 . . ° 5 5 5 5 . 
TOURS Cio 6 5 . . 5 ° i oe 6 . Se desc 
TOURS eo) fet hs . 5 . 5 ° Sy, ely 5 mo 
TRIESTE - rT ° 5 2 5 3 
TREISTE I ee sik Fis) : 5 5 . . 5 5 


652 


TABLE 14.1 SUBMERSIBLE EMERGENCY SYSTEMS AND DEVICES (Cont.) 


Auto Obsta Man Pres Closed Bot 


Releas 
matic Echo cle Atmos. 
De- Sound: Avoid. Moni 


UOC ballast 


val Trim Equip. High Hull Person 
Weight Ballast Fluid Jeti. Pres. Re- nei 
er Sonar tors Drop Blow Drop son 


TUDLIK 
TURTLE 
VAST MK II (K-250) 
VIPER FISH 


(PS-2) 


VOL-L 


able Submgd. Circuit Scuba 
Cap- Inflata- Breath: Port 
Blow lease Egress sule ble Bag 


Ra- Rock Sur Sur 

Inflat. face face Mark- Under 
Emerg. Ra- Mount. ing Sig- and Hatch Hatch Inflat. Snor- er Water Trans- Ping Connections Lite 
ers able Fixed Power dio UQC Light nal Flares Sail Trunk Bags kel Buoy Lights ponder er Gas Air Elec Rafts 


External 


YOMIURI : . . . . : . ‘ A 


TABLE 14.2 EMERGENCY AVOIDANCE SYSTEMS 


Contingency 


Exceeding Operational Depth 


Impact With Bottom 
Obstacles To Maneuvering 
Life Support Failures 


Deteriorating Surface Conditions 
Surface Traffic 


Separation From Surface Ship 


Faulty Life Support 


deal of the operational problems which ac- 
company submersibles; the latter, if em- 
ployed, is the best asset the operator has to 
avoid situations wherein emergency meas- 
ures must be executed. Assisting the opera- 
tor are a number of devices to counteract 
potential emergencies; these will be dis- 
cussed briefly under the nature of the emer- 
gency. In some instances one instrument 
may serve to avoid or counteract more than 


Avoidance Systems 


Depth Gage 

Automatic Deballasting Devices: 
Weight Drop 
Ballast Blow 

Surface Buoy 


Echo Sounder 
Obstacle Avoidance Sonar 
Atmospheric Monitoring Devices 


Underwater Telephone 


Pinger 

Transponder 
Underwater Telephone 
Surface Buoy 


Monitors: 0,,CO,, Pressure (Cabin), CO, Trace Contaminants 


one kind of emergency: Thus the apparent 
duplication in Tables 14.2 through 14.4. 


Exceeding Operational Depth 


Depth Gages: 

Pressure-sensitive depth gages are availa- 
ble with accuracies up to +0.05 percent of 
full scale range. Most submersibles include a 
safety factor of 1.5 on all pressure-resistant 


653 


TABLE 14.3 EMERGENCY CORRECTIVE SYSTEMS (SUBMERGED) 


Emergency 


Loss of Normal Surfacing Ability 


Entanglement 


Pressure Hull Flooding 


Fire 


Elimination of Noxious/Toxic Gasses 


Loss of Normal Life Support 


Loss of Electrical Power 


Corrective Systems 


Weight Drop 

Hand Pump Deballasting 
Trim Fluid Dump 

Equipment Jettison 

High Pressure Deballasting 
Pressure Hull Release 
Personnel Egress 

Releaseable Personnel Capsule 
Inflatable Bag 


Equipment Jettison 

Pressure Hull Release 

Releaseable Personnel Capsule 
Personnel Egress 

Emergency/Normal Ascent Procedure 


Emergency/Normal Ascent Procedures 
High Pressure Air Blow or Pump 


Fire Extinguisher 


Emergency Breathers 
Emergency/Normal Ascent Procedures 


Closed Circuit Breathers 

Open Circuit Breathers 

Chlorate Candles 

Emergency/Normal Ascent Procedures 


Emergency (Internal) Batteries 
Automatic Weight Drop (Fail-Safe) 
Flashlights 

Non-Electrical Ascent 


TABLE 14.4 EMERGENCY CORRECTIVE/ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS (SURFACED) 


Emergency 


Separated from Support Craft 


Breathing Gasses Expired 


components. In this situation the inaccuracy 
of the depth gage is more than offset by the 
liberal safety factor. For example, if a vehi- 
cle’s operating depth is 1,000 feet, a safety 
factor of 1.5 allows 1,500 feet before reaching 
collapse depth. At 1,000 feet a pressure gage 
reading within +50 feet of that depth is well 
within the vehicle’s ability, not only to sur- 
vive, but to function routinely. 


Automatic Deballasting Devices: 

Two procedures are incorporated on sev- 
eral submersibles which automatically func- 
tion to provide positive buoyancy if it pro- 
ceeds beyond operational depth. One system 
(DS-4000) automatically drops a weight be- 
yond 4,400 feet; on STAR III the same proce- 
dure is available, but only if the high pres- 
sure air system (used to deballast the main 
ballast tanks) falls below a critical pressure 
level (185 psi below ambient pressure). In 
other vehicles (BEN FRANKLIN, SHINKAI, 
MERMAID I/II and the TOURS series) a 
pressure sensing device activates blowing 
the main ballast tanks if the vehicle jour- 
neys below operational depth. The remaining 
submersibles with automatic deballasting in 
Table 14.1 drop iron shot when electrical 
power fails regardless of depth. The TOURS 
vehicles constitute a special case whereby 


655 


Instruments 


Radio 

Underwater Telephone 
Flashing Light 

Radio Signal 

Distress Rockets 
Flares 

Anchor 


Open Hatch (Sail Allowing) 

Inflatable Trunk Around Hatch 
Inflatable Bags (Increase Freeboard) 
Snorkel 

External Gas Replenishment Connections 


automatic deballasting occurs not only below 
operating depth, but every 13 minutes at any 
depth unless the operator takes preventative 
action. The drawbacks of such systems are: 
1) They are governed by the accuracy of the 
activating mechanism’s sensing device; and 
2) they do not take into consideration all 
possible operating situations. Let us imagine 
that DEEPSTAR 4000, for example, is work- 
ing at its operational depth underneath an 
overhanging cliff or cable and inadvertently 
exceeds 4,000 feet. Automatic deballasting 
might send it up into the very hazard it 
wished to avoid. The timed deballasting in 
the TOURS vehicle opens the door for 
greater susceptibility to overhead hazards 
and untimely surfacing and detracts from 
operator efficiency because he must now con- 
centrate not only on the job at hand, but 
keep track of time as well. 


Buoys: 

In the early days of submersibles it was 
considered a safe practice to tie a large buoy 
on the vehicle with a length of line that 
would, in addition to facilitating tracking, 
prohibit the vehicle from exceeding its opera- 
tional depth. The pitfalls of this practice 
became evident before the safety line inex- 
tricably snarled on an obstruction and 


trapped the vehicle below. One major advan- 
tage that submersibles—like the scuba di- 
ver—enjoy is maneuverability. To restrict 
this maneuverability may place it in greater 
jeopardy than is the chance of going below 
operational depth. It should be noted, how- 
ever, that the Japanese KUROSHIO I & II 
have conducted safe dives for well over a 
decade with a power cable tethered to a 
surface ship. Undoubtedly, this safety record 
is the result of careful planning and investi- 
gation of the dive sites to assure that noth- 
ing is present to foul the cable. 


Impact With Bottom 

Owing to the inherent inaccuracies in 
depth gages and precise depth values at the 
dive site, many vehicles include a device 
which informs the operator of his distance 
off the bottom. In addition to supplying data 
useful to performance of missions, such de- 
vices afford the operator the opportunity to 
avoid striking the bottom on descent and 
damaging critical components. Conventional 
echo sounders serve this purpose and include 


a transducer mounted on the vehicle’s keel 
and a depth display device in the pressure 
hull. The internal display is either a strip 
chart recorder or a flashing light. Either 
display is adequate, but the strip chart pro- 
vides a permanent record which is invalua- 
ble to various surveying or research tasks. 
Regardless of the sensing device employed, 
one may expect some inadvertent contact 
with the bottom as the underside of DS-4000 
(Fig. 14.1) testifies. 


Obstacles to Maneuvering 

Underwater visibility may range from sev- 
eral hundred feet (Fig. 14.2) to a few feet— 
the former being common to shallow tropic 
and sub-tropic waters and in the arctic and 
antarctic, while the latter is found through- 
out the estuarine, coastal and open ocean 
temperate waters. The lack of usable am- 
bient light for visual observations below a 
few hundred feet requires artificial lighting. 
This may provide 50 to 70 feet of viewing 
distance, depending on water clarity. Conse- 
quently, many submersibles carry a sonic 


Fig. 14.1 Scratches on the underside of DEEPSTAR 4000 testify to the frequency of inadvertent bottoming in submersibles. (NAVOCEANO) 


Fig. 14.2 Unusually long range visibility is shown from this camera and a line of targets, 4-liter bottles spaced 10 feet apart, photographed at a depth of 600 feet under ambient light 
off Key West Florida from STAR /il. The depth of field exceeds 100 feet and horizontal visibility was estimated at over 200 feet. (NAVOCEANO) 


device to warn of obstacles in their line of 
flight—e.g., cliffs, wrecks, cables, etc.—be- 
yond the limits of visibility. Two approaches 
to obstacle avoidance have been taken: The 
first incorporates a conventional echo soun- 
der transducer mounted on the bow and look- 
ing directly forward; the second involves a 
horizontally trainable transducer mounted 
forward and atop the vehicle which operates 
similar to radar and displays targets on a 
cathode ray tube scope inside the vehicle and 
which provides range and relative bearing of 
a target from the submersible (Fig. 14.3). A 
number of companies produce this latter sys- 
tem. The Straza Model 500 CTFM Sonar is on 
several submersibles and its range is from 10 


657 


to 1,500 yards. Both the forward-looking echo 
sounder and the CTFM have served admira- 
bly; the characteristics of these are dis- 
cussed in Chapter 10. From a safety view- 
point, none have demonstrated an advantage 
over the other. 


Life Support Monitors 

Most, but not all, submersibles carry auto- 
matic or manual devices to measure pressure 
hull oxygen and carbon dioxide content. The 
manual devices are easily obtainable off-the- 
shelf instruments, the automatic devices are 
also stock items but more expensive. The 
general practice is to take or observe cabin 
oxygen and carbon dioxide content at peri- 


Fig. 14.3 ALUMINAUT’s CTFM sonar traces of a box canyon at 800 feet deep off 
Vieques Island, Puerto Rico. (NAVOCEANO) 


odic intervals. No reported emergencies have 
evolved through this procedure in the his- 
tory of submersible diving. Most submers- 
ibles do not dive for much longer than 8 
hours, which may account for this high 
safety record. On long duration dives, e.g., 
BEN FRANKLIN’s 30-day Gulf Stream Drift, 
automatic monitoring and warning devices 
may be more advantageous in view of opera- 
tor fatigue or involvement with other duties. 
Included within the life support monitoring 
devices on several submersibles are those 
which measure internal pressure and trace 
contaminants. An aircraft altimeter or ba- 
rometer is quite often used to serve the first 
function, and portable testing kits are avail- 
able to measure trace contaminants. 


Surface Traffic and Inclement 
Weather 

It is impossible for the submersible’s pilot 
to assess surface traffic conditions prior to 
surfacing. In the open sea the chance of 
surfacing under or within the path of an 
oncoming vessel is quite slim, but in water- 
ways or coastal traffic lanes it is considera- 
ble. While an upward viewing capability in 
the submersible might exist, it is not always 
possible to stop the submersible during as- 
cent and lack of water clarity might preclude 


658 


visual observations. Surface weather condi- 
tions can deteriorate during a 6- to 8-hour 
dive and generate a sea state in excess of 
that considered safe for retrieval. Some 
ocean areas, the Santa Barbara Channel for 
example, are subject to rapid weather 
changes which can close in on a dive site 
with little advance notice. The only safe- 
guard against both potential hazards (traffic 
and sea state) is a surface tending craft 
capable of communication with the submers- 
ible. As a general operating procedure, the 
surface vessel has the ultimate control re- 
garding safe and timely surfacing. Though 
the likelihood of collision with a military 
submarine or another submersible is slim, 
communication between two underwater ve- 
hicles may be carried out providing the fre- 
quencies of both telephones are the same. 
There is no standard frequency for underwa- 
ter telephones, and they have ranged from 8 
kHz to 100 kHz. Purely by chance, 8.0875 kHz 
is found on a great number of vehicles. This 
is the frequency selected for the first Naval 
underwater telephone and designated as AN/ 
UQC and is used on U.S. Navy submarines. 
The reason for the choice of 8 kHz on small 
submersibles is simply that it was all that 
was commercially available in the fifties and 
early sixties. Now, a number of different 
models and frequencies are available and 
can be found on various submersibles. From 
a safety/rescue point of view, it is advisable 
that the operator includes a carrier fre- 
quency of 8.0875 kHz because it is compatible 
with the majority of his sister vehicles and 
all U.S. Naval potential rescuers. 


Separation From Surface Ship 

For a number of reasons (retrieval, surfac- 
ing, rescue) the surface support craft must 
know the submersible’s position relative to 
itself. Several methods are available and are 
discussed at length in Chapter 10. 


Pingers: 

Self-powered acoustic pingers may be 
mounted on top of the vehicle which emit an 
acoustic impulse every 2 seconds or less. 
With a frequency compatible listening device 
(hydrophone) the surface ship stays over the 
submersible during its dive by assessing the 
strength of the incoming signal. By carrying 


an appropriate hydrophone, the support 
craft may also determine the submersible’s 
bearing relative to itself and may elect to lay 
off from the vehicle rather than stay directly 
overhead. 


Transponder: 

Attached to the submersible’s topside, the 
transponder is an automated receiver/trans- 
mitter which transmits an acoustic signal 
when interrogated by the surface craft. By 
accurately timing the interval between the 
outgoing and incoming signals, the 2-way 
slant range between support ship and sub- 
mersible can be computed, and, by knowing 
the submersible’s depth, the horizontal dis- 
tance from one to the other may be derived. 
By increasing or decreasing this distance, 
the support craft can maintain its desired 
position relative to the submersible. 


Underwater Telephone: 

The submersible’s underwater telephone 
can function as a transponder when a 
“mark” signal from the surface is answered 
by “mark” from the submersible. By timing 
the interval between the surface mark and 
sub-surface return mark the slant range is 
calculated. Similarly, by transmitting peri- 
odic impulses the telephone may function as 
a pinger. 


Buoys: 

The towing of a surface buoy has been 
discussed previously. It is sufficient to note 
that some shallow vehicles are tracked from 
the surface by towing a surface float. 


EMERGENCY CORRECTIVE 
SYSTEMS (SUBMERGED) 


In the event of a submerged emergency, 
the operator may have several options. The 
nature of different emergencies and the var- 
ious options are shown in Table 14.3 and 
discussed below. 


Loss of Normal Surfacing Ability 
Submersibles surface through a variety of 
procedures: They may power up, drop 
weights or blow ballast. In the event that 
none of the normal procedures operate, other 
options are available to the occupants for 


regaining the surface either with or without 
the submersible. 


Weight Drop: 

The most widespread emergency surfacing 
procedure is the dropping of a lead or steel 
weight attached to the submersible’s keel 
(Fig. 14.4). Depending on the submersible, 


Fig. 14.4 The 200-Ib lead weight (top) on SEA OTTER's keel is manually dropped by 
a ‘T’ bar wrench (bottom) from in the hull. Both ends of the weight are recessed and 
indexed into the keel to assure it will not rotate while being unscrewed 


the weight will vary, but the method of jetti- 
soning is either by mechanically turning a 
thru-hull releasing shaft or by electrically or 
hydraulically actuating a release mecha- 
nism. In the latter procedure the electrical 
power is derived from emergency batteries 
within the pressure hull. In some cases an 
electrically-actuated (explosive) device may 
serve as the release mechanism by cutting a 
restraining cable or the like. 


Equipment Jettison: 

To attain the same results as a weight 
drop, equipment such as batteries, mechani- 
cal arms, motors and the like can be jetti- 
soned to lighten the vehicle. This procedure 
is generally secondary to a weight drop be- 
cause of the high cost of such equipment. 


Trim Fluid Drop: 

Those submersibles which use mercury to 
attain bow trim (pitch) angles or roll (list) 
angles also incorporate a method of dumping 
the mercury in extremis. In the event that 
the submersible rests at such an angle that a 
gravity dump is not effective, it may—as 
does DEEPSTAR 4000—carry a reservoir of 
compressed nitrogen which can force the 
mercury out of the reservoir. In considera- 
tion of the pollution aspects of mercury, the 
U.S. Navy is presently working on an alter- 
native to mercury as a trim fluid and has, for 
the interim, made mercury dumping from its 
vehicles impossible. 


High Pressure Ballast Tank Blow: 

Submersibles’ main ballast tanks are used 
to achieve surface freeboard and are emptied 
of water by compressed air. Consequently, 
low pressure air is all that is required for 
blowing ballast on the surface. As an emer- 
gency feature, in addition to normal variable 
ballast tank control, a number of vehicles 
carry high pressure air to blow the main 
ballast tanks empty and lighten the vehicle 
for surfacing from operating depth. This is a 
common emergency feature on the shallow- 
diving submersibles and is found on some of 
the deeper vehicles (e.g., ALUMINAUT). 


Manual Deballasting: 

As a backup to the above deballasting 
procedure, a few vehicles include a hand 
pump in the pressure hull which can be used 


to evacuate water from the ballast tanks if 
the air blow system malfunctions. 


Personnel Egress: 

More than a third of past and present sub- 
mersibles incorporate procedures to allow 
the occupants to exit the vehicle when all 
else fails to bring it to the surface. In theory 
the procedures are simple and fall into two 
categories: 1) Pressurizing the hull with com- 
pressed air from the ballast blow tanks until 
internal air pressure equals ambient water 
pressure, which allows the occupants to open 
the hatch, flood the hull, leave and ascend to 
the surface; and 2) opening a thru-hull valve 
to allow seawater into the hull until it com- 
presses the air in the hull to a point where it 
(the air) is equal to ambient pressure and 
allows the occupants to open the hatch and 
swim to the surface (in some vehicles both 
systems may be used concurrently). In lock- 
out submersibles the egress hatch is in the 
bottom of the vehicle and it is not necessary 
to flood the hull for exiting when internal 
pressure is equal to ambient (Fig. 14.5). 


Fig. 14.5 Divers approaching the lock-out hatch of BEAVER. Air pressure in the aft 
sphere is equal to water pressure and prohibits entrance of seawater. (North 
American Rockwell) 


Whatever the procedure followed, the suc- 
cessful practitioner must maintain excep- 
tional calm as his haven fills with water and 
he contemplates a swim to the surface. The 
disadvantages of this procedure are de- 
compression sickness, nitrogen narcosis, oxy- 
gen poisoning, cold and panic. Successful sys- 
tems must offer quick pressurization, sim- 
plicity, protection from cold water and a 
buoyancy device to assist ascent. 

The British Royal Navy has developed 
buoyant ascent escape techniques to the 
point where test escapes from a military 
submarine have been accomplished from 600 
feet deep. Commander M. R. Todd, R.N., (1) 
estimates that 740 feet is certainly attaina- 
ble, and deeper than this is a likelihood. 
Because it is the most successful and ad- 
vanced personnel escape system in the 
world, wherein the occupants enter the 
water, Todd’s description of the British sys- 
tem (Fig. 14.6) may serve as a basis for 
comparison against the systems used in sub- 
mersibles. 


“It (the escape system) consists of a Sin- 
gle Escape Tower at both ends of the 
submarine, each fitted with the Hood 
Inflation System (HIS) and used in con- 
junction with the Submarine Escape Im- 
mersion Suite Mark 6 or 7. The Escaper 
enters the tower through the lower hatch 
and connects his suit to the Hood 
Inflation System with a simple push-in 
plug. Through this he receives pure air 
at 1 psi above ambient. The lower hatch 
is then shut and the tower is flooded 
from the sea. (The last man can complete 
these actions by himself). The pressure in 
the tower is then doubled every 4 to 16 
atms in 16 seconds. The tower is cali- 
brated to achieve this pressurization rate 
at any depth without adjustment or ac- 
tion by the escapers. During this phase of 
the escape cycle the HIS supplies air at 1 
psi more than ambient, first inflating the 
stole, or lifejacket, built into the suit, 
and then, through two '/2 psi relief 
valves, the hood. However fast the pres- 
sure builds up in the tower the hood 
remains inflated to provide the escaper 
with a comfortable air lock from which 
to fill his lungs. Without thought or ac- 
tion he gets as much air as he needs and 


oniy wastes the slight overflow from the 
open bottom of the hood. 

When the tower pressure equals that of 
the sea, the upper hatch opens. Because 
this is all that has been keeping the 
escaper in the tower, he starts his ascent 
and the air connection disengages, both 
parts sealing automatically as they sepa- 
rate. Bottom time is under three seconds. 
The ascent is completed at 8.5 feet per 
second and the escaper breathes nor- 
mally all the way. By doing this he 
ensures that his lungs are at the same 
pressure as that in the hood and there- 
fore the sea, because the hood is open at 
the bottom. 


On arrival at the surface the hood is 
removed and the suit starts its next task 
of protecting the escaper from exposure 
or drowning.” 


—Todd (1) 


Now, let us look at the escape procedures 
for two manned submersibles, BEN FRANK- 
LIN and STAR IIT. 

a) BEN FRANKLIN: 

This escape procedure assumes that any 
escape will involve depths where decompres- 
sion times will extend beyond the endurance 
of the Draeger FGG III. This procedure fur- 
ther assumes that a Personnel Transfer Cap- 
sule (see the SRC in Chap. 15) will be ready 
to accept escaping personnel in the immedi- 
ate vicinity of the after hatch. 


1. Rig hatch skirt. 
2. Make decision on use of life raft. 
3. Turn on all battery powered lan- 


terns. 

4. Conduct final surface communica- 
tions. 

5. Place mode switch in zero mode 
(OFF). 


6. All hands don life vests. 

7. All hands don breathing rigs. 

8. Remove all main power fuses. 

9. Short exterior fuse clips to blow exte- 
rior fuses. 

10. Undog after hatch. 

11. Flood boat as fast as possible via 
variable ballast tank inboard vents 
and SAS vent. Secure flooding when 
water level is just about skirt lip. All 


y” . | HATCH STOP 
PRESSURE TIGHT Went 


ee 


) SALT WATER BATTERY 4 ~~ ¥ =< HINGE SHAFT, 


SENSING LINE oe 
x ‘ q ~FAIRING PLATE 
TOWER VENT ie: wt 


FLOOD VALVE 
FLOOD DEFLECTOR 
“LAST MAN’ FLOOD LEVER 


a - 
PO Reeee 


STOLE CHARGING VALVE 


H.1.S. CONTROLLER rae 


HOOD VENT APERTURE 


ama 


SUPPLY FROM H.LS. 

REDUCING VALVE 
TO H.E.S 
CONTROLLER 


— 


jE he. 
< s a, 


Fig. 14.6 The Royal Navy's Hood Inflation System and Submarine Immersion Suit Mark 7. (K.R. Haigh, A.U.W.E.) 


662 


hands must be on breathing rig at 
the start of flooding. Use of Plankton 
Sampler can vastly speed flooding. 
Release guide line. 

Await signal from PTC before at- 
tempting to exit. 

Upon signal from PTC, exit and swim 
or follow line to the PTC. Be pre- 
pared to ditch gear before entering 
PTC if requested by the PTC escort. 
In the event that the signal under item 13 
may not be readily communicated by the 
PTC escort, he may elect to make a series of 
three taps in quick succession repeated at 
intervals as necessary to assure receipt will 
constitute an exit instruction. 


—Gulf Stream Drift Mission Plan, 
May, 1969 


25 
13. 


14. 


b) STAR IIT: 

The procedure is based upon escape from a 
maximum of 300 feet. All tables and times 
are based on this depth. 

The submersible occupants will notify top- 
side when the oxygen pressure gage reads 
100 psi. This shows that there is 1 hour of 
oxygen life support left. Topside will make 
ready, standing by with personnel at lookout 
stations and divers and gear ready to assist 
the submersible occupants when they reach 
the surface. 

The submersible occupants will make use 
of the following items: Each occupant will 
don a Navy-type emergency ascent Steinkie 
Hood, but will not place the hood over his 
head. 

Emergency breathing regulators will be 
made ready before the start of flooding the 
sphere. 

The air line (a flexible hose and valve to 
inflate life vests as the sphere is being 
flooded) will be made ready. Face masks will 
be made ready to use prior to flooding. The 
hatch handle removal gear used to push out 
the hatch handle shaft, underwater flash- 
lights, and all other tools necessary to re- 
move existing gear will be available to the 
pilot. 

After all gear is ready, the following emer- 
gency procedure will be carried out: 

1. A briefing to the observer on how to 
make the emergency escape. 
2. Make final communications with top- 


663 


side informing them that you are 
ready to start emergency escape pro- 
cedures to flood the sphere. 

3. Remove the hatch dogging gear and 
install hatch shaft pin removal gear. 

4. Secure all electrical power and re- 
move electrical power emergency 
E.O. plug. (This eliminates all electri- 
cal power to the sphere.) 

5. The air hose to inflate hoods shall be 
readily available to the pilot. 

6. Don Steinkie Hood and pressurize 
units for breathing. 

7. Open the water sampling line on the 
sea manifold to start flooding. 

8. Remove hatch shaft pin using re- 
moval gear. When the pin is removed 
and water starts to enter, both pilot 
and observer will position them- 
selves in a sitting position during 
flooding. An underwater light will be 
strapped to each occupant. 

9. In the first minute during flooding, 
the sphere will change pressure by 1 
atmosphere, (33 ft 14.7 psi + the 
original atmosphere in the sphere be- 
fore flooding, totalling approximately 
29 psi). Approximate time to fully 
flood sphere is about 4 minutes. 


NOTE: As pressure in the sphere builds 
up, the pilot and observer must 
replenish air to the Steinkie 
Hoods. The hoods would be com- 
pletely deflated after an external 
pressure of 45 psi. The pressure to 
the hoods must be maintained to 
permit proper breathing. 

10. The pilot and observer will maintain 

physical contact at all times. 

When the sphere is full enough to permit the 
pilot to open the hatch, he will do so and he 
will then open the sail hatch. The observer 
will exit first, when he is outside the sub- 
mersible, he will grab hold of the handrail 
and wait for the pilot to exit. Before the pilot 
and observer start their ascent to the sur- 
face, they will fully inhale, fully exhale, and 
on the fully exhale they will let go of the 
handrail and, keeping their lungs as deflated 
as possible, keep shouting HO-HO-HO all the 
way to the surface. 


—STAR III Operations Manual, Jan. 1968 


One point emphasized in both the BEN 
FRANKLIN and STAR IIT emergency proce- 
dures is that personnel egress is the very 
last option and should not be attempted until 
all other options have proven futile. This 
warning is for very sound reasons and is 
based on the fact that the decision to flood 
and exit the submersible opens the door for a 


INTERNAL VOLUME FLOODED-FT? 


variety of fatal potentials in which de- 
compression sickness, nitrogen narcosis and 
drowning predominate. The STAR III man- 
ual presents the graph shown in Figure 14.7 
which is the time it would take to flood the 
pressure sphere to the point where the inter- 
nal air pressure equals ambient water pres- 
sure. This time (bottom time) is critical for 


INTERNAL & EXTERNAL 
PRESSURE EQUALIZED 


90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 


TIME—SECONDS 


Fig. 14.7 Curve showing the time it would take to flood STAR III's 5.5-ft ID hull and pressure within the hull as a function of 
time at 300 feet deep through a 3/4-inch-diameter hole. 


664 


decompression and extending it beyond spec- 
ified time limits (see U.S. Navy Diving Man- 
ual) at specific depths can be fatal to the 
occupants if decompression facilities are not 
available. The British system owes its suc- 
cess to short bottom time, extreme simplicity 
and protection from cold, among other 
things. The procedures from manned sub- 
mersibles offer few, if any, of these advan- 
tages. For this reason, leaving the submers- 
ible is a last resort. 


Pressure Hull Release: 

The U.S. Navy submersibles ALVIN, SEA 
CLIFF, TURTLE and MAKAKAI are so con- 
structed that the pressure hull (sphere) may 
be mechanically disengaged from the exo- 
structure and, by virtue of its positive buoy- 
ancy, carry the occupants to the surface. The 
principle of operation is similar in all of these 
vehicles, and the description of ALVIN’s re- 
lease mechanism (Mavor et al. (2)) is repre- 
sentative. ALVIN was designed in two sec- 
tions, the forebody and the afterbody. The 
forebody includes the personnel sphere, the 
conning tower, the main ballast system, an 
emergency battery supply and all the life- 
support equipment. It is buoyant by some 
800-900 pounds. The remainder of the vehicle 
comprises the afterbody. 

The frame of the afterbody was designed to 
protrude underneath the pressure hull and 
provide a cradle for it. When in “neutral 
trim,” the afterbody is negatively buoyant 
by the same amount that the forebody is 
positively buoyant. A mechanical release 
mechanism holds the two sections together 
and is in tension when submerged. On deck 
the mechanism is relaxed and the forebody 
rests in the cradle of the afterbody. 

The release mechanism consists of a shaft, 
a seal assembly, two spring-loaded dogs and 
two hooks. The dogs are part of the afterbody 
and the hooks are rigidly attached to the 
pressure hull. The shaft penetrates the pres- 
sure hull on bottom dead center. When the 
shaft is turned with a suitable wrench it 
rotates a cam which, at one-quarter turn 
allows the dogs to come together and disen- 
gage the hooks. The forebody is then free to 
rise to the surface with the occupants (Fig. 
14.8). 

The position of the sphere upon reaching 
the surface is speculative. Shallow water 


665 


tests (18 ft) under controlled conditions were 
conducted and ALVIN’s sphere reached the 
surface with the sail up and the hatch could 
have been opened by the occupants without 
flooding, but from a 12,000-foot ascent, the 
drag on the sail could produce a surfaced 
stable condition with the hatch down. 


Releasable Capsule: 

Similar in effect to ALVIN’s releasable 
pressure hull are the releasable spheres on 
the uncompleted French ARGYRONETE and 
the Japanese SHINKAI. Atop ARGYRO- 
NETE’s hull and over the main hatch is a 
2.28-meter-diameter steel sphere capable of 
accommodating the entire crew of 10 (Fig. 
14.9). Once the occupants are inside, the 
sphere is released by them to rise to the 
surface. In ARGYRONETE an inflatable 
trunk surrounds the sphere hatch and af- 
fords protection from the sea. 


Inflatable Bag: 

Two submersibles (PC5C and TECH- 
DIVER) offer as optional features emergency 
bags external to the hull and inflatable by 
carbon dioxide. These bags may be inflated 
automatically or manually. In TECHDIVER 
the bag capacity is 40 cubic feet. 


Entanglement 

The methods available to the submersible 
operator in the event of entanglement de- 
pend upon the nature of the object fouled. If 


Fig. 14.8 Emergency release of ALVIN's personnel sphere. 


RESCUE CAPSULE 


VIEW PORT 


Fig. 14.9 Schematic of the Japanese submersible SHINKAI showing location of releasable rescue capsule. 


the entangled object is light enough to be 
carried to the surface, then the vehicle’s 
normal or emergency deballasting proce- 
dures may be used. If this is not the case, 
then the procedures under Loss of Normal 
Surfacing Ability must be employed, i.e., jet- 
tison the fouled component, release the pres- 
sure hull or emergency capsule or egress the 
vehicle. In addition, if life support endurance 
is sufficient, assistance from the surface 
craft or other submersibles is also included 
in the arsenal of emergency procedures. The 
first line of defense against entanglement is 
a smoothly faired vehicle. If there must be 
items which could snag objects they should 
be jettisonable. 


Flooding 

Flooding of a submersible may occur in 
compartments, other than the pressure hull, 
which are also critical to safety. Critical com- 
partments are the battery pods, main and 
variable ballast tanks and motor and other 
component housings. Detection of flooding is 
accomplished, for example, by installing self- 
powered twin electrode systems that set off 
an alarm when seawater completes the cir- 
cuit between the electrodes. On the Perry- 
built submersibles such sensors are located 
fore and aft in the battery pods and consist 
of twin electrodes mounted within a polyvi- 


666 


nyl chloride (PVC) tube, with each unit being 
powered by its own 9-volt battery. When 
flooding occurs both a visual (light) and an 
audio alarm are activated to inform the pilot. 
Flooding within the pressure hull is detected 
visually by the occupants and, in the small 
confines of submersibles, does not go unde- 
tected. Depending on the location, nature 
and extent of the flooding, the standard pro- 
cedure is to surface. If flooding of the pres- 
sure hull is severe, every emergency debal- 
lasting system available may be used to sur- 
face and decrease the pressure differential 
across the leaking area. Several Perry-built 
boats, to counteract flooding, carry a trim 
pump within the pressure hull that pumps 
water out of the hull through an overboard 
dump valve. 

All leaks are not necessarily emergency 
situations. BEN FRANKLIN, for example, 
took water aboard when drifting between 600 
and 700 feet during its entire 30-day drift in 
the Gulf Stream. The leak was between the 
housing of an electrical penetrator and the 
hull and amounted to no more than an occa- 
sional drop of seawater. During its deeper 
(1,500-ft) excursions the increased external 
pressure squeezed the housing and penetra- 
tor together and the leak ceased. 

As a flooding control method, SEA 
RANGER 600 provides for the introduction 


of high pressure air into the pressure hull. 
This procedure would seem inadvisable un- 
less the submersible can make a very rapid 
ascent to the surface to relieve internal pres- 
sure and avoid decompression sickness. Con- 
versely, too-rapid an ascent might produce 
an air embolism in the occupants. 


Fire 

The principal type of fire anticipated in a 
submersible is an electrical fire. For this 
reason, one or several dry chemical type 
extinguishers are carried; these do not pro- 
duce large quantities of toxic gasses or va- 
pors and their effect is minimal on adjacent 
equipment. When such extinguishers are em- 
ployed the occupants, for additional safety, 
are advised to don their emergency breath- 
ing systems. 


Loss of Normal Life Support/Toxic 
and Noxious Gasses 

In the event that a submersible’s life sup- 
port system fails, or expires, or gasses and 
fumes evolve which are harmful to the occu- 
pants, the response is the same in both 
cases: Employ the emergency breathing de- 
vices and surface as quickly as necessary. 
There is, as can be expected, a gray area 
between the time life support fails or noxious 
gasses are detected and the decision is made 
to don the emergency equipment. For exam- 
ple, if the blower unit which forces cabin air 
through a carbon dioxide removal system 
fails, the submersible may be at a depth 
where routine surfacing and retrieval can be 
accomplished before the need of emergency 
breathing arises. In an actual case, a buildup 
of carbon monoxide was detected in BEN 
FRANKLIN in the first stages of its 30-day 
drift mission. Though carbon monoxide is a 
potentially fatal gas in sufficient concentra- 
tions and over a given time period, it was 
decided that the trip could safely continue 
until 50-ppm concentration was reached. The 
decision was correct and allowed completion 
of the mission with no immediate or long- 
term effects on the submersible’s occupants. 
On the other hand, the decision may be in- 
stantaneously made in the advent of fire, 
which is the most likely, but not the only 
source for the evolution of noxious or toxic 
gasses. 


667 


Owing to the availability of instruments to 
monitor a life support system’s performance, 
its failure or inadequacy is relatively easy to 
determine. Release of noxious or toxic gasses 
is not easily measured because they may 
come from a variety of different sources. For 
example, when exposed to the atmosphere, 
many of the following may lose solvents, 
plasticizers and unpolymerized materials by 
volatilization: 

Surface coatings 

Cords of synthetic or natural fibers 

Plastic films 

Molded and cast plastics 

Wire insulation 

Thermal insulation 

Adhesives 

Electronic encapsulation compounds 

Silicones and organic lubricants and 
fluids 

Metallic dust and oxides 

Casting compounds 

Ozone-emitting electronic and electrical 
equipment 

Tapes 

A direct and visible source of contamina- 
tion is from strip chart recorders (e.g., echo 
sounders) that burn an imprint on a chemi- 
cally treated paper to record data. The chem- 
ical composition of the by-product’s fumes 
may be unattainable because the paper man- 
ufacturer considers the recording paper’s 
composition proprietary. 

A variety of emergency breathing systems 
are used in submersibles, but they basically 
fall into two categories: Open circuit and 
closed circuit. 


Open-Circuit Breathing: 

These systems are termed open-circuit be- 
cause the occupants inhale directly from the 
gas supply and each breath is exhaled into 
the surrounding atmosphere. The majority 
of submersibles employ some variety of open- 
circuit emergency breathing modified from 
scuba. The system may consist of: 1) A 
mouthpiece and pressure regulator con- 
nected by high pressure tubing to the vehi- 
cle’s low or high pressure ballast-blowing air 
supply, or 2) the same components connected 
to either portable or non-portable tanks of 
compressed air. Exception is found where 
the mouthpiece, regulator and hose are con- 


nected to non-portable tanks within the pres- 
sure hull filled with compressed oxygen. 
Both the portable or non-portable systems 
offer the advantages of being simple to oper- 
ate, reliable and relatively inexpensive. Eye 
protection is afforded by face masks. The 
disadvantage to the open-circuit system is 
that the exhaled gasses may build up cabin 
pressure to a point where decompression be- 
comes a consideration. 


Closed-Circuit Breathing: 

In a closed-circuit system the occupants 
inhale from a breathing bag and exhale each 
breath back to the breathing bag through a 
purifying cannister. Closed-circuit systems 
consist fundamentally of an oxygen supply, 
regulator, gas metering device, breathing 
bag, mouthpiece or mask, carbon dioxide ab- 
sorption cannister and breathing hose. Two 


systems used in submersibles are the West- 
inghouse Corp.’s Min-O’ Lung (Fig. 14.10) and 
The Mine Safety Appliance’s U.S. Navy 
Mark II. Both use 100 percent oxygen and 
are lightweight and simple to use. In addi- 
tion to these advantages, the closed-circuit 
system does not increase cabin pressure be- 
cause the used air is recirculated back into 
the system. A disadvantage, however, lies in 
the toxicity of oxygen under pressure. 
Though the submersible’s cabin pressure is 
generally held at atmospheric, a doubling of 
this pressure (29.4 psia) allows less than 40 
minutes of breathing before the danger of 
toxicity occurs. In most submersibles the 
pressure-toxicity potential level is unlikely 
to be reached because the vehicle will be at 
or near atmospheric pressure and, with the 
donning of the closed-circuit system there is 
no further introduction of gasses (pressure) 


Fig. 14.10 The Westinghouse Min-O'Lung (left) and Drager (right) emergency breathing systems. Both have about 0.5 hours endurance. (Westinghouse Corp.) 


668 


into the hull. However, in a lock-out vehicle 
where the divers may be at cabin pressure in 
excess of 29.4 psia, the oxygen closed-circuit 
system is a definite hazard. For this reason 
none of the lock-out submersibles covered 
herein employs an oxygen closed-circuit sys- 
tem for emergency breathing. 

The duration of an emergency breathing 
system is difficult to pre-determine. The 
closed-circuit systems may supply sufficient 
oxygen for 1 to 4 man-hours of breathing. 
The key, however, is the user and his activ- 
ity. In an emergency the average person’s 
respiration will increase and the emergency 
breathing gasses will expire much sooner 
than under non-stress conditions. Other fac- 
tors which will increase rate of gas consump- 
tion are cold and physical exertion. The ideal 
situation in an emergency is for the occu- 
pants to remain calm and breathe at a slow, 
even rate to conserve their air. Some individ- 
uals are capable of controlling themselves 
under times of stress; others are not. There- 
fore, the maximum duration of emergency 
life support is, by and large, an intelligent 
approximation. 


Chlorate Candles: 

Though rarely used in submersibles, an- 
other source of emergency oxygen is from 
chlorate candles composed of sodium chlor- 
ate (82-88%), barium peroxide (8%) and a 
binding material. When the candles are ig- 
nited, a chemical reaction ensues which re- 
leases high purity oxygen at a rate depend- 
ing mainly on the candle’s cross section. The 
oxygen produced is passed through a filter 
which removes salt spray and cools the oxy- 
gen. The average property of chlorate can- 
dles (38) are: 

Oxygen produced 


per pound of candle 0.382-0.38 lb 
Specific gravity 

of candle 2.4 
Heat generated 100 Btu ft? 
Storage life 10-15 years 


Gas purity better than 99% 


Loss of Electrical Power 

The total loss of electrical power in all 
submersibles means loss of horizontal ma- 
neuverability, external lighting and avoid- 
ance sonars. In a number of submersibles it 


669 


may also mean loss of normal life support, 
and, perhaps, underwater communications. 
Loss of maneuverability, lighting and avoid- 
ance sonar or other working instruments is 
not in itself critical if the vehicle is clear of 
overhead obstructions. In this situation the 
operator informs the surface support ship of 
his plight and surfaces by non-electrical de- 
ballasting or by using emergency power to 
drop ballast. Where fail-safe deballasting 
systems are incorporated, such as the bathy- 
scaph’s automatic dumping of iron shot with 
loss of power, surfacing is automatic. The 
situation can become critical, however, if 
power failure occurs when the submersible is 
under ice, in an overhanging canyon or un- 
der a cable or bottom-mounted hardware. In 
such situations submersibles, as far as can 
be determined, have no other option but to 
ascend vertically. The threat to safety is 
obvious, and the only recourse may be to 
wait for surface assistance. In the fail-safe 
jettison situation there is no recourse but to 
surface, since, without power, the vehicle 
cannot stop ascending by using its vertical 
thruster. As discussed earlier in this section, 
the safety of the operation must take into 
account such contingencies prior to its initia- 
tion. Historically, submersibles rarely oper- 
ated under conditions where a vertical as- 
cent would be dangerous. Hence, loss of lat- 
eral maneuverability, lighting and other in- 
struments generally resulted only in an 
aborted mission and delay in the diving 
schedule. 


Loss of power, while not critical to most 
life support systems, may nevertheless have 
an adverse effect. The supply of oxygen 
would not be affected by a power loss, since it 
is released into the cabin by virtue of its 
being under compression. Removal of carbon 
dioxide, however, is dependent upon an elec- 
trically-powered blower which circulates 
cabin air through a scrubber. If the scrubber 
fails, carbon dioxide builds up. The only 
known exception to this is the BEN FRANK- 
LIN wherein cabin air is circulated through 
thin panels of lithium hydroxide by natural 
convection currents. 


Upon loss of electrical power there are 
several options open to the occupants (Table 
14.3). One of these, automatic weight drop, 
has been discussed. Loss of lighting within 


the cabin is counteracted with flashlights. 
The remaining two options are discussed be- 
low. 


Emergency Batteries: 

Some 25 percent of all submersibles carry 
an emergency source of power within the 
pressure hull. The source of this power may 
be from nickel-cadmium, silver-zine, or non- 
gassing lead-acid batteries. In the event of a 
power failure the emergency batteries are 
used to jettison equipment or weights and to 
operate the underwater telephone, surface 
radio or surface flashing light, depending on 
the submersible. 


Non-Electrical Ascent: 

A number of vehicles have the capability 
to drop weights or blow water ballast inde- 
pendently of electrical power. In the water 
ballast blow the system is operated simply by 
introducing high pressure air, which is con- 
trolled by a manual valve within the pres- 
sure hull, into the external ballast tanks 
and, consequently, force the water out 
through the open orifice on the bottom of the 
tanks. As the vehicle surfaces, the air ex- 
pands and continues to vent through the 
bottom orifice, thus maintaining pressure in- 
side the tank equal to ambient and prevent- 
ing the re-entry of water. In the weight drop 
situation a solid shaft through the pressure 
hull is manually rotated to actuate a cam- 
like release. Both systems are common in the 
shallow (less than 1,000-ft) submersibles. 


EMERGENCY SYSTEMS 
(SURFACED) 


In spite of the various tracking systems 
available, not all submersibles use them, and 
it is common to spend some time searching 
for a vehicle after it has surfaced. In a flat, 
calm sea visual sighting is relatively easy, 
but swell or waves only a few feet high can 
make the low silhouetted submersible a diffi- 
cult target to spot. Most difficult to locate 
are those vehicles painted white and sur- 
faced in a white-capped sea where they blend 
unobtrusively into the background. A fur- 
ther complication is added when the search 
is conducted at night, although it is some- 
times easier to locate the vehicle by its lights 


670 


at night than in the daytime. Location by 
radar from the support ship is seldom feasi- 
ble because the small target offered by the 
submersible is lost in the sea return. More 
than any other hazard, separation or lost 
contact between submersible and support 
craft is the most likely to occur. A small 
submersible adrift on the open ocean offers 
little in the way of comfort or sustained 
survival to its occupants. To avoid this situa- 
tion a number of devices are carried on and 
within the submersible. 

If contact has been lost, an immediate 
concern is the life support endurance of the 
vehicle. Most submersibles have a sail sur- 
rounding their hatch which permits it to be 
opened in moderate sea without taking 
water aboard. Some vehicles are constructed 
such that the hatch is integral with the 
pressure hull and extends a few feet above 
the surface to allow opening. A small number 
incorporate neither of these characteristics 
and must rely on inflatable trunks which 
surround the hatch or on other means. Such 
designs are discussed below and the equip- 
ment and procedures employed to assist in 
emergency surface situations are listed in 
Table 14.4. 


Separation from Support Craft 

The following devices are carried aboard 
submersibles to establish surface contact 
and bring together the vehicle and its sup- 
port craft. 


Radio: 

The type and characteristics of radios 
aboard submersibles vary widely. Two-way 
citizen band radio transceivers are common 
where the submersible has sufficient free- 
board to permit its use. Range of communica- 
tions with the surface ship is limited to line- 
of-sight (5 to 10 miles). Hand-held radios are 
sometimes used, but to use these the hatch 
must be opened to extend the antennae, 
which is not always acceptable in a low free- 
board submersible. 

Radios serve two major post-dive func- 
tions: 1) By virtue of radio communications, 
they verify that the vehicle has surfaced; 
and 2) they establish that the surface sup- 
port craft has or has not visually located the 
surfaced submersible. If the latter is the 


case, action can be taken on the part of the 
submersible operator to assist location. A 
third function served by surface communica- 
tion applies to those vehicles (e.g., DS-4000, 
SP-500, SP-3000) which have no routine 
means of viewing when surfaced but do have 
radio antennae with thru-hull penetrations. 
In this case communications are used to 
apprise the operator of his situation regard- 
ing retrieval which is accomplished by the 
support craft and divers. In the pre-dive 
stage, radio communications also serve to 
inform the support craft of the vehicle’s 
readiness to dive. 

A radio signal may also be used as an aid 
to location of the submersible if its frequency 
is compatible with existing ship systems, and 
if the support ship is equipped with a radio 
direction finder. 


Underwater Telephone: 

As a backup to radios, underwater tele- 
phones may serve as a means of surface 
communications. In this mode the tele- 
phone’s transducer obviously must be below 
the sea surface. Several submersibles have a 
second telephone transducer mounted on the 
bottom of the vehicle which serves as an 
alternate communications system. The ma- 
jority, however, mount the transducer atop 
the vehicle for communicating with the sur- 
face when submerged. On the surface this 
transducer is out of the water and ineffec- 
tive. 


Flashing Light: 

To facilitate nighttime location a flashing 
xenon light is atop many vehicles which can 
be activated from within the vehicle with the 
hatch closed. Where such lights are not in- 
cluded, the operator may have the option, if 
protection from flooding is afforded, of open- 
ing the hatch and using a battle lantern or 
flashlight to serve the same purpose. The 
submersible’s underwater lights may be used 
as an additional means of location by the 
support craft, but the fact that the lights are 
underwater limits their use as long range 
viewing aids. Coast Guard requirements stip- 
ulate running lights; these may also serve in 
emergencies as well as during routine opera- 
tions. 


671 


Radio Signal: 

Only a few submersibles include a sepa- 
rate, self-powered, radio emergency beacon. 
DEEP QUEST is, as far as can be deter- 
mined, the only submersible fitted with a 
self-powered omnidirectional emergency bea- 
con which transmits a 121.5 MHz signal to 
assist homing in by Coast Guard aircraft. 
The rest rely on the support ship’s radio 
direction finder to obtain a bearing on the 
vehicle. 


Distress Rockets and Flares: 

Should surface location not be possible 
through any of the above means, there are at 
least seven submersibles which carry dis- 
tress rockets and flares to assist in visual 
location. Distress rockets (Fig. 14.11) are em- 
ployed to signal the general location of the 
vehicle and the fact that the submersible is 
in extremis. Flares, smoke pots and dyes 
serve similar purposes, but also present a 
signal that may be visually traced to its 
source. 

For safety reasons there is a reluctance on 
the part of some vehicle owners to carry 
pyrotechnic devices within the limited con- 
fines of a submersible’s hull, possibly ac- 
counting for their absence in the majority of 
vehicles. 


Fig. 14.11 Distress rockets (left) and hermitically sealed parachute flares (right) may 
be fired from the launcher (center) carned aboard DEEPSTAR 2000 


Anchors: 

Very few submersibles carry anchors. Ad- 
mittedly, their use from a surfaced submers- 
ible in the deep sea is impractical, if not 
physically impossible. However, a great deal 
of submersible work is performed not far 
from shore where separation from the sup- 
port craft may place it in a position of drift- 
ing into shoal water before assistance can 
arrive. A number of the devices discussed 
above are shown in Figure 14.12 aboard BEN 
FRANKLIN prior to its 30-day drift. 

Life Rafts: 

The French SP-3000 carries a 1-man life 
raft for each of its three crew members and 
Westinghouse Corporation’s DS-2000 car- 
ries a 3-man life raft (Fig. 14.13); both are 
inflatable either manually or automatically. 


Breathing Gasses Expired 

Several situations can occur whereby a 
surfaced submersible may find it necessary 
to flush out its cabin air or obtain additional 
breathing gasses: 1) Where the vehicle has 
lost all contact with surface support and is 
adrift sufficiently long to exhaust its life 
support system; 2) where sea state does not 
permit retrieval and the vehicle must be 
towed a long distance; and 3) where the 
normal cabin air has been contaminated. An 
obvious solution entails merely opening the 
hatch and flushing out the cabin. In the vast 
majority of submersibles this solution is pos- 
sible, but it is limited by sea state. Protective 
fairings or sails around the hatch of many 
submersibles extend 3 or 4 feet above the 
waterline and afford protection from swamp- 


SURFACE RADIO 
ANTENNA 


| 
cTGhy Bamase0" SCAN 
TV CAMERA 
“ 


OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE 
SONAR (CTFM) 


™ = 'ANCHOR 


4 KHZ TRACKING? Me 
PINGER 2 


ys 


ni ™ 16 KHZ TRACKING 
se .~ ~ TRANSPONDER 
. SRS 


Fig. 14.12 Various emergency preventive and corrective devices aboard BEN FRANKLIN. (Grumman Aerospace Corp.) 


aN YES FE 
he 
USE 


iENGY 


Fig. 14.13 DEEPSTAR 2000's 3-man “Winslow’ life raft. 


673 


ing in sea state 6 and possibly higher. A 
substantial number of the shallow-diving ve- 
hicles have a conning tower which is an 
integral part of the pressure hull and ex- 
tends 1 or 2 feet above the waterline where it 
is capped by a cover (Fig. 14.14). With these 
vehicles, opening the hatch in any but a very 
calm sea risks swamping. To avoid this, sev- 
eral submersibles incorporate special fea- 
tures to permit cabin air replenishment or 
egress from the surfaced vehicle. 


Inflatable Hatch Trunk: 

In DS-4000, SP-350, SP-500 and SP- 
3000 the hatch is below or just at the water- 
line when surfaced; if it were opened the 
pressure hull would flood. To avoid this the 
designers have incorporated an inflatable 
trunk or conning tower around the hatch 
which, when inflated, affords a measure of 
protection from the sea. In DS-4000 (Fig. 
14.15) an inflatable, 39-inch-high conning 
tower is installed around the periphery of 
the hatch. An externally-mounted air cylin- 
der is used to inflate the rubberized nylon 
tower which is operated by turning a me- 
chanical shaft within the pressure sphere. In 
normal vehicle operations, the tower is 
stored in a fiberglass trough. The storage 
housing is topped by a fiberglass cover inte- 
grated into the basic fairing and the cover 
pops free from its spring-loaded catches as 
inflation forces the tower upward. 


Inflatable Modules: 

The U.S. Navy’s MAKAKAI has about 1.5 
feet of freeboard at the hatch when surfaced. 
Hence, operator entry and exit are normally 
made with the vehicle on the support boat. 
In the event of a need for emergency exit, a 
system is incorporated to provide both free- 
board and surfaced stability. This system 
consists of four inflatable rubber cylinders 
which are normally rolled and stowed in 
containers attached to the vehicle’s frame. 
The cylinders are inflated from a 70-cubic- 
foot scuba bottle by actuating a solenoid 
valve. When inflated (Fig. 14.16), they pro- 
vide an additional displacement of 55 cubic 
feet, thereby raising the hatch about 4 feet 
out of the water. The system also stabilizes 
the boat if one or both battery pods are 
released. Of the acrylic plastic-hulled sub- 


Fig. 14.14 Protection from swamping is afforded by TECHDIVER's (PC-3B) extended pressure hull. (NAVOCEANO) 


NT anaes ca ONO Oe oo Raa 
" ail z i “= 


Fig. 14.15 Inflated conning tower on DEEPSTAR 4000. (Westinghouse Corp.) 


674 


Fig. 14.16 Inflatable modules increase MAKAKAI's freeboard to about 4 feet for safe exit when surfaced. (NUC) 


mersibles (NEMO, MAKAKAI, JOHNSON 
SEA LINK), only MAKAKAI provides a 
means of minimizing the potential for 
swamping. Unless flat calm conditions pre- 
vail, the occupants may safely open the 
hatch only when the submersible is aboard 
its support craft. 


Snorkel: 

Several of the shallow-diving vehicles and 
the early FNRS-2 and 3 bathyscaphs incor- 
porate a simple snorkel device which allows 
fresh air to enter the hull by merely opening 
a valve. 


DEVICES TO ASSIST 
UNDERWATER RESCUE 


In the event that a submersible cannot 
surface and egress is impossible, there are 
instruments or devices available to the occu- 
pants to assist their rescuers (Table 14.5). 
From the rescuers’ point of view the ques- 


675 


tions calling for immediate answer are: 
Where are they? How deep? What is the 
nature of the casualty? and What is the 
remaining life support? At this point, not 
only are the design and capabilities of the 
vehicle critical, but the ocean environment 
surrounding it is another salient factor. 

A critical instrument in all rescue opera- 
tions is the underwater telephone. If there is 
no means of communication between rescuer 
and rescuees, recovery of the submersible 
within its life support endurance would be 
fraught with uncertainty and difficulty. 

In addition to the need for communications 
is the ability to locate the submersible. There 
are several underwater three-dimensional 
navigational systems commercially available 
through which a submersible may determine 
its own position or a surface craft may locate 
the submersible relative to itself with ex- 
treme accuracy (see Chap. 10). But such sys- 
tems are quite expensive and beyond the 
operating budget of most private and many 
government owners. 


TABLE 14.5 DEVICES TO ASSIST UNDERWATER RESCUE 


Marker Buoy 


Underwater Telephone 


Pingers/Transponder 


External Lights 


External Gas/Air/Electrical Connections 
Salvage/Lift Padeye 


Environmental Sensors 


Obstacle Avoidance Sonar 


Of equal importance is the life support 
endurance—in the 1-man submersible K-250 
it is 6 hours; in the 6-man BEN FRANKLIN it 
is 252 man-days. Obviously the time availa- 
ble to locate, mobilize and employ rescue 
devices is virtually nil in the former and 
optimum in the latter. A histogram of total 
life support endurance (normal and emer- 
gency) is presented in Table 14.6. This infor- 
mation was obtained mainly from manufac- 
turers’ brochures and technical articles de- 
scribing the vehicle. Total life support is 
given in man-hours and the normal maxi- 
mum number of occupants is noted in paren- 
theses. Dividing the number of occupants 
into total man-hours makes one fact quite 
clear: In an emergency, there is precious 
little time to respond and act. Of the total 79 
submersibles on which life support data are 
available, the following are the percentages 
of vehicles wherein life support will expire 
between the given hour intervals: 


6—24 hours: 36% 
24—48 hours: 44% 
48—72 hours: 15% 

72 hours: 5% 


The later into a mission an emergency 
occurs the less time there is, of course, to 
assess the situation, attempt self-cures and/ 
or to call in outside assistance. Just how 
critical the situation can become is obvious if 
you subtract the time necessary to mobilize, 


676 


transport and deploy rescue teams and de- 
vices. This subject will be dealt with in a 
later section of this chapter. It is sufficient 
to note that 80 percent of past and present 
vehicles have a life support duration of no 
more than 48 hours, a precariously short 
time in which to effect underwater rescue. 

Depth, water temperature, visibility, cur- 
rents, surface conditions and a variety of 
other environmental factors govern both the 
type of rescue attempts or devices that can 
be used and the methods in which they may 
be deployed. These factors, of course, cannot 
be controlled by the submersible, but infor- 
mation as to their presence and scope can be 
provided by the vehicle’s occupants to aid 
the rescuer in his choice and deployment of 
rescue devices. 

In order for any external devices to be 
effective, the submersible must be accom- 
panied by a surface support craft of some 
description either to effect rescue or to call 
in assistance. There are no hard and fast 
rules applied to submersible diving, but few 
submersibles, if any, dive without a surface 
support craft in attendance. 


Telephones 

Table 14.1 shows that over 75 percent of all 
submersibles carry an underwater tele- 
phone. This does not mean that all have the 
same communications capacity; some are 


ALL OCEAN INDUSTRIES 
ALUMINAUT 
ALVIN 
AQUARIUS 1 
ARCHIMEDE 
ARGYRONETE 
ASHERAH 
AUGUSTE PICCARD 
BEAVER 

BEN FRANKLIN 
BENTHOS V 
DEEP DIVER 
DEEP JEEP 

DEEP QUEST 
DEEPSTAR 2000 
DEEPSTAR 4000 
DEEPSTAR 20000 
DEEP VIEW 
DOWB 
DSRV-1&2 
GOLDFISH 
GRIFFON 

GUPPY 

HAKUYO 
HIKINO 
JOHNSON SEA LINK 
KUMUKAHI 
KUROSHIO II 
MAKAKAI 
MERMAID I/II 
MERMAID III/IV 
MINIDIVER 
NAUTILETTE 
NEKTON A, B,C 
NEMO 

NEREID 330 
NEREID 700 
OPSUB 

PAULO 1 

PC-3A1 & 2 
PC3-X 

PC-8B 

PC5C 

PISCES | 

PICES II, II, 1V, V 
QUESTER 1 
SDL-1 

SEA CLIFF 


100 200 
24 (2)* 
80 (3) 
108 (3) 
96 (3) 
48 (2) 
144 (4) 
96 (2) 
80 (4) 
104 (2) 
192 (4) 
144 (3) 
144 (3) 
146 (3) 
38 (2) 
195 (3) 
204 (27) 
18 (5) 
100(3) 
72 (2) 
144 (4) 
48 (2) 
72 (4) 
32 (2) 
96 (4) 
72 (2) 
60 (2) 
60 (4) 
18 (2) 
2 (2) 
48 (2) 
64 (2) 
96 (3) 
NA 
50(2) 
96 (2) 
20 (2) 
48 (2) 
144 (2) 
180 (3) 
144 (2) 
76 (3) 
NA 
204 (6) 
105 (3) 


(_)*Normal crew complement including passengers. 


677 


TABLE 14.6 TOTAL LIFE SUPPORT DURATION (MAN-HOURS) 


300 400 500 


432 (6) 


2A 1920] (10) 


—S 55MM 


-—_—_—_________—_—__——_— 6768} (6) 


TABLE 14.6 TOTAL LIFE SUPPORT DURATION (MAN-HOURS) (Cont.) 


SEA OTTER 
SEA-RAY 

SEA RANGER 
SHELF DIVER 
SHINKAI 
SNOOPER 
SP-350 

SP-500 (2 Vehicles) 
SP-3000 
SPORTSMAN 300 
SPORTSMAN 600 
STAR | 

STAR II 

STAR III 
SUBMANAUT (HELLE) 
SUBMANAUT 
SUBMARAY 
SURV 

SURVEY SUB 1 
TECHDIVER 
TOURS-64 
TOURS-66 
TRIESTE 
TRIESTE Il 
TRIESTE III 
TUDLIK (PS-2) 
TURTLE 

VAST MK II (K-250) 
VIPER FISH 
VOL-L1 
YOMIURI 
FNRS-2 

FNRS-3 


100 200 300 400 500 
200 (3) 
120 (4) 
72 (4) 
192 (4) 
96 (2) 


144 (3) 


120 (2) 


300 (6) 


100 (2) 


240 (3) 


105 (3) 


192 (4) 


100 (2) 
100 (2) 


( )*Normal crew complement including passengers. 


very short ranged and carrier frequencies 
are not consistent. 

Fortuitously, most use a carrier frequency 
of about 8 kHz, and are compatible with U.S. 
Navy underwater telephones (UQC) which 
operate on 8.0875 kHz. This means that they 
may be assisted by a variety of Naval as well 
as civilian vessels. The underwater tele- 
phones reported in use aboard submersibles 
are shown in Table 14.7. It shows that a few 
operate on other than 8 kHz, thus precluding 
communications not only with Naval units 
but most other submersibles as well. From 
the sources available, the only known excep- 


678 


tions to the 8-kHz carrier frequency are SEA 
OTTER, SUBMANAUT (Helles), PS-2, KU- 


MUKAH I (24-28 kHz) and SP-350 (42 kHz). 
The ranges presented in Table 14.7 are 
advertised ranges and, in some cases, ranges 
supplied by the vehicle’s owner. These are 
slant ranges, and allowance must be made 
for the vehicle’s depth and bearing relative 
to the support craft when computing hori- 
zontal range. Depending on water conditions 
these ranges may be more or less than speci- 
fied. The bathyscaph TRIESTE obtained ex- 
cellent reception and transmission at a depth 
of 35,800 feet with its 8-kHz underwater tele- 


phone built at NEL especially for TRIESTE. 
In certain areas reception is poor even 
though the range is well within that adver- 
tised—e.g., when the vehicle might be in a 
deep canyon, and echoes produce weak or 
garbled messages. Similar communicating 
problems may be encountered in shallow 
slant-range modes between surface vessels 
and submerged vehicles. Thermal discontin- 
uities occur where the transmission is en- 
tirely masked or where the same signal ar- 
rives at closely-spaced, but different time 
intervals (as a result of multipath transmis- 
sion). Optimum surface-to-subsurface com- 
munications occur when the surface ship is 
directly or nearly directly over the submers- 
ible and acoustical signal paths are normal 
to near-surface temperature (density) discon- 
tinuities. Similarly, good communication is 
usually obtained between two or more sub- 


mersibles at depths below the thermocline. 
There are no standard practices for fre- 
quency of communications between submers- 
ible and support craft. Some operators insist 
on immediate surfacing if communications 
are lost, while others allow operations to 
continue for some specified time and then, if 
communications are still out, require surfac- 
ing. Still others merely wait to see what 
went wrong after the vehicle’s operator de- 
cides to surface (4). 

Tethered submersibles, such as GUPPY 
and KUROSHIO IT, rely on a hard line com- 
munication system built into the power-sup- 
plying umbilical between surface ship and 
submersible. From the information availa- 
ble, it is unclear whether or not a wireless 
means of communication is available in the 
event that the cable parts. Some shallow 
diving vehicles, e.g., the NAUTILETTE se- 


TABLE 14.7 MANNED SUBMERSIBLE UNDERWATER TELEPHONES 


ee 


Manufacturer Model No. 


De eae ee 


Aquasonics Engineering Corp. 
San Diego, Calif. 

Hydro Products DV-811 
San Diego, Calif. 
Helle Engineering 3600 (UTO 1) 
San Diego, Calif. 


(He-14A) 
3114 
415i 
STRAZA Industries 200-W 
El Cajon, Calif. ATM 502A 
ATM 503 
ATM 504 
ATM 504A 
SUBCOM SYSTEMS, LTD 100S-20A 
No. Vancouver, B.C. 
110S-20 
1278-20 
Westinghouse Underseas Div. 400A 
Annapolis, Md. 415A 


679 


Carrier Frequency Max Range 
(kHz) (yd) 
8 4,000 
42 3,000 
8.0875 4,000 
25.3-28.5 4,000 
42 2,000 
8-11 10,000 
8.0875 15,000 
8.0875 15,000 
8.3-10.7 7,500 
8.0875 15,000 
8.0875 20,000 
8.075 or 25 6,000 
3,000 
8.0875 6,000 
25 3,000 
8.0875 25,000 
8.087 10,000 


ries, use a hard line telephone attached to a 
radio-equipped surface buoy, thereby obtain- 
ing both a tracking and communications ca- 
pability on a single system. 

A most fundamental means of communica- 
tion is found in BEN FRANKLIN’s SAS. This 
consists of a small cylindrical chamber in the 
top of the pressure hull into which hollow 
glass balls are placed and “locked-out”’ to the 
surface. The diameter of the hatch is 150 
mm. Messages were sent in the glass spheres 
to the support ship during the Gulf Stream 
Drift mission. While this system is obviously 
limited and irreversible, it does constitute a 
means of one-way communications when all 
else fails. 


Marker Buoys 

Undoubtedly, the surest method of locat- 
ing a submersible is by the attachment of a 
buoy. Several submersibles have the capabil- 
ity of releasing a buoy which is held to the 
vehicle by a thin line. Depending on the 
submersible, the buoy and line may serve 
several purposes. At the least, it provides a 
visual target which potential rescuers may 
follow to the vehicle; at most, a hook and 
stronger salvage line can be slid down the 
marker line to automatically attach to a lift 
padeye on the vehicle. SEA OTTER incorpo- 
rates this latter feature which is shown in 
Figure 14.17. 


Acousties 

The function of acoustic pingers and trans- 
ponders was discussed earlier to the extent 
that they are used to maintain a given range 
and bearing between support craft and sub- 
mersible. In an emergency situation these 
devices may be used by a rescuer to locate 
and home in on the submersible, using either 
another submersible or an unmanned rescue 
device. Several factors control usefulness of 
pingers. At the very least the rescuer must 
be able to receive the frequency of the trans- 
mitting device. Further, the majority of pin- 
gers and transponders are self-powered and, 
therefore, limited in duration. The variety 
and capabilities of pingers and transponders 
are so numerous that to list all could be 
confusing. For example, some 40 companies 
in the U.S. manufacture pingers, and 46 


680 


manufacture transponders. To further ex- 
pand the list, a variety of pingers and trans- 
ponders is available from each manufac- 
turer. A current list of pingers from Helle 
Engineering shows 23 models with ranges of 
0.5 to 5 miles, duration of 2 days to 5 years, 
frequencies of 8 to 50 kHz and depth ranges 
of 600 to 10,000 feet. Many competitors offer 
an equally wide variety. 

It should be mentioned that other sources 
of acoustic transmissions are available on 
submersibles, in addition to pingers and 
transponders. The majority of underwater 
telephones listed in Table 14.7 are capable of 
continuous wave (CW), as well as voice, 
transmission. In the CW mode a telephone 
can also serve as a homing beacon. 


Likewise, upward-looking echo sounders, 
side scan sonars, obstacle avoidance sonars 
and other acoustic devices found on some 
submersibles offer some degree of homing 
capability. At the lower end of the spectrum 
is sound produced by the occupants tapping 
on the hull which may serve as a crude 
source of communications and a very limited 
homing beacon. 


In order for any system to be an effective 
communications or homing device for res- 
cuers or for assistance from sources other 
than its support craft, the support craft must 
carry a ship-to-shore radio and some form of 
surface positioning system. When a submers- 
ible is working out of sight of land the sup- 
port craft may attain its own position via a 
sextant or an electronic aid to navigation 
which may be accurate to within several 
miles to a few hundred yards. In any event, 
because of the considerable difficulty in re- 
turning to the same position and reestablish- 
ing acoustic contact with the submersible, it 
would be unwise for the support craft to 
leave the scene to seek assistance (or for any 
other reason). On the other hand, one might 
expect the support craft to immediately 
plant a buoy to aid in maintaining and/or 
regaining the submersible’s position in the 
event of a pinger or other critical electronic 
component failure. Planting a marker buoy 
may be easily done if the submersible is in 
shallow (200-ft) water, but in the case of the 
deeper vehicles, the thousand or more feet of 
line required is not generally a part of the 
support craft’s on-board inventory. 


CABLE 


= i 
\ 


Fig. 14.17 SEA OTTER's marker buoy (Grimsby Float) is released by rotating a handle in the hatch cover which pulls out a restraining pin As the float ascends it reels out the '/4-inch 
line which is spooled around and attached to a 25-ton-capacity cable shackled to the hull. The ice tong-like device is slid down the line which is fair-leaded through a hole in the block 
holding the tongs open. Reaching the cable, the block is knocked out and the tongs close on the cable. A lift line attached to the tongs is then employed to retrieve the vehicle 


If the support craft carries no accurate 
positioning system from which it can ascer- 
tain its position and relay it to potential 
rescuers, then more time is lost by the res- 
cuers in searching for the support craft. And, 
as we have seen, time is of the essence—for 
every minute spent cuts into the all-too- 
short life support. 


681 


External Lights 

Depending on water clarity, a submers- 
ible’s lights (Fig. 14.18) may offer a visual 
means of homing in on the vehicle once the 
rescuers have obtained its relative bearing 
and are within viewing range. In essence, 
lights are a secondary device to assist res- 
cue, in that other devices (pingers, marker 


Fig. 14.18 ALUMINAUT's lights provide an excellent means of visually-locating the 
vehicle from several hundred feet distance. (Reynolds Submarine Services) 


buoys, etc.) provide the primary means of 
locating the submersible at long range. 


Lift Padeyes 

Most submersibles have a padeye or ring 
to which a line or cable is attached for 
launch or retrieval. This can serve as a point 
of attachment for emergency lifting, assum- 
ing it to be clear of interfering obstructions. 
Such padeyes, however, are not of standard 
size and location, and finding and attaching 
a suitable hook may take time. A few of the 
larger (greater than 15 tons) submersibles 
are launched by a cradle supporting them 
from the keel. In this case there may be no 
padeye, and this could cause salvage to be- 
come unduly complex and time-consuming 
while a suitable lifting arrangement is de- 
signed and fabricated. 


682 


External Air/Gas/Electrical 
Connections 

In order to replenish deballasting air, 
breathing gasses or electrical power, exter- 
nal attachments are incorporated into a 
small number of vehicles which allow replen- 
ishment while submerged. One of the simpler 
methods is found on the All Ocean Indus- 
tries vehicle which incorporates a standard 
scuba tank manifold through its hull (Fig. 
14.19). The ease with which resupplying can 
be made is dependent upon depth. A diver is 
most effective, but he is depth-limited. A 
submersible is less effective owing to its de- 
creased maneuverability and manipulative 
dexterity. Equal to the submersible’s capa- 
bility are the unmanned devices which also 
have less maneuvering and manipulative 
ability than human beings, but both manned 
and unmanned systems are capable of oper- 
ating to depths encompassing 98 percent of 
the ocean floor (20,000 ft). 


Fig. 14.19 A scuba bottle valve attached to a thru-hull penetration provides air from 
a scuba tank to blow main ballast in the All Ocean Industries vehicles. The rack in the 
foreground holds the scuba bottle. 


Environmental Sensors 

Five environmental factors exert a heavy 
influence on rescue efforts: Depth, tempera- 
ture, currents, visibility and sea state. Depth 
gages are standard on all submersibles, and 
this value may be relayed to the surface. 
Should there be no telephone on the vehicle, 
the support craft may measure the depth. 
The remaining factors may differ widely 
from surface values, and must be measured 
or estimated in situ. Temperature has its 
greatest influence on divers by both directly 
and immediately affecting the quality and 
duration of their performance. The majority 
of submersibles do not carry an external 
thermometer, and, hence, have no direct way 
of measuring seawater temperature. Indi- 
rectly ambient temperature may be meas- 
ured by measuring the internal pressure hull 
temperature which produces an approximate 
value. The hull material has a major influ- 
ence on such indirect measurements owing 
to the different thermal conductivity of met- 
als and plastics. 


Currents directly affect the maneuvering 
ability of both manned (including divers) and 
unmanned devices. Current meters are 
rarely carried on submersibles; thus, the oc- 
cupants may only have the ability to meas- 
ure water speed and direction by the visual 
observation of suspended particles in the 
water column. By observing particle move- 
ment relative to the submersible’s heading 
(determined by a compass) a fairly accurate 
estimate of direction may be obtained. Speed 
estimates are far more difficult because 
there are no reference points; hence, the 
estimate reduces to “fast” or “slow.” 

Visibility ranges are more difficult to 
measure and no known submersible rou- 
tinely carries the instruments required for 
such measurements. There is almost always 
a few feet of visibility in the open ocean. In 
coastal or estuarine areas this is not always 
the case, and, at times, changing tides, sedi- 
ment run-off from land and seasonal plank- 
ton blooms may reduce visibility to nil. 

There is little one can do about high sea 
states except to wait for better conditions 
and then act immediately when they arrive. 
One can recommend that diving only be con- 
ducted when several days of good weather 
are predicted, but such recommendations are 


683 


impractical when diving in, for example, the 
North Sea where “good” weather is a rela- 
tive term and, at certain times of the year, is 
measured in hours rather than days. 


Avoidance Sonars 
Submersibles with trainable obstacle 

avoidance sonars may be able to actively 

acquire rescuers and direct them to the site 
by means of the underwater telephone. If the 
stricken vehicle is immobilized its ability to 
scan and acquire a target is reduced to its 
sonar’s training ability, and to be effective to 
its maximum range there must be no obsta- 
cles to transmission. Such devices can offer 
significant assistance to rescuers, as was 
demonstrated when an entangled DEEP 

QUEST used its CTFM sonar to vector the 

submersible NEKTON to within visible range 

(5). 

Such are the capabilities the various sub- 
mersibles have to avoid, respond to and as- 
sist in potential or actual emergency situa- 
tions. It is emphasized that no one submers- 
ible carries all these devices or possesses all 
these capabilities. At this point in time, the 
emergency equipping of a vehicle is up to the 
owner. 

In September 1972 a Submersible Safety 
Seminar, sponsored by a variety of govern- 
ment and private organizations, was held at 
Ft. Pierce, Florida. The results of this semi- 
nar have not been formally published, but 
the proposals for improved submersible 
search and rescue capabilities offer an in- 
sight into the thoughts of recognized deep 
submergence authorities. Though all partici- 
pants did not unanimously concur with all 
proposed measures, the following capabilities 
were listed as desired: 

1. External attachments for 
providing breathing gas to 
occupants whenever practi- 
eal. 

2. A homing device, e.g., pinger, 
between 10- to 40-kHz fre- 
quency and 72-hour duration. 

3. Appropriate coloring and op- 
tical lights for both surfaced 
and submerged detection. 

4. An appropriate and accessi- 
ble emergency lift attach- 
ment. 


Submersible: 


Support Craft: 1], A standard lift hook equiva- 
lent or superior to those used 
by the U.S. Navy (25-ton 
forged titanium snap hook). 

The results of this seminar contain a num- 
ber of practical recommendations for in- 
creasing the safety of submersible opera- 
tions and are included in the Marine Tech- 
nology Society’s Safety and Operational 

Guidelines for Undersea Vehicles, Volume 


IT, published in 1974. 


REFERENCES 

1. Todd, M. R. 1972 Progress in submarine 
escape in the Royal Navy. Conf. Papers, 
Oceanology International 72 Conference, 
19-24 Mar. 1972, Brighton, England, p. 
506-507. 


684 


. Mavor, J. W., Froehlich, H. E., Marquet, 


W. M. and Rainnie, W. O., Jr., 1966 ALVIN, 
6,000-ft. Submergence Research Vehicle. 
Proc. Ann. Meeting of the Soc. Naval Ar- 
chitects and Marine Engineers, New 
York, 10-11 Nov. 1966, n. 3, 32 pp. 


. Penzias, W. P. and Goodman, M. W. 1973 


Man Beneath The Sea. Wiley Intersci- 
ence, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 831 
pp. 


. Link, M. 1973 Window in the Sea. Smith- 


sonian Inst., Wash., D.C. 


. Wenzel, J. G. 1969 Emerging capabilities 


in underwater work systems. Trans. of the 
Symposium “Working in the Sea’, 20-22 
Oct. 1969, Mar. Tech. Soc., Wash., D.C., p. 
209-230. 


EMERGENCY INCIDENTS AND THE 
POTENTIAL FOR RESCUE 


Since the beginning of modern deep sub- 
mergence, a variety of near fatal and fatal 
situations have occurred which tested many 
submersibles’ ability to extricate themselves 
from or endure an emergency. Unfortu- 
nately, there has been no central point 
whereby such emergencies could be filed and 
later analyzed to provide guidance toward 
safer vehicles and operating procedures. On 
the other hand, there was, and still is, no 
clear definition of an emergency. Where loss 
of communications may be an emergency to 
one, it may be considered simply an irrita- 
tion to another. A leaking penetrator on 
BEN FRANKLIN was not considered serious 
enough to surface and abort its mission; in 
such cases it’s the degree, not the occurrence 


685 


of a leak, that constitutes an emergency. 
Distinguishing an emergency from a routine 
malfunction is still arbitrary. 

To gain an appreciation for the variety and 
nature of submersible emergencies and acci- 
dents and the ability of past and present 
systems to respond, documented and undocu- 
mented incidents will be briefly discussed in 
this section. The majority of these incidents 
are taken from a report by Mr. J. A. Pritzlaff 
(1), Chairman of the Marine Technology Soci- 
eties Undersea Vehicle Safety Standards 
Subcommittee, who reviewed some 20 differ- 
ent accidents and incidents with the goal of 
deriving information which could be used in 
subsequent submersible operations. When 
Pritzlaff is not the source, it is so noted, and 


the appropriate reference given. Where no 
reference is provided, it is from the author’s 
personal experience. 

One or two submersibles appear more fre- 
quently than others in the following inci- 
dents; this is not because they are less safe, 
but reflects the fact that they either dived 
more often or their incidents were recorded 
and published. DEEPSTAR 4000, for exam- 
ple, appears quite frequently. This can be 
attributed to its frequency of diving between 
1966 and 1969 (approximately 500 working 
dives) and the fact that Mr. Pritzlaff is an 
employee of DS-4000’s owners (Westing- 
house Corp.) and has access to its diving 
history. 


INCIDENTS 


As far as is known, the only instrument 
used to avoid exceeding operational depth 
which has performed satisfactorily is the 
depth gage. Automatic deballasting or re- 
straining (surface buoys) devices seem, in- 
stead, to have worked as the following inci- 
dents demonstrate. 


Buoys 
Submersible: PC-3B (TECHDIVER) Date: 
5 June 1965 


Incident: Trailing a 0.25-inch-diameter 
nylon line and surface buoy, PC-3B found 
forward movement impossible at a depth of 
400 feet along a vertical escarpment in the 
Tongue of the Ocean, Bahamas. After back- 
ing down, it was found that the line was 
hung on an outcrop. The line’s breaking 
strength was believed beyond the ability of 
the submersible to break by deballasting; 
hence, it was removed and not used on subse- 
quent dives in this operation. 


Submersible: SP-350 (DIVING SAUCER) 
Date: 1959 Reference (2) 


Incident: Trailing a 330-foot nylon line 
attached to a surface buoy, SP-350 experi- 
enced difficulty in steering. Turning the ve- 
hicle around, the operator found that the 
line was snagged on a coral head at the 100- 
foot depth and, by maneuvering, freed the 
line. 


686 


Submersible: PC5C Date: NA Reference (1) 


Incident: On shallow missions Perry op- 
erated vehicles (PC5C, SHELF DIVER and 
others) periodically towed surface buoys for 
tracking purposes. These buoys have occa- 
sionally become entangled in surface struc- 
tures or the tracking ship. In one case, the 
ship caught the buoy line and actually 
dragged the submersible off course. Because 
the buoy and buoy line were firmly attached 
to the submersible and there was no method 
available for the submersible to release the 
line if it became entangled, a line release/ 
cutter assembly was added to the submers- 
ibles to jettison the line. 


Submersible: DEEP JEEP Date: ca. 1966 
Reference (3) 


Incident: While submerged, DEEP 
JEEP’s “fail-safe” electromagnetically se- 
cured ballast plates accidentally dropped 
and, without the operator’s knowledge, the 
submersible began to ascend with five or six 
ships overhead. The operator was able to 
bring the vehicle to a halt 30 feet below the 
surface where he remained until located by 
his support craft and cleared to surface. 


Underwater Obstacles 
Submersible: ASHERAH Date: 1964 Refer- 
ence (1) 


Incident: ASHERAH was operating in a 
depth region where wave action was a factor. 
There were no guards on the viewports and 
no structures in front of the pressure hull. 
The submersible struck an underwater ob- 
ject and the viewport cracked, but did not 
flood. External guards were later installed in 
front of the viewports (Fig. 15.1). 


Loss of Normal Surfacing 
Submersible: SP-350 Date: 1959 Refer- 
ence (2) 


Incident: At 360 feet deep SP-350’s 
nickel-cadmium batteries short-circuited. 
The ascent weight was dropped and the vehi- 
cle began to ascend until gas generated in 


Fig. 15.1 Though its bow equipment rack prohibits head-on hull collision, ASHERAH's unprotected downward-looking viewports were susceptible to contact with sharp pinnacles 
(Gen. Dyn./Elec. Boat) 


_the brass battery boxes exploded and the Incident: The vehicle was to take core 
vehicle descended. A 450-pound emergency samples; the dive was made with DS-4000 in 
weight was dropped and SP-350 surfaced. a heavy (75-lb) trim condition, i.e., after the 


descent weight was dropped the vehicle was 

still negatively buoyant. Trim weights could 

Submersible: DEEPSTAR 4000 Date: 25 be dropped to achieve neutral buoyancy if 
October 1966 Reference (1) desired. With the vehicle on the bottom at 


687 


4,000 feet deep and maneuvering around to 
place the corer, about 100 pounds of silt were 
picked up in the fairing cavities. The hy- 
draulic system failed due to mechanical sei- 
zure of a face seal and the mercury trim 
system could not transfer mercury forward 
to drive in the corer tubes. It was decided to 
abort the mission and surface. The following 
events occurred: a) The 186-pound ascent 
weight could not be released hydraulically 
and the manual backup release was initi- 
ated. The weight hung up in its housing and 
did not drop. b) The small trim weights 
(about 150-lb capacity) could not be dropped 
due to the lack of hydraulic power. c) The 
mercury of the trim system (200 lb) was 
released using the nitrogen blow system but 
the vehicle was still heavy. d) In an unre- 
lated situation, the variable ballast bottles 
had flooded (80 lb) due to faulty silver brazed 
piping joints. Weight resources available in- 
cluded the vehicle brow with its scientific 
instrument suite (70 lb) and the forward 
battery (450 lb). Since the exact weight sta- 
tus of the vehicle was not known at the time, 
the forward battery was dropped (450 lb) and 
the vehicle ascended. The up trim angle of 
the vehicle also shook out the ascent weight. 
A rapid, safe ascent was made. 


Submersible: PISCES III Date: 1971 Ref- 
erence (4) 


Incident: During a dive at approxi- 
mately 600 feet deep, PISCES III experi- 
enced difficulty in attaining level trim. A 
check of the emergency warning systems 
revealed that the aft machinery sphere was 
flooded. Main ballast tanks were blown but 
the vehicle merely came to a near-vertical, 
bow-up position and remained stern-first in 
the bottom. The Canadian Defense Minis- 
try’s SDL-1 was undergoing sea trials at the 
same time and at the same location, and 
carried down a lift line which it attached to 
PISCES III’s port motor guard. Some 8 
hours later the vehicle was winched to the 
surface. A postmortem revealed that drain 
plugs in the machinery’s sphere were left 
open during the dive and allowed seawater 
to enter and flood the sphere. 


688 


Entanglement 


Submersible: DEEP QUEST Date: October 
1969 Reference (1) 


Incident: While conducting a recovery 
test in 430 feet of water, DEEP QUEST 
became entangled with a 3/s-inch polypropyl- 
ene line. The line was caught in the port 
propeller of the vehicle and anchored the 
submersible to the test object. The submers- 
ible NEKTON was transported to the scene 
and, attaching a diver’s knife to its manipu- 
lator, cut DEEP QUEST free. At any time 
during its entanglement DEEP QUEST had 
the capability of dropping its batteries which 
would have brought both the vehicle and its 
“anchor” to the surface. 


Submersible: JOHNSON SEA LINK Date: 
17 June 1973 Reference (5) 


Incident: Attempting to retrieve a fish 
trap at 360 feet deep, the submersible be- 
came entangled in the rigging of a scuttled 
destroyer. Divers tried to extricate the vehi- 
cle, but strong currents resisted their efforts. 
The submersible PC-8 tried to assist but its 
obstacle avoidance sonar failed and it was 
ordered to discontinue efforts. Approxi- 
mately 32/2 hours later a device holding a 
television and a grapnel was lowered to the 
submersible and conned into its final ap- 
proaches by the submersible’s operator using 
the underwater telephone. The device was 
hooked onto the JOHNSON SEA LINK and 
she was jerked free. Two occupants in the 
aluminum lock-out cylinder perished. The two 
occupants of the acrylic plastic forward 
sphere survived. Cause of death was ascribed 
to carbon dioxide poisoning when the carbon 
dioxide scrubbing compound (Baralyme) lost 
its effectiveness due to low temperature 
(about 40°F) in the cylinder. 


Submersible: PISCES III Date: 29 August 
1973 Reference (6) 


Incident: The submersible was on the 
surface for retrieval when the towing line 
from its support ship fouled on the hatch of 
the aft machinery sphere and tore the hatch 
cover off. The sphere flooded and PISCES III 
(P.IIT) sank stern-first to the bottom at 1,575 
feet. PISCES V (P.V) was sent with a 4-inch- 
diameter polypropylene rope that would be 
fitted into P.JIIP’s sphere opening. P.V was 
eventually forced to attach the line to the star- 
board propeller guard. Six and one-half hours 
were required to locate P.III due to an error in 
P.III’s depth gage, abnormal processing of 
P.V’s gyrocompass and ship traffic interfering 
with tracking and underwater communica- 
tions. P.V finally homed in on P.III with its 
sonor. The line attached by P.V was used as a 
marker buoy on which a pinger was slid down 
to P.III to assist homing, PISCES ITI and the 
unmanned CURV each subsequently placed a 
line on P.III and the submersible was brought 
to the surface. 


Submersible: TS-I Date: 14 October 1974 
Reference (21) 


Incident: During a pipeline inspection at 
275 feet deep in the North Sea, a rope fouled 
in the stern propeller of TS-I and held it fast 
to the bottom. Six hours after fouling, divers 
were able to cut the restraining line free and 
the craft was able to surface under its own 
power. 


Loss of Electrical Power 
Submersible: STAR III Date: August 1966 
Reference (1) 


Incident: During operations off Ber- 
muda, the battery box of STAR III failed due 
to insufficient pressure compensation, and a 
total loss of electrical power ensued. Subse- 
quently, the main ballast tank was blown 
and the vehicle surfaced. 


Submersible: GUPPY Date: NA Reference 
(1) 


Incident: Operating in the Bahamas, 
GUPPY experienced flooding in a propulsion 


689 


motor resulting in a massive electrical short 
circuit to the 440 VAC supply (cable power 
from the surface). The power connector at 
the motor had two seating surfaces that 
were to seal when the connector was prop- 
erly attached. Investigation of the flooding 
showed a dimensional error of 0.012 inch 
such that the connector looked seated but in 
reality was not. Surfacing was accomplished 
by reeling in the power cable as is normally 
performed. 


Submersible: BEAVER Date: June 1970 
Reference (1) 


Incident: During operations off Santa 
Barbara, BEAVER experienced a propulsion 
system short circuit and lost power to the 
starboard propulsion motor at 1,545 feet. 
Port and starboard trim was affected and 
some arcing and smoking occurred inside the 
pressure hull. A short circuit in a junction 
box burned a hole in the starboard propul- 
sion cable. The oil-compensating system for 
the junction box tried to account for the loss 
of oil in the box; this resulted in the loss of 
the compensating oil which affected the vehi- 
cle’s trim. The smoke in the pressure hull 
was not sufficient to warrant use of the 
emergency breathing devices by the four oc- 
cupants. 


Submersible: SP-350 Date: 1959 Refer- 
ence (2) 


Incident: Operating at 50 feet, the vehi- 
cle’s nickel-cadmium batteries short circuited. 
Owing to the poor thermal conducting prop- 
erties of the oil-filled, fiberglass boxes the 
compensating oil reached the boiling point. 
The submersible surfaced by dropping its 
ascent weight and was placed aboard the 
support ship to allow the occupants to exit. 
The carbon dioxide fire extinguishers were 
unequal to the fire and it was necessary to 
put the vehicle back into the water to extin- 
guish the fire. 


Submersible: TRIESTE II Date: July 1964 
Reference (8) 


Incident: Searching for the remains of 
the submarine THRESHER at 8,200 feet, a 
severe short circuit occurred in the bathy- 
scaph’s main propulsion motors. The over- 
load relays in the battery circuit failed to 
open and they arced over to each other caus- 
ing the batteries to discharge to zero and 
melt the battery cables. Emergency batter- 
ies in the sphere allowed control of shot 
dropping and continuation of the life support 
system. The author points out that if the fire 
had been elsewhere than underwater, the 
arcing, which occurred only 4 feet from the 
gasoline reservoir, could have ignited the 
46,000 gallons of high octane gasoline in the 
buoyancy tanks. 


Submersible: UZUSHIO Date: June 1974 
Reference (20) 


Incident: Diving in 33 feet of water the 
tethered diving bell UZUSHIO experienced 
an electrical short circuit in the interior vi- 
nyl wiring insulation. An alarm on the sup- 
port ship WAKASHIO sounded and the bell 
was brought to the surface within moments. 
Less than 2 hours after the alarm sounded 
the two occupants were dead, the cause 
being either toxic fumes or rapid consump- 
tion of oxygen by the fire. It has been re- 
ported that the vehicle’s designer subse- 
quently committed suicide. 


Separation From Support Craft 
Submersible: DEEPSTAR 4000 Date: 
1968 Reference (1) 


Incident: The vehicle was diving at 
night in the vicinity of the Gulf Stream. The 
subsurface current profile did not follow the 
surface current profile. This resulted in sepa- 
ration of DS-4000 from its support ship and 
loss of communications. Using established 
“loss of communications” procedures, the ve- 
hicle surfaced. An electrical storm affected 
the small “CB” radio and surface communi- 
cations could not be established. Six hours 
after surfacing the pilot fired a small flare 
that was seen by the support ship. Because 
of this incident, the submersible’s “CB” radio 
was replaced with a higher powered FM sys- 
tem and an FM direction finding capability 


690 


was added to the support ship. The submers- 
ible flare system was upgraded to a 20-mm 
size with a parachute flare capability. 


Submersible: DEEPSTAR 2000 Date: 5, 
6 July 1972 Reference (9) 


Incident: The submersible was diving in 
Wilmington Canyon, 125 nm southeast of 
Cape May, New Jersey. Tracking was con- 
ducted with a range and bearing device from 
a small (16-ft) boat with three people aboard; 
the small boat was visually kept in sight by 
the support ship. Weather predictions were 
obtained from a New Jersey commercial ra- 
dio station which predicted occasional show- 
ers and 10- to 15-knot winds. At 1405 hours 
(LCT) DS-2000 routinely surfaced out of vis- 
ual range of both the small boat and the 
support craft. Radio contact was established 
with the submersible and its flashing xenon 
light was on to assist recovery. By 1515 
hours squalls and low clouds came into the 
area which reduced visibility to several 
hundred yards. The support craft and small 
boat proceeded in a direction they believed 
would take them to the submersible. Though 
separated by only 200 yards, the small boat 
lost visual contact with the support craft but 
maintained radio contact. The weather was 
deteriorating rapidly and winds increased to 
35-50 knots with seas of 12 to 15 feet in 
height. One hour and 25 minutes after DS- 
2000 surfaced, the support craft, not able to 
locate either the submersible or the small 
boat, radioed the Coast Guard for help. At 
1900 hours a Coast Guard aircraft sighted 
DS-2000’s light and vectored the support 
craft to it. The weather was now so inclem- 
ent that retrieval was unacceptable and 
the support craft maintained visual contact 
with the submersible until 1350 hours the 
following day when it retrieved the submers- 
ible under extremely trying conditions. The 
small boat, on the preceding evening, re- 
ported that it had found a buoy and would tie 
up to it. At this point its radio went dead. 
The description of the buoy as received from 
the small boat matched nothing on the 
charts of the area. In spite of a 10-foot-high 
radar reflector in the small boat, the sea 
return was sufficient to mask out any radar 


contacts. Early the following morning (6 
July) the Coast Guard informed the support 
craft that the small boat and its occupants 
had been picked up by a Spanish fishing boat 
which had planted the buoy to which they 
had tied their craft. 


Submersible: ALVIN Date: 1965 Reference 
(16) 


Incident: Diving off Bermuda, the tele- 
phone communications failed and the sub- 
mersible was separated from the mother ship 
for 10 hours. The surface ship began search- 
ing without knowing in which direction the 
submersible lay. In addition, radio communi- 
cation failed, requiring assistance from 
Coast Guard aircraft to re-unite the vessels. 


Environmental Hazards (Natural) 
Submersible: ALUMINAUT Date: NA Ref- 
erence (1) 


Incident: While on sea trials in Long 
Island Sound, ALUMINAUT lost depth con- 
trol and made a rapid excursion toward the 
bottom. The operational area crossed the off- 
shore mouth of the Connecticut River. The 
submersible, trimmed for salt water, became 
heavy as it entered the fresh water river 
flow. The change in buoyancy was calculated 
at 3,500 pounds. Immediate action was to 
blow ballast tanks, drop shot and power up 
with the vertical propeller. Subsequent 
water sampling showed fresh water down to 
120 feet. The operating area was shifted to 
avoid the effects of the river. 


Submersible: DEEPSTAR 4000 Date: 21 
November 1967 Reference (11) 


Incident: Diving off the island of Cozu- 
mel, Mexico, DS-4000 was proceeding up- 
slope from 4,000 feet deep and observed a 
weak current setting SSW, with a 0- to 0.1- 
knot drift between depths of 3,350 and 1,400 
feet. Ascending through 1,400 feet another 
current setting NNE was encountered. The 
speed of this current increased rapidly as the 
submersible proceeded upslope and reached 


691 


almost 2 knots at a depth of 900 feet. This 
strong current was accompanied by reduced 
visibility and made it impossible to control 
the vehicle. The dive was aborted and the 
vehicle was forced to surface. A similar con- 
dition occurred on the following dive off Mis- 
teriosa Bank in the Caribbean; in this case 
the dive was aborted at 2,550 feet when the 
submersible was swept into a spin. 


Submersible: FNRS-3 Date: 1955 Refer- 


ence (2) 


Incident: During a dive into Toulon Can- 
yon the bathyscaph bottomed on a mud shelf 
at 4,920 feet. While ascending from the shelf, 
the bathyscaph’s guide chain apparently 
broke loose a block of mud causing a mud 
slide or turbidity current. A sediment cloud 
was generated which reduced visibility to 
zero. In an effort to steer clear of the sedi- 
ment cloud, FNRS-3 proceeded across the 
canyon on a descending course and ran into 
the opposite wall at a depth of 5,250 feet. 
After more than an hour’s wait, the sedi- 
ment cloud, caused by impact with the oppo- 
site wall, had not cleared; the vehicle began 
ascent and at a height of 800 feet above the 
bottom visibility returned. 


Submersible: ALUMINAUT Date: Febru- 
ary 1966 Reference (12) 


Incident: During a search for a lost hy- 
drogen bomb off southern Spain, the sub- 
mersible had occasion to make frequent con- 
tact with the soft, muddy bottom. Openings 
in the vehicle’s keel, to facilitate flooding, 
acted as scoops through which sediment en- 
tered and accumulated. When this situation 
was finally noted, the submersible had 
picked up an estimated sediment weight of 
4,000 pounds. 


Submersible: ALVIN Date: 1967 Reference 
(13) 


Incident: ALVIN was on a routine geol- 
ogy dive on the Blake Plateau, off Charles- 
ton, S.C., when shortly after landing on the 


bottom at 1,800 feet, a swordfish weighing 
about 250 pounds made a deliberate attack 
on the submersible. The fish’s bill penetrated 
the fiberglass skin between the releasable 
forebody and afterbody and became wedged 
there by the pressure sphere. The initial 
inclination was to continue the dive since no 
apparent damage had occurred. Shortly 
thereafter, the leak detector system, which 
monitors sensitive areas for salt water intru- 
sion, showed a positive indication and the 
dive was aborted. A post-dive analysis re- 
vealed that the leak detector reading was 
unrelated to the attack. A swordfish attack 
was also experienced by BEN FRANKLIN 
during its 30-day drift in the Gulf Stream. In 
this case the swordfish did not lodge in the 
vehicle or cause any damage. 


Environmental Hazards (Man-Made) 
Submersible: DEEPSTAR 4000 Date: NA 
Reference (14) 


Incident: The submersible was oper- 
ating off the California coast under the aus- 
pices of the U.S. Naval Electronics Labora- 
tory. Though DEEPSTAR 4000 had re- 
quested Navy clearance to dive in the area, 
it had not received permission at the time of 
the dive. When the submersible bottomed, 
three 5-inch projectiles exploded about 200 
yards astern of the support ship. The shore 
facility was asked by radio to contact fleet 
operations and request that the firing be 
halted. Contact was made, firing ceased, and 
DEEPSTAR 4000 surfaced and was re- 
covered. The support ship was escorted from 
the area both by the cruiser which had fired 
upon it and a submarine that had surfaced in 
the interim. Later it was found that the area 
was scheduled for fleet training and the sup- 
port ship was mistaken for the target ship 
due in the area about the time of the inci- 
dent. 


Submersible: SEA OTTER Date: 1973 Ref- 
erence (15) 


Incident: In the process of inspecting 
the trash gates of Bennett Dam, Williston 


692 


Lake, British Columbia, the submersible was 
drawn against the gates and held by an 
estimated 8-knot current. Initial estimates 
placed the current at 2 knots. To free itself, 
the operator requested that the generators 
be shut down which, in turn, would eliminate 
the current. As the current abated, a mass of 
water-soaked logs and other debris which 
was also held against the gates by virtue of 
the currents rained down on the vehicle. 
Several hours were required for the sub- 
mersible to extricate itself. 


Submersible: STAR II Date: 1967 Refer- 
ence (NA) 


Incident: The vehicle was conducting an 
inspection of an offshore oil structure in the 
Gulf of Mexico at a depth between 100 and 
150 feet. Sudden increase in current strength 
and change in direction caused the vehicle to 
collide with one of the supporting structures 
and to damage its controls beyond functional 
ability. Divers were dispatched to assist the 
submersible which could not make its way 
out of the structure without its controls. 
Before the divers arrived, the submersible 
drifted free of the structure and eventually 
surfaced by blowing ballast. 


Launch/Retrieval Incidents 
Submersible: ALVIN Date: 16 October 1968 
Reference (1) 


Incident: The elevator between the hulls 
of the catamaran LULU was lowering ALVIN 
into the water when the forward, port side 
cable parted. The additional load caused the 
starboard cable to part and ALVIN slid off 
the platform into the water. The pilot, stand- 
ing in the sail, swam clear; water was enter- 
ing the pressure hull, but the two occupants 
made a fortunate and miraculous escape. 
The hatch could not be completely closed 
during this emergency situation due to the 
presence of the vehicle’s control cable ex- 
tending from the control center in the sphere 
to the portable control box held by the pilot 
in the sail. The submersible sank to the 
bottom at 5,052 feet and was retrieved in 
toto, on 28 August 1969 (Fig. 15.2). 


Fig. 15.2 ALVIN after 10'/2 months at 5,052-foot depth. (WHO!) 


Submersible: DEEPSTAR 4000 Date: 
May 1967 Reference (1) 


Incident: DEEPSTAR 4000 was per- 
forming a series of test dives at Panama 
City, Florida. During launch, the vehicle was 
hoisted off the deck of its support ship and 
swung over the side. Some 5 feet in the air, 
the quick-release launching hook unexpect- 
edly opened and dropped the vehicle into the 
water. The events surrounding the unex- 


693 


pected release were examined. As far as 
could be determined, the release line was not 
fouled nor had it been accidentally pulled. 
Examination of the hook showed that under 
certain conditions a mechanical open/closed 
indicator could point to closed when, in fact, 
the hook was only partially latched. It was 
concluded that the visual check of the hook 
showed a “closed” hook and the OK to launch 
was given. The hook, in fact, was only par- 
tially closed. It held the vehicle load (18,000 


lb) for the lift and 180-degree swing, but the 
stop-rotate motion of the crane was enough 
to open the hook and drop the vehicle. The 
crew was shaken up and some vehicle dam- 
age was sustained. 


Submersible: DEEPSTAR 2000 Date: NA 
Reference (1) 


Incident: During a rough water launch, 
DEEPSTAR 2000 unexpectedly dropped a 
battery which forms part of the vehicle’s 
safety system and can be dropped using a 
manual cable release. The cable runs from a 
manual crank on the pressure hull through 
the exostructure to the battery box. Flexing 
of the exostructure during the launch was 
sufficient to trip the release mechanism and 
drop the battery. The exostructure was sub- 
sequently stiffened in those areas where in- 
teraction with the battery drop cable was 
significant. 


Submersible: BEAVER Date: Summer 
1973 Reference (16) 


Incident: Prior to demonstrating their 
ability to launch/retrieve the submersible 
BEAVER, a perspective contractor to the 
vehicle’s owner, International Underwater 
Contractors, made modifications to the lift 
system which included fairleading a cable 
through a shackle welded to the deck of the 
ship. With BEAVER attached to the lift de- 
vice, a strain was taken on the fairleaded 
cable which proved too much for the shackle 
weld. The shackle broke loose and fatally 
struck an observer in the chest. 


Operational Incidents 
Submersible: BEN FRANKLIN Date: April 
1970 Reference (1) 


Incident: BEN FRANKLIN was moored 
astern of its anchored support ship when a 
sudden storm came up. The combined drag of 
the support ship and BEN FRANKLIN 
caused a failure in the anchor system and 
both vessels were forced onto a reef. The 
submersible, having minimal surface propul- 


694 


sion capability, was damaged in the keel and 
battery pod areas. The support ship was 
finally able to maneuver itself and BEN 
FRANKLIN clear of the reef. 


Submersible: BEAVER Date: March 1969 
Reference (1) 


Incident: BEAVER was being launched 
for operations from a marine railway on Cat- 
alina Island, California. The weather at this 
time was described as “rough” and when the 
vehicle reached the point of becoming buoy- 
ant the waves caused it to pound on the 
runway and inflict damage to the submers- 
ible. 


Submersible: NEKTON BETA Date: 21 
September 1970 Reference (1) 


Incident: NEKTON BETA and its sister 
submersible NEKTON ALPHA attached lift 
lines from a barge to a sunken cabin cruiser 
at 230-foot depth some 500 yards off Santa 
Catalina Island, California. The ALPHA sub- 
mersible surfaced, but BETA elected to re- 
main submerged during the lift. At about 50 
feet off the bottom the lift lines parted and 
the cruiser fell through the water. In doing 
so it struck BETA and broke a section out of 
a conning tower viewport. BETA flooded and 
sank to the bottom where pilot R. A. Slater 
was able to exit the vehicle and ascend to the 
surface. The observer, L. A. Headlee, per- 
ished. 


Submersible: GUPPY Date: NA Reference 
(1) 


Incident: While operating in the Santa 
Barbara Channel, GUPPY had been re- 
covered in a normal fashion. The sea was 
calm and the crew exited the vehicle. The 
hatch was open and the hoisting winch cable 
was still loosely attached. A sudden sea swell 
caused the support ship to roll unexpectedly 
and GUPPY slid along the deck until stopped 
by the winch cable. If the cable had not been 
attached, the vehicle would have probably 
gone over the side with its hatch open. 


The foregoing incidents demonstrate the 
wide variety of related and unrelated events 
which may lead to fatal accidents. Analyzing 
some 20 different accidents/incidents, the 
majority of which are included in the forego- 
ing list, Pritzlaff concluded that the need for 
good seamanship and maritime sense paral- 
leled that of sound submersible design; in 
essence, he has euphemistically restated Si- 
mon Lake’s observation that “. . . no one 
makes a fool of himself. . . .” 

An equally interesting point also emerges 
from the incidents listed above: 15 out of the 
22 different submersibles involved were 
either U.S. Navy certified or ABS classified; 
the remaining 7 had undergone only their 
builder’s quality control program. So it 
would appear that a certified or classified 
vehicle is no more immune to accidents than 
those which are not. Of course, one can only 
speculate on how many more accidents there 
might have been if those 15 were not certi- 
fied, but the majority of the incidents de- 
scribed were due either to the method of 
employing the vehicle or from environmental 
factors, not faulty design or construction. 
This is not to imply that some form of certifi- 
cation or classification is undesirable, it is 
meant to place the cause of accidents in 
perspective. 


RESCUE POTENTIAL 


In the event that a submersible is trapped 
on the bottom, and egress is impossible, what 
devices are available which may be employed 
to rescue the occupants? In the final analysis 
there are three means available: divers, 
other submersibles and self-propelled, re- 
motely-operated, unmanned devices. The se- 
lection of which device to use is dependent 
upon a host of variables, the prime one being 
the nature and depth of the disability. For 
this reason, it is difficult to imagine one 
device satisfying all of the possible emer- 
gency situations. Preliminary to a discussion 
of the capabilities of these three devices, 
should be a consideration of the rescue phi- 
losophy: Underwater transfer of personnel to 
a rescue capsule, or recovery of the submers- 
ible with the occupants inside. 


Underwater Transfer 
In the United States there are presently 


two devices designed and operated for the 
rescue of personnel from a stricken subma- 
rine: the DEEP SUBMERENCE RESCUE 
VEHICLE (DSRV) and the SUBMARINE 
RESCUE CHAMBER (SRC). 

DEEP SUBMERGENCE RESCUE VEHI- 
CLE-I & 2: 


DSRV-1 and 2 (Fig. 15.3) were designed to 
mate with a stricken submarine, take aboard 
24 personnel at a time and return them to a 
surface support craft or a mother submarine. 
They are air, sea (surface and subsurface) 
and land transportable and capable of rescue 
from 5,000 feet. The distressed submarine 
must have a 6-foot-diameter flat plate (ma- 
chined to specific tolerances) surrounding its 
hatch to which the DSRV’s transfer skirt can 
mate, pump out entrapped water, and 
thereby effect a pressure differential which 
holds it to the submarine. At this stage the 
DSRV’s and submarine’s hatches are opened 
and personnel transferred. The procedure is 
reversed to unmate. No mechanical linkages 
are required, but the area surrounding the 
plate and hatch must be cleared of obstruc- 
tions. A brief rescue scenario of the DSRV is 
presented in Figure 15.4. 

SUBMARINE RESCUE CHAMBER (SRC): 

The SRC (Fig. 15.5) is a rescue cylinder 
carried aboard all U.S. Navy ASR’s (Auxil- 
iary Submarine Rescue) and it is capable of 
rescuing submarine personnel from depths 


Fig. 15.3 The DSRV-1, capable of rescuing 24 personnel from a military submarine 
at 3,000 feet. The black and white bell on the underside is configured to mate with the 
distressed submarine. (U.S. Navy) 


ASR: ALTERNATIVE LAUNCHING PLATFORM 


=e MATE, DISCHARGE RESCUEES, 
FROM RECHARGE BATTERIES 
STAGING a —— MOTHER SSN 
PORT ui 
DISENGAGE 
ten OS 


SEAL 
RP DISENGAGE 
b aS 


ee 


7 ROUND TRIPS FROM MOTHERSHIP ae fe 
TO DISTRESSED SSN TO REMOVE Beate 
FULL COMPLEMENT OF 156 MEN 
a 186 RESCUEES 
TOTAL TIME OF RESCUE DISTRESSED SUBMARINE 
OPERATION: 16 HR-58 MIN 
CENTERLINE OF HATCH SYSTEM —} 
DSRV SKIRT NOTES: 
aM MAX. RADIAL 
SHOCK MISALIGNMENT 1. FLAT APPROACH MAX. LOAD IMPACT 
ABSORBER OF SKIRT 76,000 LB TOTAL OVER THE CONTACT 
AND RESCUE SEAT AREA. 
2. POINT IMPACT LOAD AT ANGULAR 
APPROACH IS 30,000 PSI MAX. 
3, THE LOAD THE SKIRT WILL EXERT ON 
30% IN. THE RESCUE SEAT AFTER DEWATERING 
—— RADIUS —> THE SKIRT IS HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE 
26% IN. ACTING OVER THE SEALED AREA OF 
RADIUS 2,700 SQUARE INCHES. 
4. 290 PSI ADDITIONAL LOADING MAY BE 
EXPECTED ON THE DOWNSTREAM SIDE 
ee SEE FOR A 2-KNOT LATERAL CURRENT. 
41% IN. RADIUS —~ ve Deae 
RESCUE SEAT 
[ —________— } 


en 


SUBMARINE DECK 


ESCAPE TRUNK 
HAND WHEEL 


Fig. 15.4 DSRV rescue scenario (top). Details of typical submarine rescue seat (bottom). 


696 


NOTE: 


—~—— CABLE AND HOSE GROUP 
8 
! 


144 IN. 


LOWER HATCH COVER ASSEMBLY 


DOWN-HAUL CABLE 
Ps PROTECTING RING 


SS ae (FOR SHIPMENT) 
L__55 In. GASKET 
DIAM. 


CENTERLINE OF HATCH SYSTEM 


29 7/16 IN. 
RADIUS 


25 3/16 IN._.y 
RADIUS 


SUBMARINE 
RESCUE HATCH BAIL 
CHAMBER 

FAIRING 


HATCH 
RESCUE SEAT 


— 


SUBMARINE DECK 
ESCAPE TRUNK 


HATCH CAVITY DRAIN LINE 


THE LOAD P THE SRC WILL EXERT ON THE RESCUE SEAT AFTER DEWATERING THE LOWER CHAMBER IS 


HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE ACTING OVER THE SEALED AREA PLUS THE SRC NET BUOYANCY AND THE 
TENSION IN THE HAULDOWN CABLE. 


Fig. 15.5 Submarine rescue chamber (top). Typical disabled submarine rescue seat (bottom). 


697 


to 850 feet. In theory, the chamber is oper- 
ated as follows: A stricken submarine re- 
leases a buoy to the surface which is at- 
tached to a 7/s-inch-diameter wire. The ASR 
establishes a four-point moor over the sub- 
marine and brings the buoy aboard where it 
cuts it off and attaches the wire to a reel on 
the base of the SRC. The chamber is then 
lowered into the water and its two operators 
reel the positively buoyant chamber down to 
the submarine where a hemispherical skirt 
on the bottom of the chamber mates with a 
compatible surface surrounding the subma- 
rine’s hatch. At this stage the operators blow 
water out of the mating skirt and, to bring 
pressure in the mating skirt down to atmos- 
pheric, the interior of the skirt is vented to 
the surface. Two separate air hoses lead 
from the ASR to the chamber: One hose is 
used solely to vent the skirt and the second 
hose supplies air to power the downhaul reel, 
provide breathing gas and blow out the mat- 
ing skirt. Although those functions are con- 
trolled by the personnel within the chamber, 
they must rely on the surface for high pres- 
sure air. With the interior of the skirt dry 
and at atmospheric pressure, the hatch in 
the bottom of the hull and the hatch on the 
submarine can now be opened for ingress of 
trapped personnel. In addition to the two 
operators, six rescuees are routinely accom- 
modated, but in an emergency far more may 
squeeze into the 7-foot ID, 7-foot-high cylin- 
der. To ascend, the hatches are shut, seawa- 
ter is readmitted to the skirt to break the 
pressure differential and it unreels its way 
to the surface. Where depth allows, a diver 
can attach a suitable cable to the hatch to 
perform the same function. Similar to the 
DSRV, the SRC requires a flat, steel base at 
least 4 feet 7 inches across and suitably 
machined to effect a watertight seal. In addi- 
tion, the submarine’s hatch cover must have 
a point on it to which the downhaul cable can 
be attached. 


Both the DSRV’s and the SRC can accom- 
modate hatches up to 28 inches in diameter 
which will allow them to open 80 degrees. In 
order to accommodate either the DSRV or 
the SRC, a submersible must meet the re- 
quirements listed below. 


1) DSRV Requirements: The dimensions of 
the DSRV skirt are shown in Figure 15.6. 


Since the submarine’s hatch must open up- 
ward into the skirt cavity while mated, its 
dimensions are critical. 

The skirt rests on the rescue seat, which is 
a reinforced circular steel area surrounding 
the escape hatch. The rescue seat must have 
a minimum outer diameter of 65 inches and a 
maximum inner diameter of 44.5 inches. Ad- 
ditionally, the area beyond the rescue seat 
must be in the same plane as the rescue seat 
and clear of obstructions and projections out 
to a diameter of 89 inches to accommodate 
the DSRV shock mitigation ring. The 
strength required of the rescue seat is de- 
pendent upon the depth of the rescue opera- 
tion. Figure 15.4 describes the loads applied 
to the stricken submarine. 

The skirt mating flange contains a rubber 
gasket designed to seal rescue seat irregular- 
ities up to 0.150 inch. The surface of the 
rescue seat must thus be flat within 0.150 
inch at all rescue depths and under the loads 
imparted by the DSRV. 


> 44 1/2-IN, DIAM.———+}, 
50 3/8-IN. DIAM. 


NO PART OF THE DISABLED 
SUBMARINES HATCH CAN 
INFRINGE ON THIS SPACE 
ENVELOPE 


es ed 


DSRV HATCH OPEN 


-53,00 IN.-DIAM. 


Fig. 15.6 DSRV skirt (bottom) and SRC lower chamber (top) dimensions. 


The DSRV is equipped with a haul-down 
system to assist it in mating in unfavorable 
underwater currents. The system consists of 
a winch and cable located in the DSRV skirt. 
A grapnel hook at the end of the cable is 
lowered and attached to the escape hatch. 
The winch is then operated to haul the DSRV 
down to the rescue seat. A suitable bail must 
be provided on the escape hatch. 


It is necessary to have an air sampling and 
pressure equalization valve operable from 
outside of the submersible. The fitting must 
be located within the area covered by the 
skirt. Its purpose is to permit sampling of the 
air within the submersible for toxicity, tem- 
perature, and radioactivity, and to equalize 
pressure between the DSRV and the subma- 
rine. The DSRV is capable of operating with 
an internal pressure of 5 atmospheres abso- 
lute. 


2) SRC Requirements: The SRC mating 
surface is a construction around the bottom 
of the lower chamber consisting of a rubber 
gasket and a steel retaining ring. The 1%/a- 
inch-wide pure rubber gasket at the mating 
surface provides a seal against sea pressure 
when the SRC is mated to the submarine. 


The disabled submersible must have an 
equivalent mating surface around its hatch 
to be used for the rescue. The strength re- 
quired of the rescue seat depends on the 
depth at which the mating will be performed. 
Since the system has a depth capability of 
850 feet, the static load on the rescue seat 
after dewatering and venting of the lower 
chamber will be the hydrostatic pressure at 
850 feet acting over the corresponding area 
exposed to the lower pressure plus the net 
buoyancy of the chamber and the force ex- 
erted by the pressure and the force exerted 
by the haul-down cable. Seat loading of 3,640 
psi will therefore result if the mating sur- 
faces are perfectly flat. A safety factor 
should be utilized to allow for surface irregu- 
larities, corrosion, and minor impact loads. 
The strengthened area of the rescue seat 
should have a minimum outside radius of 35 
inches and a maximum inside radius of 23 
inches, both as measured from the center of 
the submersible’s hatch. 

The rubber gasket at the SRC mating sur- 
face is designed to seal rescue seat surface 
irregularities such as scratches, nicks, and 


699 


waviness. The gasket is capable of sealing 
gaps up to !/s inch. The seal limitation re- 
quires the rescue seat to be flat within 1/s 
inch. Figure 15.5 (bottom) illustrates the 
mating of an SRC with a typical submarine 
hatch. 

Projections and obstructions above the 
hull of the disabled submarine in the vicinity 
of the rescue seat present hazards to the 
SRC mating surface and seal. Damage to 
these systems could prevent mating. In the 
area of the submersible’s rescue hatch there 
can be no projections above the submarine 
hull which would impact an SRC descending 
vertically to a submersible that is inclined 30 
degrees from the vertical in either the fore- 
and-aft or athwartships planes, or both. 

If the haul-down cable is not permanently 
attached to the submersible, a strengthened 
connection point must be available at the 
hatch to permit hook-up of the down-haul 
cable by external means. The maximum 
depth at which this can be accomplished is a 
function of ASR maximum deep diving capa- 
bility, and is generally around 400 feet. The 
connection point should be as nearly cen- 
tered on the hatch as possible. The padeye or 
bail must be able to withstand a load of 
12,500 pounds. 

In addition to the cable connection point, 
two other requirements are placed on the 
submarine hatch. To permit egress from the 
submersible the hatch must be of such size 
to allow it to be opened, without interfer- 
ence, into the lower chamber of the SRC with 
the SRC mated to the submersible. SRC’s 
lower chamber minimum internal clearances 
are shown in Figure 15.6. 

The hatch area should include tiedown at- 
tachment points so that the SRC can be 
firmly secured to the submersible before the 
haul-down cable is slacked. The SRC has four 
hold down rods with shackles on their ends 
which will be emplaced by the rescue crew 
before the hatch is opened. The tiedown 
points must be padeyes or staples with open- 
ings through which the 1!/s-inch-diameter 
pins of the hold down rod shackles can be 
passed and secured. They must be placed 
around the submarine’s hatch inside the 
area of SRC/submarine mating (orientation 
is not critical). The tiedown attachments 
must be individually capable of withstanding 
a holding down load of 10,000 pounds. 


In the event that communications with a 
disabled submersible cannot be established, 
the quality of the atmosphere within the 
submersible must be determined before its 
hatch is opened. Failure to do so could result 
in harm to the SRC operators from heat, 
toxicity, or radioactivity. It is therefore nec- 
essary to have an air sampling fitting with a 
stop valve operable from outside of the sub- 
marine’s pressure hull. The fitting must be 
located within the area covered by the SRC’s 
lower chamber, perferably built into the sub- 
mersible’s hatch. 

The SRC can, under emergency conditions, 
equalize pressures between the disabled ve- 
hicle and the SRC up to 290 feet equivalent 
depth. The SRC operators can also determine 
if internal submersible pressures exceed 290 
feet equivalent depth, but cannot effect a 
rescue at pressure greater than this. Inter- 
nal submersible pressures in excess of 290 
feet equivalent depth represent a danger to 
an SRC and are sufficient reason to abandon 
the rescue mission. 

The SRC carries portable ballast consisting 
of lead pigs. Water ballast cans can also be 
carried as portable ballast. In order to main- 
tain proper SRC buoyancy, the portable bal- 
last is placed in the submersible after the 
rescuees are taken aboard. 

In view of the requirements outlined 
above, no past or present manned submers- 
ible (military or civilian) was or is amenable 
to rescue by the DSRV or SRC; this includes 
the DSRV’s themselves. Retrofitting of sub- 
mersibles to accommodate these rescue sys- 
tems is technically feasible in most cases, but 
the cost and degradation in vehicle maneu- 
vering and handling characteristics would be 
unacceptable to vehicle owners. Some appre- 
ciation for the cost involved may be gained 
by considering that it requires some $150 
thousand to modify a military submarine for 
rescue. Consequently, the U.S. Navy has con- 
cluded that the only feasible means of rescu- 
ing occupants of a stricken submersible is by 
recovering (salvaging) the vehicle. 


Recovery 

Three situations can be foreseen where a 
submersible is unable to surface: 1) It is too 
heavy to ascend, e.g., PISCES III; 2) it is 


700 


restrained from ascending due to an entan- 
glement, e.g., JOHNSON SEA LINK, or over- 
head obstruction, and 3) the occupants are 
unable to function. In such cases the rescue 
device must be capable of attaching a suita- 
ble line for surface recovery or freeing, i.e., 
cutting, the vehicle from its obstruction. To 
accomplish these tasks the rescuing device 
must possess a manipulative capability of 
some degree, it must be maneuverable, and 
it must provide its operator with a direct or 
remote view of the submersible. There are 
three systems which provide those capabili- 
ties; divers, manned submersibles and un- 
manned devices. It is not the intent to com- 
pare these three capabilities; each one offers 
unique attractions which may be the best 
answer to a specific situation. Instead, the 
present and near-future capabilities of each 
system will be simply listed. In the final 
analysis, the individual in charge of a rescue 
operation will have to decide for himself 
what capability is the best, assuming all are 
available. 

The following capabilities were taken from 
a presentation by Captain Edward Clausner, 
Jr., USN, at the Marine Technology Society’s 
8th Annual Conference and Exhibition, 
Washington, D.C., in September 1973 and 
entitled Rescue, Recovery, and Salvage of 
Submersibles. As Captain Clausner ex- 
plained, the present assets for recovery not 
only reflect Navy capabilities, they include 
essentially all U.S. capabilities, both com- 
mercial or military, because the Supervisor 
of Salvage maintains a contract with a civil- 
ian firm to provide any assistance available 
in a Naval emergency from the commercial 
sector. This assistance is also available to 
any non-military submersible in an emer- 
gency; therefore, the total assets of the U.S. 
are at the stricken submersible’s service. 


Divers 

There are literally thousands of Navy di- 
vers available who can be quickly deployed 
and diving with MK V Air Hard Hat rigs to 
190 feet while breathing compressed air. The 
advantage they offer, by virtue of their mobil- 
ity, is severely hampered by the disadvan- 
tages of short bottom time and long decom- 
pression time. Below 190 feet the Navy would 
deploy one of two systems: the MK V Helium 


Hard Hat, or the Deep Dive System (MK I 
and MK IT). 

MK V Helium Hard Hat: (Fig. 15.7) 

This system relies upon a hard hat and 
umbilical to a surface support ship and uses 
helium-oxygen breathing gasses. The bottom 
time is measured in minutes, but under ideal 
conditions a depth of 450 feet is attainable. 
Ideal conditions include a calm sea, the sup- 
port ship in a four-point moor, adequate med- 
ical facilities and experienced divers. Normal 
diving with this system is conducted to 300 


feet and the capability exists aboard every 
U.S. Navy ASR; these are stationed through- 
out the world and cruise at a speed of 13 
knots. 

Deep Dive Systems MK I and MK II: (Fig. 
15.8) 

Also using helium-oxygen breathing gas 
mixtures, the Navy’s Deep Diving Systems 
are for saturation diving and theoretically 
provide extended bottom time to 1,000 feet 
deep. The systems are presently located on 
the east (Norfolk, Va.) and west (San Diego, 


Fig. 15.7 MK V Helium Hard Hat. (U.S. Navy) 


HEIGHT—OVERALL: 144 INCHES 
DIAMETER: 79° OD 
MATERIAL OR CONSTRUCTION: HY-80 
CAPACITY: 2 MEN 
DURATION: 30 HOURS 


SUPPORT FRAME 


DEPTH: 
TURNBUCKLE 


PORTABLE CCTV CAMERA 


ii 
LIGHTS (INCANDESCENT) CEO aye aa NI 
ITO) a) 


Ie 
ON 


BALLAST RELEASE 
LINKAGE 


SUPPORT FRAME BUMPER DOWNHAUL WINCH 


JUNCTION BOX 


DROPABLE BALLAST 


PERSONNEL TRANSFER CAPSULE 


—— SPCC (STRENGTH, POWER, COMMUNICATION CABLE) 


Dm) ZR 
fe a= i 


Geel 
i = i} J 


DDC (DECK DECOMPRESSION CHAMBER) EL (ENTRANCE LOCK) 


Fig. 15.8 Mark | DDS. 


702 


Calif.) coasts of the U.S. and are designated 
MK I and MK II, respectively. The DDS-MK 
I supports two 2-man teams of divers 
through a 14-day mission; the DDS-MK IT is 
designated for saturation diving (i.e., where 
one spends about 24 hours at depth) and 
supports two 4-man teams for an extended 
mission time. Both systems require a four- 
point moor to operate and rely on an ASR to 
plant this moor. The MK I is barge-mounted 
and towed at a speed of 3-5 knots; the MK IT 
is aboard the IX-501 which is capable of 
about 8 knots. A MK IT DDS is now aboard 
the newly launched ORTOLANE (ASR-22) 
and PIGEON (ASR-21), and both are com- 
pletely independent in deploying the system 
and capable of 18 knots. The system will 
undergo operational evaluation in December 
1973 and is tentatively scheduled to be oper- 
ational aboard PIGEON by June 1974. The 
MK ITI aboard ORTOLANE is scheduled to be 
operational 6 months later (Jan. 1975). 

There are also thousands of Navy divers 
trained in the use of compressed air scuba to 
depths of 130 feet and they are available in 
the event of an emergency. One can find 
exceptions to the depths noted above and 
show cases where they have been exceeded. 
In extreme cases, there is no doubt that one 
might exceed these depths to effect a rescue, 
but to plan on such an extension before the 
emergency occurs may result in the loss of 
additional life in the course of saving others. 

As stated, the above describes U.S. Navy 
diving capabilities; for a detailed description 
of commercial, as well as Naval capabilities, 
the reader is referred to reference (17) which 
summarizes the current state-of-the-art in 
ambient diving techniques and equipment. It 
is sufficient to note that Galerne (18), as 
early as 1971, stated that 750-foot working 
dives in 28°F water would be no problem for 
his corporation, International Underwater 
Contractors of New York, and that the 
French firm COMEX conducts full working 
dives at 1,500 feet “. . . on an almost ho- 
hum basis.”’ One must realize, however, that 
such dives are supported by extensive sur- 
face equipment which requires time for 
transportation and mobilization on the 
scene. Ambient diving to 500 or 1,500 feet 
consists of far more than merely donning on 


703 


scuba gear and plunging in. Support facili- 
ties, hoses, cold water protection, medical 
facilities, a well-trained and highly varied 
team and a host of other requirements must 
be met before the dive commences. As we 
have seen, 80 percent of all submersibles 
have no more than 48 hours of life support, a 
very short time to martial the assets re- 
quired for employing the deep, ambient-pres- 
sure diver. 


Manned Submersibles 

There are seven operational manned sub- 
mersibles in the U.S. Navy, with depth capa- 
bilities ranging to 20,000 feet. In addition to 
these are some 25 other privately-owned ve- 
hicles believed operating full or part time in 
the United States. This latter figure is likely 
to be conservative, because it assumes that 
all vehicles are known and it includes only 
one from a class of vehicles, such as the K- 
250. A further difficulty in tabulating sub- 
mersibles is that there is no requirement to 
register their building or report their opera- 
tions. Hence, the numbers of submersibles 
herein should be considered as best esti- 
mates. The operational status, home port 
and even the owner of a given submersible is 
subject to rapid change. 

Table 15.1 presents the characteristics of 
submersibles believed operating throughout 
the world. “Operating”’ in this sense implies 
that the submersible can be ready to dive 
within 2 days to 1 week, in spite of the fact 
that it may not have dived for some time. 

Table 15.1 can be viewed in two ways: It 
reveals not only the capabilities for rescue, 
but also the candidates for rescue. Conse- 
quently, the following is both a list of poten- 
tial rescuers and rescuees: 

0-1,000 feet: 50% (30 vehicles) 
1,000-2,000 feet: 27% (16 vehicles) 
2,000-6,500 feet: 15% (9 vehicles) 
6,500-36,000 feet: 10% (5 vehicles) 

Regarding manipulator capability, of the 
55 vehicles, where data is available, 65 per- 
cent have one or two manipulators of widely 
varying ability. As a means of transportation 
and support of diver-rescuers, eight have a 
lock-out feature. 


Unmanned Vehicles 
Unmanned vehicles of the CURV variety 


TABLE 15.1 OPERATING SUBMERSIBLES (NOV. 1973) 


Oper. Life Diver Hatch 
Country Submersible Home Depth Weight Support Manipu- Lock- Diam. 
Port (Ft) (Tons) Crew (Man-Hrs) lators out (in.) 
Canada AUGUSTE PICCARD Vancouver, BC 2,500 185 44 2112 0 No 30.1 
PISCES IV Victoria, BC 6,500 10 3 76 2 No 19.5 
PISCES V Vancouver, BC 6,500 10 3 76 2 No 19.5 
SDL-1 Halifax, N.S. 2,000 14.3 6 204 2 Yes 25 
SEA OTTER Vancouver, BC 1,500 S215 192 1 No 19 
AQUARIUS | Vancouver, BC 1,200 4.5 3 108 1 No 19 
England PISCES | Barrow-in-Furness 1,200 Ue 2 100 2 No 18 
PISCES II Barrow-in-Furness 2,600 12 3 100 2 No 19.5 
PISCES III Barrow-in-Furness 3,600 12 3 100 2 No 19.5 
VOL-L1 Barrow-in-Furness 1,200 13 4 192 1 Yes 22 
PC-8B London 800 5.5 2 48 1 No 24 
France ARCHIMEDE Toulon 36,000 61 3 108 1 No 17.7 
SP-350 Monaco 1,350 4.2 2 96 1 No 15.75 
SP-500 (2@) Monaco 1,640 2.65 1 12 1 No 15.75 
SP-3000 Marseilles 10,082 8 3 144 1 No 15.75 
SHELF DIVER Marseilles 800 8.5 4 172 0 Yes 23 
GRIFFON Toulon 1,970 12 3 100 1 No NA 
Netherlands NEREID 330 Schiedam 330 11 3 96 2 No 22.8 
NEREID 700 Schiedam 700 7.5 2 NA 1 Yes 22.8 
Italy PC5C NA 1,200 5/5) 23 180 0 No 23 
PS-2 Milano 1,025 6 2 72 1 No NA 
TOURS 66 Sardinia 984 10 2 96 1 No 26.4 
Japan HAKUYO Tokyo 984 6 4 144 1 No 23.6 
KUROSHIO II Hokkaido 650 12.5 4 96 0 No /i\72 
SHINKAI Tokyo 1,968 100 4 192 1 No 19.6 
YOMIURI Tokyo 972 41 6 492 1 No 25 
Taiwan TOURS 64 Taipei 948 10 2 96 1 No 26.4 
United States ALVIN Mass. 12,000 16 3 216 1 No 19 
BEAVER New York 2,000 17 4 360 2 Yes 25 
DEEP QUEST San Diego 8,000 52 4 204 2 No 20 
DEEPSTAR-2000 Annapolis, Md. 2,000 8.75 3 144 1 No 15.75 
DSRV-1&2 San Diego 5,000 38 27 729 1 No 25 
GUPPY-1 Chester, Pa. 1,000 2.5 2 72 0 No 20 
JOHNSON SEA LINK Ft. Pierce, Fla. 1,000 9.5 4 72 0 Yes 24 
NAUTILETTE (3@) Ill., Mich., Inc. 100 1.2 2 2 0 No 22 
NEKTON (3@) Irvine, Calif. 1,000 2.35 2 48 1 No 18 
NR-1 New London, Conn. NA 400 7 45days NA NA NA 
PC3-X Austin, Tex. 150 2.3 2 16 0 No 19 
PC-3A (2@) Hawaii 300 2.3 2 20 0 No 19 
PC-14 Galveston, Tx. 1,200 5 2 60 1 No 19 
QUESTER | Brooklyn, N.Y. 650 NA NA NA NA No NA 


704 


TABLE 15.1 OPERATING SUBMERSIBLES (NOV. 1973) (Cont.) 


Oper. Life Diver Hatch 
Home Depth Weight Support Manipu- Lock- Diam. 
Country Submersible Port (Ft) (Tons) Crew (Man-Hrs) _ lators Out (in.) 
United States SEA CLIFF San Diego 6,500 24 3 100 2 No 19.75 
SEA RANGER Mt. Clemens, Mich. 600 8 4 120 2 No 20 
SNOOPER Torrance, Calif. 1,000 2.3 2 24 1 No 24 
STAR II Honolulu 1,200 5 2 48 1 No 20 
SURVEY SUB I Houston, Tex. 1,350 ie25es 216 0 No 24 
TRIESTE II San Diego 20,000 87.5 3 72 1 No 19.8 
TURTLE San Diego 6,500 24 3 100 2 No 19.75 
Soviet Bloc SEVER 2 NA 6,562 NA 3 72 NA No NA 
GVIDON NA 810 NA 4 24 NA No NA 
TINRO| NA 984 NA 2 96 NA No NA 
DOREA NA NA NA 1 NA NA NA NA 
West Germany MERMAID I/II New York 984 6.3 2 120 0 No 24 
MERMAID III/IV New York 650 10.5 4 120 0 Yes 24 


(Table 15.2) offer many capabilities of the 
manned vehicles, with the added advantage 
of virtually unlimited endurance and no man 
in the system to add another rescuee. On the 
other hand, they all have a cable to the 
surface which may foul or limit maneuvera- 
bility and they are subject to the same elec- 
tro-mechanical malfunctions as the manned 
submersible. 

The U.S. Navy’s present and near-future 
capabilities in tethered unmanned vehicles is 
presented in Table 15.2; it is germane to note 
that CURV ITI, in addition to PISCES II and 
V, attached a lift line to the stricken PISCES 
IIT in its rescue from 1,575 feet in September 
1973. 

To the capabilities of the unmanned de- 
vices must be added the ALCOA SEAPROBE 
(Fig. 15.9). Operated by Ocean Search, Inc., a 
subsidiary of Aluminum Company of Amer- 
ica, SEAPROBE offers the advantages of an 
unmanned vehicle coupled with a lift capac- 
ity of 200 tons from 6,000 feet. A list of 
SEAPROBE’s characteristics is presented in 
Table 15.3 and a detailed discussion in refer- 
ence (19). 

The working end of the ALCOA SEA- 
PROBE system is located at the end of a pipe 
string made of 60-foot segments of drill pipe 


705 


threaded together to reach the depth re- 
quired. A cable affixed to the pipe provides 
the necessary electrical power, telemetry 
control signals, and data transmission cir- 
cuits between the shipboard control consoles 
and the sensor systems. 

The basic search “pod” deploys side-scan 
sonar to sweep a 2,400-foot path along the 
sea floor. The pod is configured with forward 
looking sonar, television, still camera, lights 
and a releasable acoustic beacon to use in 
marking specific targets. Heavy object recov- 
ery devices are available which utilize elec- 
tro-mechanical and hydraulic systems for 
closure and holding control. Precise position- 
ing of the recovery device with respect to the 
target is by sonar and transponder sensing 
devices in concert with remotely monitored 
television and target illumination systems. 

The ALCOA SEAPROBE was on the scene 
of the JOHNSON SEA LINK tragedy, but 
recovery was completed before it could be 
brought into play. 

Such is the variety of devices which may 
be employed to retrieve a distressed sub- 
mersible. In the final analysis, the rescuing 
apparatus may well be something never in- 
tended for such purposes. In the JOHNSON 
SEA LINK incident, both divers and a 


TABLE 15.2 U.S. NAVY TETHERED UNMANNED SUBMERSIBLES 


CURV II CURV III RUWS SNOOPY SCAT 
Weight, Lb 3,000 4,500 4,300 50 400 
Length, Ft 15 15 10.7 3.6 6 
Max. Depth, Ft 2500 7000 20,000 100 2000 
Radial Excursion, Ft 600 (Whip) 600 (Whip) 1000 (Whip) * 200 500 
Tether, In. (OD) 1.25 (Buoyed) 1.25 (Buoyed) 0.9 (Buoyant) 0.75 5/8 (Buoyant) 
Propulsion, Hp 30 (Elec) 30 (Elec) 15 (Hydr) 0.3 (Hydr) 5 (Hydr) 
Speed, Knots 3 2 3 2 2 
Sonar CTFM, PPI CTFM, PPI CTFM, PPI None Head Following 
Aural CTFM 
TV Camera 2 2 Head Following 1 Head Following 
Stereo 
Manipulator 4 Function 7 Function i Grasp Function 2 Function 


*From Primary Cable Termination (PCT). 
**Master-Slave Manipulator and Rate-Controlled Grabber. 


Fig. 15.9 The ALCOA SEA PROBE. (Ocean Search Inc.) 


706 


manned submersible (PC-8) were unsuccess- 
ful. At the eleventh hour, a device used by 
the Naval Ordnance Laboratory, Ft. Lauder- 
dale, Florida, to inspect underwater hard- 
ware (Fig. 15.10) was affixed with a danforth 
anchor and “conned” by the submersible’s 
pilot to a point where the anchor fortuitously 
hooked the submersible and the R/V A.B. 
WOOD IT pulled it free. 


TIME-LATE 


In view of these, and other national and 
international assets, it would appear that 
rescue is inevitable; unfortunately this is not 
the case. Except for the DSRV’s (which are 
not yet considered operational), none of 
these assets are on a standby basis to re- 
spond to distressed submersibles and all of 
them may be either working elsewhere or 
inoperative when the emergency arises. Ad- 
ditionally, many may find that transporta- 
tion to the disaster scene is unavailable. The 
problem, as Captain Clausner termed it, is 


243 feet 


TABLE 15.3 ALCOA SEAPROBE CHARACTERISTICS 


Length 

Beam 50 feet 

Draft 14 feet (Propeller depth) 

Displacement 1700 tons 

Speed 10 knots 

Range 6,600 miles 

Endurance 45 days 

Main Power Two 800 kW diesel-electric generators 

Auxiliary Power Two 250 kW diesel-electric generators 

Propulsion Two Voith-Schneider cycloidal omnidirectional propulsion units 


Auxiliary Deck Equipment 


Ship Control 
Primary Ship Construction Material 


Derrick 


Drawworks 
Pipe 


Pipe Handling 
Berthing 


Two 5-ton cranes 
Oceanographic winch-interchangeable drums 


Decca ship control consoles on bridge and in search/recovery control center 


5456-H117 aluminum plate 
5456-H111 aluminum extrusions 
Height: 132 feet (above water line) 
Capacity: 250-ton hook load with safety factor of 2 
Material: 6061-T6 aluminum tubing 
5456-H321 aluminum plate 


EMSCO 800 with 600 hp motor generator power supply for DC control 


4y," external upset-internal flush 
Sections 60 feet in length 
Semi-automatic pipe handling system 
All spaces air conditioned 


Crew — 30 
Scientific party — 19 


TIME-LATE. Essentially, TIME-LATE re- 
fers to the passage of time involved from the 
occurrence of an event (disabling of the sub- 
mersible) to the point where rescue is no 
longer possible. In a submersible “‘time”’ be- 
gins when the hatch is closed, and “late” is 
invoked when life support expires. In a hypo- 
thetical situation, from the moment the 
hatch is closed the following events occur 
before rescue: 

1) Descend and work for some period of 

time 


2) Emergency occurs: Evaluate and make 
decision whether or not additional help 
is required 

3) Report emergency 

4) Ascertain availability and martial as- 
sets 

5) Transport available assets to emer- 
gency scene 

6) Locate submersible 

7) Deploy assets, attempt rescue. 


With a general limit of 48 hours the chances 


707 


of all the above occurring before “late” is 
reached are indeed slim. Let us examine one 
of the most recent incidents in the light of 
TIME-LATE. 

PISCES IIT Incident: 

The Vickers Oceanics Ltd. submersible was 
in the process of retrieval when the aft ma- 
chinery sphere hatch cover was torn off and 
the sphere flooded. The vehicle sank to 1,575 
feet and landed stern-first on the bottom 
some 0.95 to 1.5 tons heavy and 150 nm 
southwest of Cork, Ireland. In attendance at 
the time of the incident was the support ship 
VICKERS VOYAGER. The dive commenced 
at 0115 hours on 29 August 1973 and life 
support for the two occupants was subse- 
quently estimated to last ‘“. . . well past 
midday” on 1 September (6), a total of 85.75 
hours assuming “. . . well past midday” to 
be 1500 hours. This value was reduced by 8 
hours 3 minutes due to use of life support 
during the dive to 77 hours 42 minutes. The 
major assets used in the recovery were: 


Fig. 15.10 On 18 June 1973 this Naval Ordnance Laboratory apparatus was lowered to 350 feet from the research ship A. B. WOOD // and pulled the JOHNSON SEA LINK tree of its 
entanglement in a scuttled destroyer. Equipment on the towed device includes a television camera, an underwater light, compass and two battery-powered motors. The grapnel was 
attached for the SEA LINK recovery. (U.S. Navy Ord. Lab.) 


708 


a) VICKERS VOYAGER: Support ship for 
two rescue submersibles 

b) RFA SIR TRISTAM: The nearest avail- 
able ship to which the Vickers communi- 
cation team transferred while VICKERS 
VOYAGER transited to Cork to pick up 
the two submersibles PISCES II and 
PISCES IV. This vessel was relieved of 
its duties by HMS HECATE arriving 
some 11 hours after SIR TRISTAM. 
PISCES II: A 3,500-ft submersible be- 
longing to Vickers and working at the 
time some 150 miles from England 
aboard VICKERS VENTURER in the 
North Sea. This vehicle was transferred 
to the rig supply vessel COMET, carried 
to Teasdock, England, thence to Teeside 
Airport where it was loaded aboard a 
Hercules aircraft and transported to 
Cork for loading aboard VICKERS VOY- 
AGER. 

d) PISCES V: A 6,500-ft submersible be- 
longing to International Hydrodynam- 
ics, Ltd., Vancouver, B.C. and working 
on the east coast of Canada. It was 
subsequently airlifted from Halifax, 
N.S., to Cork and thence aboard VICK- 
ERS VOYAGER. 

e) CURV IIT: An unmanned, tethered, self- 
propelled vehicle located in San Diego, 
California and belonging to the U.S. 
Navy. CURV was subsequently airlifted 
to Cork and loaded aboard JOHN CAB- 
OT for transporation and deployment 
to the scene. 

f) JOHN CABOT: A Canadian cable laying 
vessel under contract to the U.S. Navy 
and tied up at Swansea, Wales. JOHN 
CABOT would serve as support ship for 
CURV III and as retrieval ship for 
PISCES III. 

g) AEOLUS: A U.S. Navy salvage ship 
working in the area and ordered to the 
scene to assist where possible. 

The salvage scheme decided upon for 
PISCES III was to insert “toggle” hooks into 
its open machinery sphere and lift it up from 
the surface. The toggle hooks were fabri- 
cated by Vickers in England immediately 
upon notification of the emergency. Eventu- 
ally, three lines were attached to PISCES 
III: The first (4-in. polypropylene) was by 
PISCES V to the port motor guard (this line 


a 


(© 


709 


was initially attached to the lift padeye, but 
fell out and hooked into the guard); the sec- 
ond (31/2-in. polypropylene) was a toggle in- 
serted into the machinery sphere by PISCES 
II and the third (6-in. braided nylon) into the 
same location by CURV IIT. At 60 to 100 feet 
deep, a line (4-in. braided nylon) was passed 
through PISCES III's lift padeye by divers, 
and on the surface a 16-ton snap hook and 
25-ton wire combination, plus flotation bags, 
were also attached by divers. Throughout 
the entire incident all major assets (manned 
and unmanned vehicles) experienced mal- 
functions. This could be anticipated in any 
like incident and the details are unnecessary 
for this narrative. Significant, however, was 
PISCES III’s life support: 15 minutes after 
landing on the bottom life support was esti- 
mated to last through 0800 hours on 1 Sep- 
tember, at 1251 hours on 31 August it was 
estimated to last until 1200 hours, and fi- 
nally estimated at 0830 on 1 September to 
last until well past midday. The builder’s 
(International Hydrodynamics) advertised 
life support for this submersible is 72 hours; 
Vickers Oceanics (the vehicle’s owner) stated 
(in an advertising brochure) that it was 
about 60 hours. The additional 13 to 25 hours 
was either; a) always there or b) obtained by 
controlled breathing and limited movement 
of the occupants. 


The major events of this rescue are shown 
in Table 15.4 and the location of lift lines in 
Figure 15.11. With approximately 1 hour and 
43 minutes of life support remaining, the 
crew of PISCES III can be thankful they 
were not 250 miles, rather than 150 miles 
from Cork. A mere 3 or 5 hours longer trans- 
iting time from Ireland to the emergency 
scene could have measured the difference 
between life or death. 


REFERENCES 
1. Pritzlaff, J. A. 1972 Submersible safety 
through accident analysis. Mar. Tech. 
Soc. Jour., v. 6, n. 3, p. 33-40. 

. Cousteau, J. Y. 1963 The Living Sea. 
Harper and Row, Publishers, New York. 

. Forman, W. R. 19 Oct 67 Naval Weapons 
Center, China Lake, Calif. (personal com- 
munication) 


29 Aug. 


30 Aug. 


31 Aug. 


1 Sept. 


0000 - 
0500: 
1000 - 
1500 - 
2000 - 
200: 
0400 - 
0800: 
1200 + 
1600 
z000: 
5400: 
0400: 
0800: 
1200 « 
1600 « 
2000 « 
“i 
0400 - 
0800 - 
1200 « 


1600 « 


TABLE 15.4 PISCES I1] RESCUE EVENTS. 


— Dive Commenced 


— Hatch Off 

— Emergency Reported 
PISCES 11 Summoned (1003) from North Sea 
PISCES V Summoned (1046) from Halifax 


— CURV Summoned from San Diego 
— JOHN CABOT Summoned 
— SIR TRISTRAM Arrives/VO YAGER Departs 


— PISCES V Arrives Cork 
— PISCES II Arrives Cork 
— HECATE Relieves SIR TRISTRAM 


VOYAGER Departs Cork with PISCES I! & III 


— CURV Arrives Cork 


— VOYAGER on Station 

— PISCES I] Launched 

— PISCES || Retrieved (Manipulator Failure) 
— PISCES V Launched; Bottomed at 0615 
— JOHN CABOT Departs with CURV 


— PISCES III Sighted by PISCES V 
— PISCES V Attaches Buoy Line 


— CURV Arrives 
— PISCES II Launched, Malfunction, Retrieved 2015 


— PISCES V Retrieved 


— Pinger Dropped on Buoy Line to PISCES III 
— PISCES II Launched 
— PISCES II Inserts Toggle in Aft Sphere 


— PISCES II Retrieved 

— CURV Launched 

— CURV Inserts Toggle in Aft Sphere 

— PISCES III Retrieval Begins 

— PISCES III at 60-100 ft., Additional Lift Lines Attached 
— PISCES III on Surface, Hatch Open, Rescue Complete. 


710 


Normal 
Dive 
(8 hr 3 min) 


Mobilization/ 
Transportation 
of Rescue 
Assets 

(39 hr) 


Search/ 
Locate 
(11 hr 44 min) 


Attachment 
of Retrieval 
Devices 

(22 hr 6 min) 


1st Life Support Estimate 


2nd Life Support Estimate 


Life Support Remaining 3rd Life Support Estimate 


~1 hr 43 min 


P.V LINE 


LIFT OFF BOTTOM 


60 TO 100 FT 


ADD 1ST SHACKLE PLUS BIGHT OF 
4". BRAIDED NYLON AT MAIN LIFTING 
POINT 


AWASH 


ADD 16 TON SNAPHOOK ON 25-TON 
WIRE-ROPE COMBINATION THROUGH 
SAME SHACKLE. 

(CUT 4”. BRAIDED NYLON TO AVOID 
SNAPHOOK TROUBLE ONCE WEIGHT 
ON SNAPHOOK) 


SKIDS CLEAR OF WATER 
PERSONNEL RECOVERED. 


Fig. 15.11 Diagram of lifting lines on P.III, attitude of P.IIl not shown correctly to simplify diagram. [From Ref. (6)] 


711 


10. 


iN. 


12. Melson, L. B. 1967 Contact 261. U.S. 


. Kosonen, C., U.S. Naval Ship Engineer- 


ing Center, Wash., D.C. (personal commu- 
nication) 


. Booda, L. L. 1973 Tragedy in the JOHN- 


SON-SEA-LINK. Sea Technology, July 1973, 
jth IE 


. Redshaw, Sir Leonard 6 Sep 1973 Ac- 


count of the PISCES IIT rescue. Vickers 
Oceanic Ltd. 


. Busby, R. F. 1973 Taxis to the Deep. in, 


World Beneath the Sea. Nat. Geogr. Soc., 
p. 143-162. (revised edition) 


. Andrews, F. A. 1966 Search operations 


in the THRESHER area-1964, Section 
II. Naval Engineering Journal, Nov., p. 
769-779. 


. Bline, D. 30 Oct 1973 Westinghouse 


Ocean Research Laboratory, Annapolis, 
Md. (personal communication) 


Rainnie, W. O., Jr. 1971 Equipment and 
instrumentation for the navigation of 
submersibles. Underwater Jour., June, p. 
120-128. 

Merrifield, R. 1969 Undersea Studies 
with the Deep Research Vehicle DEEP- 
STAR-4000. U.S. Naval Oceanographic 
Office, IR No. 69-15. 


712 


13. 


14. 


15. 


16. 


Wee 


18. 


IG). 


20. 


Zi. 


Naval Institute Proceedings, v. 93, n. 6, 
p. 26-29. 

Rainnie, W. O., Jr. 1968 Adventures of 
ALVIN. Ocean Industry, v. 3, n. 5, p. 22— 
28. 

Busby, R. F., Hunt, L. M., and Rainnie, 
W. O. 1968 Hazards of the deep. Ocean 
Industry, v. 3, nos. 7, 8, 9, p. 72-77, 32-39, 
53-58 respectively. 

Bradley, R. F. Arctic Marine Ltd., North 
Vancouver, B. C. (personal communica- 
tion). 

Jebb, W. International Underwater Con- 
tractors, Inc., City Island, New York. 
(personal communication) 

Kenney, J. E. 1972 Business of Diving. 
Gulf Pub. Co., Houston, Texas, 302 pp. 
Galerne, A. 1971 A diver looks back and 
into the future. Offshore, Aug. 1971. 
Sherwood, W. C. 1972 Operational evalu- 
ation of a deep ocean search and recov- 
ery ship. Preprints, 8th Annual Confer- 
ence and Exhibition, Marine Technology 
Society, Wash., D.C., 11-13 Sept. 1972, p. 
521-547. 

Ocean Science 1974 Nautilus Press, 
Wash., D.C., v. 16, n. 6, (A weekly news- 
letter) 

The Washington Post, 15 Oct. 1974. 


APPENDIX | 
UNIT EQUIVALENTS 


Exact relationships shown by asterisk(*). See footnote (2). 


Area 
UC ETGUIDS Th HS otic aces 654 Oo0.o0 Doom ane Sano plano cope o = 6.4516 square centimeters* 
1) COMAROUEOS ne oc odo poo. coo poe B0u.on Sotomcdomcou mone S eee = 144 square inches* 
= 0.09290304 square meter* 
= 0.00002296 acre 
1] SEWETE ETI co occqwsty sitios OL Ed odio co Oe Oboe bo mos cio = 9 square feet* 
= 0.83612736 square meter 
Mescliaren(stattiteirmilele. cscs rcccc ccs cases sre ersver si erateiceeroueleveneveuesey =.= = 27,878,400 square feet* 
= 640 acres* 
= 2.589988110336 square kilometers* 
HESCHMIATEICEMLIMETEN, wtevele cere recat: cactena: ermncdeusiewere coerecucie eneustcs sab outs = 0.15500031 square inch 
= 0.00107639 square foot 
{) SSUERARHAET 6 depoee aus eo oun. o mo doo ulnima.con0 tom oe-o ooo min = 10.76391045 square feet 
= 1.19599005 square yards 
U serene Tiemaaese come omicincia paca cdo Ob ob oo bicioicio cect ears = 247.1053815 acres 
= 0.38610216 square statute mile 
= 0.29155335 square nautical mile 
Astronomy 
Rr ASOLAAUN Grace sists palate oyeleyere sleiele erat srsneve ewes atletelteterro elie) witiace to tee = 1.00273791 sidereal units 
U SCEGECitsscéoccoconconmoodo pO ono anitooD DUD bOd0 dado Gu = 0.99726957 mean solar unit 
MIMIC KOSECOMG Pecgancys etsy ele cicuerareictc mus cus se teietece ede tolens eSetamelionn, stem iervece = 0.000001 second* 
ESE CONC rcasichete cries Ferichenaiaie creed ev etatave 2 faa s, oi beede save tehtens ee va abe veyetelieosae = 1,000,000 microseconds* 


= 0.01666667 minute 
= 0.00027778 hour 
= 0.00001157 day 
WBIYDITNUNLO Heb eete paves eu cvatteycteresans, vate one recorsters ots iase ser evereia ns tates cuciebe vedere = 60 seconds* 
= 0.01666667 hour 
= 0.00069444 day 
U' INOUE eclend choto CROCE Ren CRC RT NEICRCHEREIS Ce aICIERETO ICRC CRORGTCR CH cncmn eset Coeiceer nes = 3,600 seconds* 
= 60 minutes* 
= 0.04166667 day 
HEIMeEANISOLAam CAV ry tage secceitsteteterevere te ake soecate cuccetarone oy oetiovewenenstensnses = 24403™56555536 of mean sidereal time 
= 1 rotation of earth with respect to sun (mean) * 
= 1.00273791 rotations of earth with respect to vernal 
equinox (mean) 
= 1.0027378118868 rotations of earth with respect to 
stars (mean) 


U i@GAn SCG CE» vaso hoodoo oro oMpoDmUMcGn odor ones = 23956™04509054 of mean solar time 
AeSicereal inom th iays syst avevenecevey keen cat ous car's; acs seep ayereve ve saysraustos caystersy ec sile = 27.321661 days 
= 27907443™1155 
1) Secor I rotor oootanacks cle cb oon peepee nein erotic = 29.530588 days 
= 29412h44m9258 
Astropicall (ordinary)! Year sss. e)s.ens, o.cnsacareeusyevs dies acs @psbee eves, acs suesrs = 31,556,925.975 seconds 


= 525,948.766 minutes 

= 8,765.8128 hours 

= 365924219879—0900000006 14 (t—1900), where t 
= the year (date) 

= 36590548™46s 

AESIGETCANY Cala texens iste chee Soa ei cies cis wrens orereusro sce ais Bee Deere mae ae = 365925636042+0.0000000011(t—1900), where t 

= the year (date) 

= 365906"09™0955 


713 


Astronomy—Continued 
1 calendar year (common) ........0-2 eee e eee eect ete = 31,536,000 seconds* 
= 525,600 minutes* 


= 8,760 hours* 
= 365 days* 
Ancalendaryeat (leap) meneteerteleietelstet ators cist tetct terete et Nello ane csteuerts = 31,622,400 seconds* 
= 527,040 minutes* 
= 8,784 hours* 
= 366 days* 
Uitime” Gl ooo cdnvdnoscdbbouuocrDoosposoceaDooDSoDOGbOdUD = 9,460,000,000,000 kilometers 
= 5,880,000,000,000 statute miles 
= 5,110,000,000,000 nautical miles 
= 63,300 astronomical units 
31,000,000,000,000 kilometers 
19,300,000,000,000 statute miles 
= 16,700,000,000,000 nautical miles 
= 206,265 astronomical units 
3.26 light years 
149,500,000 kilometers 
= 92,900,000 statute miles 
= 80,700,000 nautical miles 
= mean distance, earth to sun 


(IES spoodogocnguTo bo ncoUeN Oooo oc OD COON O Gm Od umcoO NO 


W 


epic outeallUinitoooaqanoasepuoccoDodcodpdmoounOosOOO ODM 


Meanydistanceneanth toimoOOnbecraeiieacierreacterncieiclsicyeacloiciers cine isa = 384,411 kilometers 
= 238,862 statute miles 
= 207,565 nautical miles 
Meantdistance: cant tovstiin reat suaeioieteie cate ensrsit oe) sone (el atepndeynurere = 149,500,000 kilometers 
= 92,900,000 statute miles 
= 80,700,000 nautical miles 
= 1 astronomical unit 
Sunisidiameter, cs-terercry so texnsous ore barks dente steteketekelte we cio! sles focs-Tecs delete 1,393,000 kilometers 
= 866,000 statute miles 
= 752,000 nautical miles 
CUTEST Suse treed oho Ui0.0 O aesoldl er 60-9 010!.0.0,6,0 6 101-0, REE DERE eEe Hic = 1,987,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 
grams 
= 2,200,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 short tons 
= 2,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 long tons 
Speed of sun relative to neighboring stars ..... 1.2.0.0. e eee eee = 19.6 kilometers per second 
= 12.2 statute miles per second 
10.6 nautical miles per second 
Orbitalispeediofeanthyacrsnve. iso demcrotore cert Roksus oneasvolerecetey srape ta ieseeseote = 29.8 kilometers per second 
= 18.5 statute miles per second 
16.1 nautical miles per second 


iif 


Obliquityror therechiptic: Larcmic wwleveteters cleusceene aiule eels tte ectie s Sunnceae = 23°27'08:'26 — 0:'4684 (t—1900), where t = the year 
(date) 

General precession of the equinoxes ...... 0... cee eee eee eee = 50!'2564 + 0:'000222 (t—1900) per year, where t = 
the year (date) 

Precession of the equinoxes in right ascension ............00e000- = 46:'0850 + 0!'000279 (t—1900) per year, where t = 
the year (date ) 

Precession of the equinoxes in declination ............+.000000e = 20:'0468 — 0!'000085 (t—1900) per year, where t = 
the year (date) 

Magn tiidelratio c.cr nc cerca so prc ete tie eee ta encabannse sarees wake eeper are =2.512 


=</100 * 


Charts 
Natiticalirmiles) perincn crete cesctereirarcaryeesa stern eaniean senor oeern tecuor ad ctts = reciprocal of natural scale + 72,913.39 
Statuiteunitlesiperstrcly occ ciays: coke a abasic wo ctevauscnd sate cel nen, chvuesetc es flsye\ ais = reciprocal of natural scale + 63,360* 
Inches per natiticallirmile tee: vcreccore itearteve: ere etotaoe epere aio) sstousisp creas = 72.913.39 X natural scale 
Inches!perstatuteumlles <-:.,cccresedererars. speneseveneratene vosunteliodsntadacebeiseayererans = 63,360 X natural scale* 
Natupaliscale: so.ccn i cchote a, storie ovic he er ener aero ree atera oteieretences = 1:72,913.39 X nautical miles per inch 


i] 


1:63,360 X statute miles per inch* 


714 


Earth 


Acceleration due to gravity (standard) 


Mean density 
Velocity of escape 
Curvature of surface 


Clarke speroid of 1886 
Equatorial radius (a) 


Polar radius (b) 


Mean radius 2 =b) SA SChASCLON eta LE OOD FERC ONLOS ALD BiLonc CALICO OREO CO 


1' of equator 
1’ of latitude at equator 


1’ of latitude at pole 


a—b 
a 


Flattening or ellipticity (f = 


Eccentricity (e = \/2f- f2) 


Eccentricity squared (e2) 


Clarke spheroid of 1880 
Equatorial radius (a) 


Polar radius (b) 


Mean radius ( 


715 


= 980.665 centimeters per second per second 

= 32.1740 feet per second per second 

= 5,980,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 grams 
= 6,600,000,000,000,000,000,000 short tons 

= 5,900,000,000,000,000,000,000 Iong tons 

= 5.517 grams per cubic centimeter 

= 6.94 statute miles per second 

= 0.8 foot per nautical mile 


= 20,925,874.05 feet 

= 6,975,291.35 yards 

= 6,378,206.4 meters 

= 3.963.234 statute miles 
= 3,443.957 nautical miles 
= 20,854,933.76 feet 

= 6,951,644.59 yards 

= 6,356,583.8 meters 

= 3,949.798 statute miles 
= 3,432.282 nautical miles 
= 20,902,227.28 feet 

= 6,967,409.09 yards 

= 6,370,998.9 meters 

= 3,958.755 statute miles 
= 3,440.065 nautical miles 
= 6,087.090 feet 

= 2,029.030 yards 
1,855.345 meters 

1.153 statute miles 
1.002 nautical miles 

= 6,045.889 feet 

= 2,015.296 yards 

= 1,842.787 meters 

= 1.145 statute miles 

= 0.995 nautical mile 

= 6,107.795 feet 

= 2,035.932 yards 

= 1,2861.656 meters 

= 1.157 statute miles 


= 1.005 nautical miles 
ee | 


294.98 
= 0.00339007530 
= 0.08227185422 


= 0.00676865800 


= 20,926,014.29 feet 

= 6,975,338.10 yards 

= 6,378,249.145 meters 

= 3,963.260 statute miles 
= 3,443.980 nautical miles 
= 20,854,707.61 feet 

= 6,951,569.20 yards 

= 6,356,514.870 meters 

= 3,949.755 statute miles 
= 3,432,245 nautical miles 


= 20,902,245.39 feet 


= 6,967,415.13 yards 

= 6,371,004.387 meters 

= 3,958.759 statute miles 
= 3,440.068 nautical miles 


1‘ of equator 


1’ of latitude at equator 


1’ of latitude at pole 


a 
Flattening or ellipticity (r aa 


Eccentricity (e =~/2f—f?) 


Eccentricity squared (e) 


International spheroid 
Equatorial radius (a) 


Polar radius (b) 


Mean radius ee 


1' of equator 


1’ of latitude at equator 


1’ of latitude at pole 


“ Fase oar a—Bb 
Flattening or ellipticity (f ar 


Eccentricity (e = »/2f—f?) 


Eccentricity squared (e 2) 


Energy 


1 joule 


716 


= 6,087.129 feet 

= 2,029.043 yards 

1,855.357 meters 

1.153 statute miles 

1.002 nautical miles 

= 6,045.719 feet 

2,015.240 yards 

1,842.735 meters 

1.145 statute miles 

0.995 nautical mile 

= 6,107.943 feet 

= 2,035.981 yards 

= 1,861.701 meters 

= 1.157 statute miles 
Heels nautical miles 


~ 293.465 
= 0.00340756138 


= 0.08248339904 
= 0.00680351112 


= 20,926,469.85 feet 

= 6,975,489.95 yards 

= 6,378,388 meters 

= 3,963.347 statute miles 
= 3,444.055 nautical miles 
= 20,854,707.61 feet 

= 6,951,569.20 yards 

= 6,356,514.870 meters 

= 3,949.755 statute miles 
= 3,432,245 nautical miles 
= 20,902,983.35 feet 

= 6,967,661.12 yards 

= 6,371,229.315 meters 

= 3,958.898 statute miles 
= 3,440.190 nautical miles 
= 6,087.264 feet 
2,029.088 yards 
1,855.398 meters 

1.153 statute miles 
1.002 nautical miles 
6,046.342 feet 

= 2,015.447 yards 

= 1,842.925 meters 

1.145 statute miles 

= 0.995 nautical miles 

= 6,107.828 feet 

= 2,035.943 yards 

= 1,861.666 meters 

1.157 statute miles 
1.005 nautical miles 


W 


= 0.00336 700337 
= 0.08199188997 
= 0.00672267002 


= 0.10197 kilogram-meters 

= 0.7376 foot-pounds 

= 2.778 X 107 kilowatt hours 

= 3.725 X 10-7 horsepower hours 


1 kilogram-meter 


1 foot-pound 


1 kilowatt hour 


1 horsepower hour 


1 kilocalories 


1 yard 


1 cable (British) 
1 statute mile 


1 nautical mile 


= 2.388 X 1074 kilocalories 

= 9.478 X 10-4 B.T.U. 

= 9.8067 joules 

= 7.233 foot-pounds 

= 2.724 X 10-© kilowatt hours 

= 3.653 X 10-6 horsepower hours 
= 2.342 X 1073 kilocalories 

= 9.295 X 10.~3 B.T.U. 

= 1.356 joules 

= 0.1383 kilogram-meters 

= 3.766 X 1077 kilowatt hours 

= 5.051 X 1077 horsepower hours 
= 3.238 X 1074 kilocalories 

= 1.285 X 1073 B.T.U. 


= 3.6 X 108 joules 
= 3.671 X105 kilogram-meters 


= 2.655 X 10® foot-pounds 
= 1.341 horsepower hours 
= 859.9 kilocalories 


= 3,412 B.T.U. 
= 2.685 X 10° joules 


2.738 X 105 kilogram-meters 
1.98 X 10° foot-pounds 

= 0.7457 kilowatt hours 

= 641.2 kilocalories 

= 2,544 B.T.U. 

= 4,187 joules 

= 426.9 kilogram-meters 

= 3,088 foot-pounds 

= 1.163 X 1073 kilowatt hours 
= 1.560 X 1073 horsepower hours 
= 3.968 B.T.U. 

= 1.055 joules 

= 107.6 kilogram-meters 

= 778.2 foot-pounds 

= 2.931 X 1074 kilowatt hours 
= 3.93 X 1074 horsepower hours 
= 0.25200 kilocalories 


= 25.4 millimeters* 

= 2.54 centimeters* 

= 12 inches* 

= 1 British foot 

1/3 yard* 

= 0.3048 meter* 

= 1/6 fathom* 
=0.30480061 meter 

= 36 inches* 

= 3 feet* 

= 0.9144 meter* 

= 6 feet* 

= 2 yards* 

= 1.8288 meters* 

= 720 feet* 

= 240 yards* 

= 219.4560 meters* 

= 0.1 nautical mile 

= 5,280 feet* 

= 1,760 yards* 
1,609.344 meters* 
1.609344 kilometers* 
= 0.86897624 nautical mile 
= 6,076.11548556 feet 
= 2,025.37182852 yards 


iT} 


= 1.852 meters* 

= 1.852 kilometers* 

= 1.150779448 statute miles 
tag tel eee REECE ERO D Pc ro cctn a acht eset on can Cease Onions Bin Ine nn rte ae = 100 centimeters* 

= 39.370079 inches 

= 3.28083990 feet 

= 1.09361330 yards 

= 0.54680665 fathom 

= 0.00062137 statute mile 

= 0.00053996 nautical mile 
i altel merscc-poc coc aw A ocka ceraro die flora c'6,cr0 rgieperORe ID BOE ORSIORENS ODO = 3,280.83990 feet 

= 1,093.61330 yards 

= 1,000 meters* 
0.62137119 statute mile 
= 0.53995680 nautical mile 


Mass 

‘I GTTES) cess aid. o6 0 Olly Golo caeticIc ot Oo O.Cir bra OlrmrO artes c Quo tho oc = 437.5 grains* 

= 28.349523125 grams* 

= 0.0625 pound* 

= 0.028349523125 kilogram * 
(ieee caoooocwanueacondo god ooeosoo ODO DODO U ONS mao DIND OC = 7,000 grains* 

= 16 ounces* 

= 0.45359237 kilogram”* 
NAiDRHOh), suaccnacahoonoagacocooucnuocmooUmDOdodmrD 5. dn0D = 2,000 pounds* 

= 907.18474 kilograms* 

= 0.90718474 metric ton* 

= 0.892857 14 long ton 
Teen comsoonossbonpoodadoaPosEHeompocongednoEoSaDO OS = 2,240 pounds* 

= 1,016.0469088 kilograms* 

= 1.12 short tons* 

= 1.0160469088 metric tons* 
(qieeten sooscocacenoanhoapoeddnanchodenauocuoo Neo GDaGHe = 2.204622622 pounds 

= 0.00110231 short ton 

= 0.00098421 long ton 
I GIReCh): scoocopmodrecudoovaueceudtnooaDoCDUDKOoUamoDSC = 2,204.6226218 pounds 

= 1,000 kilograms* 

= 1.10231131 short tons 

= 0.98420653 long ton 

Mathematics 

Ron teres er RO ee ORR ERO OT CRO ERE OSOL.O OAL DC Olas Cn CORALS Osc G oct = 3.14159265358979323846 2643383 2795028841971 
Fn HAT ERE Ca cheb pit to tin Oo CEN a er = 9.8696044011 
OTe xiioe ania Gries Ce eat te ecu oar ene ert OE a = 1.7724538509 
Base of Naperian logarithms (e)  ..-...-. 000 eee eee eee ee eens = 2.718281828459 
Modulus of common logarithms (logyoe) .---. 6. essere eee eee = 0.4342944819032518 
UtaclEnh oneoacobouderoodoascouecoou tous CeUT odo gu aoe das = 206,264:'80625 


= 3,437:7467707849 
= 5722957795131 
= 57°17'44:'80625 


Ohcelh tel [tees eRe te toy OOS ono OIechitnd 6 cadet yt, O-OG,0'0-OOO'G- OO-chOO Ia. = 1,296,000''* 

= 21,600'* 

= 360°* 

= 271 radians* 
ISTO aa, ea Ener ACen LOO OE SA cai eso ron CRE CNR TROND 0 "0 = TI radians* 
ee PERE RCE OAC O OI TCNOID CARS Di acRCIOL Cr EOE. .C: DADE Cooluene eo hea = 3600''* 

= 60'* 

= 0.0174532925 199432957666 radian 
1 INR sae Ee re ete. REN OENGE: b. ex ORLA Cice  OROIG, OOo CIee aC CO = 60"'* 

= 0.0002908882086657 21596 radian 
1 NE. esac SPCR TER SERRE ono SEO OM EOLONT o-eKC OORT RCE OG moet nT Citra O05 = 0.00000484813681 1095359933 radian 
EF tG (1101 a REP OLS Bost cH ROIG IT SID Cano LOR Oa ce APN. O in DIO MONO ha = 0.0002908882045634 2460 
CST a0 Ba AM Ie ses St bo, as SRR EO aa) ales eK in CMa CRE Ty Ott CNC CR CTCR CTO = 0.00000484813681107637 


718 


Meteorology 
Atmosphere (dry air) 
Nitrogen 
Oxygen 
Argon 
Carbon dioxide 
Neon 
Helium 
Krypton 
Hydrogen 
Xenon 


Absolute zero 


Pressure 
1 dyne per square centimeter 


1 gram per square centimeter 


1 millibar 


1 millimeter of mercury 


1 centimeter of mercury 
1 inch of mercury 


1 centimeter of water 


719 


= 78.08% 

20.95% 

= 0.93% 

= 0.03% 

= 0.0018% 

= 0.000524% 

= 0.0001% 

= 0.00005% 

= 0.0000087% 

= 0 to 0.000007% (increasing with altitude) 

= .000000000000000006% (decreasing with 
altitude) 

= 1,013,250 dynes per square centimeter* 

= 1,033.227 grams per square centimeter* 

= 1,033.227 centimeters of water 

= 1,013.250 millibars* 

= 760 millimeters of mercury 

= 76 centimeters of mercury 

= 33.8985 feet of water 

= 29.92126 inches of mercury 

= 14.6960 pounds per square inch 

= 1.033227 kilograms per square centimeter 

1.013250 bars* 

(—) 273215 C 

= (—) 459967 F 


99.99% 


= 0.001 millibar* 

= 0.000001 bar* 

= 1 centimeter of water 

= 0.980665 millibar* 

= 0.07355592 centimeter of mercury 

= 0.0289590 inch of mercury 

= 0.0142233 pound per square inch 

= 0.001 kilogram per square centimeter * 
= 0.00096 7841 atmosphere 

= 1,000 dynes per square centimeter * 

= 1.01971621 grams per square centimeter 
= 0.07500617 millimeter of mercury 

= 0.03345526 foot of water 

= 0.02952998 inch of mercury 

= 0.01450377 pound per square inch 

= 0.001 bar* 

= 0.00098692 atmosphere 

= 1.35951 grams per square centimeter 


= 1.3332237 millibars 

= 0.1 centimeter of mercury * 

= 0.04460334 foot of water 

= 0.39370079 inch of mercury 

= 0.01933677 pound per square inch 

= 0.001315790 atmosphere 

= 10 millimeters of mercury * 

= 34.53155 grams per square centimeter 
= 33.86389 millibars 

= 25.4 millimeters of mercury * 

= 1.132925 feet of water 

= 0.4911541 pound per square inch 
0.03342106 atmosphere 

1 gram per square centimeter 

= 0.001 kilogram per square centimeter 


AFOOT OF Waters ons, o:sseuacee cancel erasers teh cee av one saeco a sottove orcs eeeenepaneLanencens vee = 30.48000 grams per square centimeter 
= 29.89067 millibars 
= 2.241985 centimeters of mercury 
= 0.882671 inch of mercury 
= 0.4335275 pound per square inch 
= 0.02949980 atmosphere 
Li POUNG Pel SQUARE MC: weiter torenccetsnsesls bo taie tates oie crcherct seule cescaur sees = 68,947.57 dynes per square centimeter 
= 70.30696 grams per square centimeter 
= 70.30696 centimeters of water 
= 68.94757 millibars 
= 51.71493 millimeters of mercury 
= 5.171493 centimeters of mercury 
= 2.306659 feet of water 
= 2.036021 inches of mercury 
= 0.07030696 kilogram per square centimeter 
= 0.06894757 bar 
= 0.06804596 atmosphere 
(ek logramipensquarelcentimetenmennieienieirinieee ieee = 1,000 grams per square centimeter * 
1,000 centimeters of water 


All beareerere dees cur oc, crc toe Re eter tee ene ree tele se laecneste col anausradrenate = 1,000,000 dynes per square centimeter ™* 
= 1,000 millibars* 
Speed 
lifootiperniminutes coe ome somes sce Sere ans Ge oes aieaieres = 0.01666667 foot per second 
= 0.00508 meter per second* 
AkyarGiperamminuter ars sGicsere ee: nakce tee ners eee ile ore fon cua saenauseatet scones = 3 feet per minute* 


= 0.05 foot per second* 

= 0.03409091 statute mile per hour 

= 0.02962419 knot 

= 0.01524 meter per second* 
AnfootpenisecONnGMman mre cei ereeyiec us crcyerstee cialis kat snegetciens = 60 feet per minute* 

= 20 yards per minute* 

= 1.09728 kilometers per hour* 

= 0.68181818 statute mile per hour 

= 0.59248380 knot 

= 0.3048 meter per second* 
Akstatuteimilepen NOUN « cser., stuns ayencterauecocnsteuel se coiverale) ecauesreteerenar = 88 feet per minute* 

= 29.33333333 yards per minute 

= 1.609344 kilometers per hour* 

= 1.46666667 feet per seond 

= 0.868976 24 knot 

= 0.44704 meter per second* 
icktuodmae ence mon taro DMO oe deo oo mo como aman ddccorae 6 = 101.26859143 feet per minute 
33.75619714 yards per minute 
= 1.852 kilometers per hour* 
= 1.85447652 feet per second 
= 1.15077945 statute miles per hour 
= 0.51444444 meter per second 


A KilometeniperchOUG ac isvercie stators ersten cosre orton creronous lalavenaie ets cuenenes = 0.62137119 statute mile per hour 
= 0.53995680 knot 
TRMELEN PE: SECON use tre a siete crete Ataris ste TO RT There cme a APS = 196.85039340 feet per minute 


= 65.6167978 yards per minute 
= 3.6 kilometers per hour* 
= 3.28083990 feet per second 
= 2.23693632 statute miles per hour 
1.94384449 knots 
LIGETI WACUO™ oars cs vue cotcucho: sehen scl her ena eleascenc lore ie tavouanaver a eioiomreecirtameters 299,792 kilometers per second 
186,282 statute miles per second 
161,875 nautical miles per second 
983.570 feet per microsecond 
EIQICUT Aiiigude: sieves ance ettremerer ene ae tte ere ere ea oe al ro coer = 299,708 kilometers per second 

= 186,230 statute miles per second 


il} 


720 


= 161,829 nautical miles per second 

= 983.294 feet per microsecond 
Sound in dry air at 60° F and standard sea level pressure .......... = 1,116.99 feet per second 

= 761.59 statute miles per hour 

= 661.80 knots 

= 340.46 meters per second 
Sound in 3.485 percent salt water at60° F .........---. 00s eeeee = 4,945.37 feet per second 

= 3,371.85 statute miles per hour 

= 2,930.05 knots 

= 1,507.35 meters per second 


Volume 
ARCUbICHINChiEAmerercrt ii eicrricier er tolek torneo = 16.387064 cubic centimeters* 
= 0.01638661 liter 
0.00432900 gallon 
ARCUDICILOO Ler ieriet tenant tere detector tenia ledotovoteviereteveenaiarastaKeleltartawe 1,728 cubic inches* 
28.31605503 liters 
= 7.48051946 U.S. gallons 
= 6.22883522 imperial (British) gallons 
= 0.028316846592 cubic meter* 
1) GuUse WAR] sdcocodaseocadcasdouscooddboucocpaMboevouEdE = 46,656 cubic inches* 
= 764.53367616 liters 
= 201.974010624 U.S. gallons 
= 168.17859283 imperial (British) gallons 
= 27 cubic feet* 
= 0.764554857984 cubic meter* 
ECUDICICENTIMELC lar ete ieiciiercionskelisifctenapekensneicien iene lereisnenietekel cloner = 0.06102374 cubic inch 
= 0.00026417 U.S. gallon 
= 0.00021997 imperial (British) gallon 
AN CUEICAIMIETONS resco terete oiccs cotane atric’ ereben et aliducilance, ec3i(e enenieueraxepeveuststeierere cata = 264.17203187 U.S. gallons 
= 219.96923879 imperial (British) gallons 
= 35.31466655 cubic feet 
= 1.30795059 cubic yards 
1 quart RUG op erties atecersuewere revere cretece i’ specets faveristavets cavictatevaramerevaraneiersiavers = 57.75 cubic inches* 
= 32 fluid ounces* 
= 2 pints* 
= 0.94632645 liter 
= 0.25 gallon* 
Uceion (US) cossttoucosoescecoogacnnooTe ood omonodoeae = 3,785.3984784 cubic centimeters* 
= 231 cubic inches* 
= 0.13368056 cubic foot 
= 4 quarts* 
= 3.7853058 liters 
= 0.83267412 imperial (British) gallon 
ARN GeM: wo, vercccrsteenc o. tieWet ever at cvevel sfe}ere aia elein archavevelave Siepsiekeryeleiniensfewsys = 1,000.028 cubic centimeters 
= 61.02545 cubic inches 
= 1.05671780 quarts 
= 0.26417945 gallon 


i (CISGPiCW “adenpospedouoomoed Comoamc con coor.or mom coscaec = 100 cubic feet* 

= 2.8316846592 cubic meters* 
MMeASUTeMmentatOnmrtetsra.cRercvchetene stetckoie cereus eretaneliehonereiei(ou ote) oertov ears = 40 cubic feet* 

= 1 freight ton* 
Ui WETICE. cdootanddencapowoonenucoUucoUnoasOdgDOnDOdING = 40 cubic feet* 


= 1 measurement ton* 


721 


Volume-mass 


Arcubic FOOE Of SCAIWALe Le mia ese eteiclay ofieleke a erer erected = 
1 cubic foot of fresh water ..........2.seeeeas 


UCM VOiCOMCNIAA Ganersoanoonocnoodvo UGS adeO 
fidisplacementstonunensdeiscie eateries eden tnen yi 


eta gave ayers Atewe Oot = 64 pounds 
ea penetagsestakersadees = 62.428 pounds at temperature of maximum 


density (4° C = 39°2 F) 


RRRiG Mae oarenaaalete = 56 pounds 
mietedeteycuctarcusts cove = 35 cubic feet of sea water* 


= 1 long ton 


(1) Taken in part from Bowditch (H.O. Pub. and the U.S. Navy Diving Manual, NAVSHIPS 0994-001-9010) 
(2) All values in this appendix are based on the following relationships: 


1 inch = 2.54 centimeters* 
1 yard = 0.9144 meter * 


1 pound (avoirdupois) = 0.45359237 kilogram * 


1 nautical mile = 1852 meters* 


Absolute zero = (—)273°15 C = (—)459°67 F. 


Symbols and Notes 


A Area 

Cc Circumference 

D Depth of water 

H Height 

L Length 

N Number of divers 

R Radius 

VW Tons 

Vv Volume 

Dia. Diameter 

Dia.? Diameter squared 

Dia.3 Diameter cubed 

T (pi) 3.1416 

1/47 .7854 

1/67 -5236 

PP: Partial Pressure 

psi Pressure per square inch 
psig Gage Pressure 

psia Absolute pressure 
F.P.M. Feet per minute 

B.S. Breaking strain of line or rope 
S.W. Safe working load of line or rope 


Formula for Areas 
The area of a square or rectangle — 
A=LXW 
The area of a circle — 
A = .7854 X Dia.? or A= 7 R2 


COMMONLY USED FORMULAS 


Lifting Capacity (in Pounds) 
Fresh water (V X 62.4) = Weight of lifting unit 
Salt water (V X 64) = Weight of lifting unit 


Miscellaneous Formulas 
Partial Pressure of a gas (in psi) — 
P.P. = [((D + 33) X .455] X % of gas 


|= 


P.P.= X % of gas, in ata. 


33 
P.P.=[D +33] X % of gas, in fsw. 


Time between stops in seconds — 


T= (Dieft — Darrivea) X 60 
F.P.M. 


Emergency Hose Test [(D X .445) + 50] X 2 
(Hold pressure for 10 minutes) 


722 


Formulas for Volumes 
The volume of a cube (compartment) — 
V=LXW=H 
The volume of a sphere (balloon) — 
V = .5236 X Dia.3 
The volume of a cylinder (pontoon) — 
V = .7854 X Dia.2 XL 


Temperature Conversions 

1. Fahrenheit to Centigrade 
°C = 5/9 (°F — 32) 

2. Centigrade to Fahrenheit 
°F = 9/5 (°C) + 32) 


723 


Formulas for Seamanship 
1. Breaking strain of natural fiber line = 
C? X 900 Ibs. 
2. Breaking strain of nylon wire = C? X 2,400 Ibs. 
3. Breaking strain of wire = C* X 8,000 Ibs. 
Safe working load for 1-2-3 above — 
1/4 B.S. = S.W. for new line or wire 
1/6 B.S. = S.W. for average line or wire 
1/8 B.S. = S.W. for unfavorable conditions 
Safe working load of a shackle = 
3 X Dia.? = S.W. in tons 
Safe working load of a hook = 
2/3 X Dia.? = S.W. in tons 


APPENDIX II 


93n CONGRESS 
Isr SEssION H. R 89 24 
e 


IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JUNE 22,1973 
Mr. Downrne (for himself, Mrs. Suttivan, Mr. Mosner, Mr. Rocers, and Mr. 


Mureuy of New York) introduced the following bill; which was referred 
to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries 


A BILL 


To promote safety in the operation of submersible vessels. 
il Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 


2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 


3 That this Act may be cited as the “Submersible Vessel 
4 Safety Act”. 

° Src. 2. As used in this Act— 

6 (1) “Secretary” means the Secretary of the de- 
u partment in which the Coast Guard is operating, and 
8 (2) “submersible vessel” includes any contrivance 
9 used or designed for transportation underwater, for 
10 human occupancy underwater, or for underwater com- 
11 mercial purposes, other than those of the Government 


I 


724 


2 
of the United States used or designed as instruments 
of war. 


Src. 3. (a) To promote safety in the operation of sub- 


mersible vessels, the Secretary may prescribe regulations— 


(1) for the design, materials, workmanship, con- 
struction, outfitting, performance, maintenance, and 
alteration of submersible vessels; 

(2) for the design, materials, workmanship, con- 
struction, performance, maintenance, and alteration of 
equipment incidental to the operation of submersible 
vessels; 

(3) for tests and examinations with respect to 
paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection including 
provisions for their performance by qualified private 
persons whose tests, examinations, and reports are ac- 
ceptable to the Secretary ; 

(4) for the manning of submersible vessels, includ- 
ing the duties and qualifications of operating personnel ; 
and 

(5) for such other practices and procedures as the 
Secretary finds necessary to provide adequately for 
safety. 

(b) When the Secretary finds it in the public interest 


he may grant exemptions from the requirements of any 


regulation prescribed under this section. 


725 


3 

(c) Submersibles certified by the American Bureau of 
Shipping or other classification society approved by the Sec- 
retary may be accepted as having met sections 3(a) (1) 
and (2). 

(d) The Secretary may by regulation exempt manned 
submersible vessels from the requirements of this Act and 
any regulation issued thereunder if he determines that the 
manned submersible vessel is being constructed or operated 
for developmental, experimental or research work. 

Src. 4. (a) The Secretary may group submersible 
vessels into classes on the basis of similarity of characteristics 
or of utilization, or both. 

(b) The owner or the builder of a submersible vessel 
subject to any regulation issued under section 3 of this Act 
shall apply to the Secretary for a certificate of inspection. 
If the Secretary finds, after inspection, that the submersible 
vessel is properly equipped and safe to be operated in accord- 
ance with the requirements of this Act and the regulations 
hereunder, he shall issue a certificate of inspection. The Sec- 
retary may prescribe in a certificate of inspection the dura- 
tion thereof and such other terms, conditions, and limita- 
tions as are required in the interest of safety. 

(c) The Secretary may, from time to time as he deems 
necessary, reinspect any submersible vessel for which a 


certificate of inspection has been issued. If the Secretary 


726 


4 


= 


determines as a result of a reinspection that such submersible 


~ 


2 vessel is in violation of this Act or any regulation issued 


(Je) 


under this Act, and that it is in the interest of safety, he 


4 may amend, suspend, or revoke a certificate of inspection. 


5 Src. 5. (a) The Secretary may issue submersible vessel 
6 operators licenses in accordance with regulations prescribed 


7 by him, to applicants found qualified as to age, character, 
8 habits of life, experience, professional qualifications, and 
9 physical and mental fitness. 

10 (b) The Secretary may prescribe with respect to any 


11 license issued such terms, conditions, limitations as to dura- 
12 tion thereof, periodic or special examinations, tests of physical 
13 fitness, and other matters as he determines necessary to as- 
14 sure safety in the operation of submersible vessels. 

15 (c) The Secretary may suspend or revoke a license 


16 issued under this section if the holder— 


7 (1) has violated any law or regulation intended to 
18 promote marine safety or protect navigable waters, 

19 (2) is physically, mentally, or professionally incom- 
20 petent, or 

21 (3) has committed an act of misconduct or negli- 
22 gence while operating such a vessel. 

23 (d) No person shall operate any submersible vessel with- 


24 out an operator’s license if by regulations established under 


25 this section he is required to have a valid submersible vessel 


727 


5 
operator’s license for such operation. Whoever violates this 
subsection shall be liable to a civil penalty of $1,000 to 
be assessed by the Secretary. The Secretary may remit or 
mitigate upon such terms as he deems proper any penalty 
assessed under this section. 

Src. 6. (a) The Secretary may examine, evaluate, and 
rate civilian schools giving instruction in the operation of 
submersible vessels. When the Secretary is satisfied as to 
the adequacy of a school’s course of instruction, the suit- 
ability and seaworthiness of its equipment, and the com- 
petency of its instructors, he may issue a certificate for the 
school. 

(b) If the Secretary finds as a result of a reexamination 
or reevaluation that it is in the interest of safety, he may 
modify, suspend, or revoke a school’s certificate. 

Src. 7. (a) The Secretary may appoint, without regard 
to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing 
appointments in the competitive service, advisory commit- 
tees for the purpose of consultation with and advice in the 
performance of functions under this Act. 

(b) Members of such committees, other than those reg- 
ularly employed by the Federal Government, while attend- 
ing committee meetings or otherwise in the performance of 
their duties under this Act, may be paid compensation at 


rates not exceeding $100 per day and, while serving away 


728 


bo 


6 
from their homes or regular places of business, may be al- 
lowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of sub- 
sistence, as authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United 
States Code, for persons employed intermittently in the 
Government service. 

Src. 8. (a) The owner and the person in charge of a 
submersible vessel found in violation of this Act or the regu- 
lations issued under this Act, are each liable to a civil penalty 
of $1,000 for each such violation to be assessed by the 
Secretary. 

(b) A submersible vessel found in violation of this Act 
or the regulations issued under this Act is liable to a civil 
penalty of $1,000 to be assessed by the Secretary for which 
the vessel may be libeled and proceeded against in any dis- 
trict court of the United States having jurisdiction. 

(c) The Secretary may remit or mitigate upon such 
terms as he deems proper any penalty assessed under this 
section. 

Sec. 9. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to impair 
or affect any authority of the Atomic Energy Commission 
under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. 

Sec. 10. The Secretary shall, upon the request of the 
Secretary of Defense, exempt from the requirements of this 
Act or any regulation issued under this Act such submersible 


vessels as may be requested by the Secretary of Defense. 


729 


m (7) 
8 FA 
= = 
WNAHAPWN> B OOPWON> wD 


se 112, 
— kh 


——— 4: 


APPENDIX III 


SEA OTTER 
Pre Dive Check List 


(To be completed for the first dive of the day) 


All discrepancies cleared and/or noted from previous dive. 


Compensation system filled, minimum 2000’ PSI. 
Air ballast system filled, minimum 2000’ PSI. 


O2 — 3 full bottles plus 4th in use (40 man hours per bottle). 
LIOH — 2 full cannisters plus 3rd in use (64 man hours per bottle). 


Weight and ballast completed. 


Equipment on brow secure, penetrators and compensating lines secure. 


Ballast weight secure. 

Drop weight secure. 

Thrusters clear. 

Main propulsion clear. 

No obvious structural damage. 

Air systems filling valves capped. 
Antenna and transducers clear. 

Flag secured to antenna. 

Marker buoy secure and spool line secure. 


Hatch ‘‘O”’ ring cleared, and inspected and greased. 


Magnetic compass. 
Compensating valve open. 
Lifting bridle. 


Cabin Checks 


——— Ie 


NOTARY 


Valves set for dives 

dump valves closed. 

Drop weight free and 
handle aboard. 

Surface radio. 

V/W phone and pinger. 
Thrusters. 

Main propulsion. 
External lights, dome and 
Panel lights. 


— 8. Sonar — spare parts. 
—_— 9. Video — spare tapes. 


——_10. Tape Recorder — spare tapes. 


———11. Scrubber — both models. 
e125 (Gyro: 

———13. Manipulator. 

——_—14. Camera and strobe. 
———15. All mechanical penetrators. 


730 


Dive 


Date 


Emergency Equipment Misc. Equipment 


ee Mights|(2) ——— _ 1. 35 mm camera, spare film 
—— 2. Water and food ———_ 2. Dive logs and pens 
—— 3. Inflatable life preservers (3) —_. 3. Customer equipment 
—_ 4. Face masks (3) —_. 4. _ Proper clothing for all aboard 
____ 5. Xenon flasher and mirror —— 5. All surface support equipment 
—__ 6. _ Relief bottle checked and operational 
—_._ 7. Tool kit, fuses —___ 6.._If 3 men aboard add 1 O2 bottle 
—__. 8. _ Emergency breathing and 1 LiOH cannister. 
—— . 9. O2 and CO2 gas sensing devices 
—_—10. Compensating system emergency Signed 

filler hose Crew Chief 

—11. O2 wrenches (2) 
—— 12. Spare Scrubber motor Signed 
Pilot 
SEA OTTER 
Post Dive Check Sheet 

Mech 

Variable ballast drained and flushed. 

Compensation system checked for water. 

Check motor drain plug. 

Sub hosed down. 
Electrical 

Spare fuses checked and replenished. 

Aux. batteries checked and replaced as necessary. 

Time commenced battery charge. 

Gyro caged. 
Life Support 


Emergency equipment inspected and completed. 
Interior cleaned and relief bottles removed. 

Hatch sprayed, ‘'O” ring cleaned and stored. 

Hatch cover installed. 

De-humidifier/heater installed and operating. 

Empty O2 cylinders removed and replaced. 

Depleted CO2 absorb cannisters removed and replaced. 


731 


APPENDIX III (Cont.) 


SEA OTTER 
Weight and Balance 


Sea water Dive 
Fresh water Date 
(circle one) 
ile Crew Weights 
Ae 
2: 
3h, 
Total 
De Additional Equipment 
1. 
2 
3: 
4. 
Total 
3. Equipment Removed 
us 
2. 
oe 
Total 


4. SEA OTTER payload 


3} Total of (1) and (2) minus (3) 


6. Subtract 5 from 4 
7. Amount weight added if positive Added 
Removed if negative Ase Removed 
(circle one) 
SEA OTTER 160 #s heavier in fresh water hh a 


Pilot 


732 


deg 
deg/sec 
DOT 


ACRONYMS and TERMS 


Angstrom unit 

American Bureau of Shipping 

Alternating current 

Air conditioning 

Auxiliary General Survey 

American Institute of Aeronautics & Astrinautics 
Aluminum Co. of America 

Amplitude modulation 

ampere(s) 

ampere-hour(s) 

American Society of Mechanical Engineers 
Auxiliary Submarine Rescue 

American Society of Testing & Materials 
Atmosphere(s) 

Atmosphere(s) 

Atlantic Undersea Test & Evaluation Center 
Admiralty Underwater Weapons Establishment 
American Wire Gage 


Center of buoyancy 

Buoyancy Actuated Launch & Retrieval Elevator 
Submerged metacentric height 

Base line 

British thermal unit 


Civilian band 

Closed Circuit Television 

Drag coefficient 

Centre D’Etudes Marine Avancees 

Cubic feet per minute 

Center of gravity 

Lift coefficient 

Centre National pour l’Exploitation des Oceans 
Chief of Naval Material 

Chief of Naval Operations 

Capagnes Oceanographique Francais 
Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises 

candle power 

Cycles per hour 

Cycles per minute 

Cathode Ray Tube 

Continuous Transmission Frequency Modulated 
Controlled Underwater Research Vehicle 
Continuous wave 


Displacement volume 

Direct current 

Deck decompression chamber 
Deep Dive System 

degree 

degrees per second 
Department of Transportation 


733 


ICAD 


Deep Ocean Technology 

Deep Ocean Work Boat 

Dead reckoning 

Deep scattering layer 

Deep Submergence Research Vehicle 

Deep Submergence Research Vehicle Tender 
Deep Submergence Systems Project 

Deep Submergence Systems Review Group 
Deep Submergence Search Vehicle 
Decompression Staging System 


Effective horsepower 
Entrance lock 
Electromagnetic 
Electromagnetic interference 
Electro Oceanics 


Fore/akt 

French-American Mid-ocean Study 
footcandle 

Frequency modulation 

Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique 
Forward perpendicular 

Feet per minute 

foot, feet 

feet per second 


Center of gravity 

General Electric Company 

Gigahertz 

Glass reinforced plastic 

Gallons per minute 

Glass reinforced plastic 

Groupe d’Etudes et de Recherches Sous-Marine 


Human Element Range Extender 
High frequency 

Hood Inflation System 
Horsepower 

Hour(s) 

International Hydrodynamics Ltd. 


Integrated Control & Display 

Combittee on Marine Research, Education & Facilities 
Inside diameter 

Institut Francais du Petrole 

Inch, inches 


Kilohertz 

Kollsman Instrument Corporation 
Kilopounds per square inch 
kilowatt(s) 

Kilowatt-hour(s) 


Launch & Recovery Platform 
Pound(s) 
Longitudinal center of buoyancy 


734 


MATLAB 


Mhos/m 
mHz 
MILSPECS 
MSO 


NAVOCEANO 
NAVSEC 
NAVSHIPS 


OFRS 


Longitudinal center of gravity 

Local Civil Time 

Low frequency 

Low light level TV camera 

Lockheed Missiles & Space Company 
natural log per meter 

Lock-out 

Length overall 

Liters per minute 

Launch, Recovery & Transport Vehicle 


Metacenter 

Mutual Assistance Rescue & Salvage Plan 
U.S. Navy Materials Laboratory 

Main ballast tank 

Medium frequency 

Milliohms per meter 

Megahertz 

Military Specifications 

Minesweeper, Ocean 

Marine Technology Society 

Manned Undersea Activities 

Manned Undersea Science & Technology 
Motor Vessel 


Not available 

National Aeronautics & Space Administration 
Navy Material Command 

Naval Oceanographic Office 

Secretary of the Navy 

Naval Ship Systems Command 

Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory 

Navy Electronics Laboratory 

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration 
National Oceanographic Data Center 

No provisions (aboard) 

Naval Research Laboratory 

Naval Ship Research & Development Center 
Naval Ship Research & Development Laboratory 
Normal Temperature & Pressure 

Naval Undersea Center 

Naval Undersea Research & Development Center 


Oxygen Breathing Apparatus 

Outside diameter 

Office Francais de Recherches Sous-Marine 
Chief of Naval Operations Instruction 
Ocean Research Equipment, Inc. 

On-scene commander 


Pulse 

Pounds per cubic foot 
Primary cable termination 
Phase comparison 
Working manipulator 


735 


BET 
ppm 
ppt 
P/S 
psf 
psi 
psia 
psig 
PTC 
PVC 


SUBDEV- 
GRU-1 
SUPSAL 


ANU 
TPS 
TV 


UCLA 
UHF 
UQC 
USCG 
USN 
USNUSL 
V 
VAC 
VBT 
VCB 
VCG 
VDC 


Pilot presentation indicator 
Parts per million 

Parts per thousand 
Port/Starboard 

Pounds per square foot 

Pounds per square inch 

Pounds per square inch absolute 
Pounds per square inch gage 
Personnel Transfer Capsule 
Polyvinyl chloride 


Research & Development 
Rescue Control Center 
Request for proposals 
Relative humidity 

Root mean square 
Revolutions per minute 
Respiratory Quotient 
Research Vessel 


Search & Rescue 

System Classification Authority 
Standard cubic foot 

Standard cubic foot per hour 
Standard cubic foot per minute 

Shaft horsepower 

Silicon Intensifier Target 

Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers 
Ship of Opportunity 

Strength, power, communication cable 
Submarine Rescue Chamber 

Single side band 

Submarine Test & Research Vehicle 
Standard Temperature & Pressure 


Submarine Development Group One 
Supervisor of Salvage 


Transponder Interrogation System 
Tandem Propulsion System 
Television 


University of California-Los Angeles 
Ultra high frequency 

Underwater telephone 

U.S. Coast Guard 

U.S. Navy 

U.S. Navy Underwater Sound Laboratory 


Volt(s) 

Volts alternating current 
Variable ballast tank 
Verticle center of buoyancy 
Vertical center of gravity 
Volts direct current 


736 


Very high frequency 
Very low frequency 


Weight 

Water sensor pod 

Western Marine Electronics 
Watt-hour(s) 

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution 
World War II 


737 


CORPORATE INDEX 


Page 
AG Gab lectronics: Dives General Motors) Corpse eee ee 128, 546 
A CCESSICO itd. © (teen caret Se od Be ee 189 
Acrojet-Generale Gop sska sa eee Se ee a ee ee eee 337 
AltOceansindustries sinew een en Bees ee ee ee eee 87 
Allis-Ghalmers; ieeeve de Ma Cie es ceo eee nee I sO ee oe ee 331 
Alpine? Geophysical’Associates) "2s 2222s tees. A es 2 A ee ee eee 502 
/Nkovaanbaneyaey Cloyony aeons it ANGKOR, ee 89, 705 
AmMenicanrsubmaniner Cons) =e. ee ee ee eee eee 48, 213 
NAP Ce see ay a 2 Ng ee a Ee eT Se 606 
ATAU TICS Li) Cae eee eee ye eee mee eens Se a ee On ee 5, 55, 169 
PNR ETA GV Eha] LGW en, eh ee a pal SN eee er Se es ee =e ee 5, 64, 169, 195 
AttlanticvkvesearchuConp ims s— 2 see oe ea ON ee ee eee 501 
Bacharachelnstnuiment; COLD aie se aaa = Soe ee ee ee ee 435 
BalleBrotherspResearcht Cos=. -- --=— "=... ee ee ee 480 
Beckmanvlnstruments anes) === ne ee ek ee ee 544 
IBenthose Corp sept eereen a aie eg eS Od ee eee ee 514, 550 
Bioy Mannesindustiies te sees. ete Ne SS eee eee 434 
BirnsrGr sa wy ciwln cam 2. ete: Sey aes eo UN eh ee ee oe ee eee 478 
BissetabermaniGonp meso oe eke ee a a ee 544 
BOW NEATICHE: OO tHe ean 2 ett MP PP OMS Vo rs ee Be a eee 5, 230 
Bruker rnysilkeA Gree ee inne eS a SE gets hh eee eh ee 66, 153, 155 
CED ELOO]S eae a eee Saae rs Oa ee ee 2 eee ee oe 225 
CangDivewli td seamen nner 4. PRR oo RS eS cat ee ee ee ee 5, 64, 169, 195 
(Chnroeyeraves) Creer nayerrEOlMGRWVS JENNER 2a = 208, 210 
CharleseVeny;Submaninesmesee mo. ts. ea oe oe el 87 
CobupblectronicsiConrpn eas 22s Be cee Pel Ss SS ee ee ee 480 
(OM XGgoe a eS ce eed Aare a ISS cg, oe os oat Pe ee Oe) Se 82, 703 
GontrolexiCorprotwAmenicagere=-—-. 0 a Be el ee ee ee 399 
GrousesHinds? Corp seat = eae 5 eevee RO Per Bg le. Ses 2 ef 350 
DAGTO TB rien Coes ees aie See 8 EA ase ee Sa a ls Se ee 346 
Deeprseawlechniqueswese ae a= =a oe i LN Oe a eae 84 
DeepaWaterh xplokationelitds | Ws2222e a 2 ee ae ee 217 
DEBrConstructionwlitd wae oe Bart. ee eee el ee 0 141 
DillinghamiConp:sse< sate ee a Pe ee ee ee. Oe ee ee ee ee 475 
Dutchi submarines Senvicese == .- = — san a ee ee ee eee 65 
HastmaniKodalkuGon @ ieee mee toe sr eee a Ts OL ee 550 
EdoswWesterns Cornice sco seein ee oe SE cen ee oe ee 480 
BGS Gulntemationall Sees seo setae ee Bele ee ty Ve SE ieee 548 
MlectrovOceaniCss Corps mee oe eae oe Te ase es eo ee oe ee 341, 346, 350 
BeaWarbDwiver\ Cos: timers cna iy Eee ee ae, So 434 
Branklin Wlectrici@o:; 22st Sa6 0a 2 as ee ee ee 389 
Garrison? S'Divers' Corps = 22-22 Se ee eee 107 
GeneraleAp plied’ Serence Tia orto rye ete a aetna I 509 
Generale ymamicse Corp eee eee 43, 88, 99, 193, 215, 217, 219, 331, 341, 370 
GeneraltilectricaGos .. 20" 2) Wa eee ge er Set eek De eee he ee 399 
General Malls: Corpse = 25 ssc an FS Nea st are ee 44, 91 
Generali MotorsuConpwss 22282 ee Be A ea ey 2 ee 56 
General’Oceanographics, ines. =e oo ee ee fe ee 55, 161, 395 
General!'Oceans line: pe ee ee Oe ee ee eee 574 
General Mime Gop yo a2 ame eee ea re a ae a ere 501 


Germernall Witalem Corpo, cs a a ae ree fe ee ee eee eee te 480 
GiOwAMG@ a ISROUIOS: 1 a ee ee ee eee ee 57, 101 
GreavlakessUmdenwatern so pontsedlinGs (es seen ee ee ee 157 
(Crowuraraaena ANriexeree te HB Ta year aeyeN eave COT 0 57, 105 
IRlalaon ke Olleny? © Se Se ee ee ee ee eee 254 
Inl@alke lainyspiareiniyen, WAGs" (psa 2 es SR ng EE | REN Se ee ee eR eee 43, 221, 518 
Floren Marinas lap golorenpione, Wygcl oe se ee ee 64, 101, 105 
Faby do- Catv lavorgs Oly ieee imemernins mate mule Poe ke try eee ou eek el ee eS 324 
Ey dromnOd Cis mane ni mat eer aed Ba Sec a ee ee ees Se eed 480, 547, 548 
eliien | if > nnn, Se ee es tent nn Ee ee oe ee tee) 478 
TaUROATMAINESS Wiees, et ee Se ee ee ee Se a ae tee ee Be ee ee 10 
InternationaliGasc Detector pl tia ssa. see ee SEE Terai 2) oe Sr re 434 
Imbermationalechydrodymamilesy lotde esse se sa eee oe 52, 70, 93, 97, 188, 185, 187, 191, 345, 550 
ImternationalsUnderwater Contractors) Imes ese s. ee 62, 103, 173, 400, 703 
biG anmone ectr Capewea ese a eae Oe Se ee Se 2 ed ee ee 346 
AapaANesewoLec karate CO: pete ae eee = = Be BE os de ee ere ae 149 
done Wits Gog en A oe ee ee ee eee eee ee 346 
Kawasaki leaysvalnGustiries ws tdigeee a2 meee oe ee ee eo ee 66, 137, 203 
INerasinaya, VLARols #2 oss SE mee ee ca Es ee eels ee ae ee eee eee eee ee fe ial 
i xpaiceneaanyiey Chie Oy: 9) Ns eo ee res eS Ss Og ee se ee eee 435 
Gy velUitel CSeml itn Comet eter Mice ee cee IR et we ee ae ee Entei eee ee 225 
Ketired SCR CUSUTICS sates eee ee Lie ee i ee ee eS ee ee ee ee eee 438 
KiotenesOceank evelopment Cor yg eee ee ee ee os Se a 66, 231 
ILaxConte sy lotrel svete SUP 5 se eee Te Ses ee ee ee ee ee ee ne ee ee 553 
iL@pir Sicrellere late) t= Se RN SI eee et See ea ae ee oe ee ee oe 44, 107 
ECO ctsEnaciMeelin gauss eens ee eee a oe ee eee 227 
Mockheed@MissilesyaspacelCogpes sass 2 2 sce ee ee ee 21, 113, 354 
Maman ges ln Cae Sean = ae ees aes 5 pay ae ee a Ee Pa eS ee ee oe 594 
lilac Ivleraine Cop. 25-22 2 en 2 eee oe Oe i ee ee eee 2 ee ee 346 
Mier binerse vin ogee ll Seelin cement ee pee hy ee a 40, 221, 456 
MaschinenbausGall ers Gimibp ls == seen ss eet ees Cen en ee ee ee ee eee 66, 231 
Migsubishistleavvalindustriess: 2-20.22 22808 tn oo ees ee ee 239, 275 
INEGI et CCsm i) Cam mene ee sone De wer de ee ae 159 
Niger, Uioey Ss a af NS ae ar ee ne eae ee ee ee ee eee ee Se 161 
INGIRENG] TRY cae ae ae SS vo ee ce eine OU ee ae ee ere ee ae 65, 165 
INontoeAmenicanehockwelle Corp ew aeaet 2a 8 sry cla 2 ee ee 56, 103 
Nigeria, OMiesavdiws, Io, “es a ee ee eee 179 
Qecam Seeley »Sc.ss See ee ee ee eg ge ee 705 
Queenan SivSiernssd ines Sse ES a en ee ee ee ee 56 
OceaneSy Stem st apaneel; tC suum cesremnee ween rete Meer ee ee oe ee 66,137 
OfticesHrancaisidesRecherches|Sous= Marine sam seen ee ee 48, 51, 60, 208 
Otesain IResermneln 1B umhaneacevane,, ime COURT ae 550 
TEGO) SRO ~My ee A ee eee eee ae a ee 187 
Acca ian COoBDivemWhibaker COnD. 2) a2 2 ee es De ee 487 
IPnehinie Sloman. Caps Se ee ee ee ee ee ee eee 84 


Lema auvorin Wiloytore (Cos: es a acne es Ne eee RO neo Le oD BY vor eee aa ee SOs Se 398 
iillipssketroleurns Co meemiastenen bs edt Boe te PS Se ed ee ee 167 
Pranea Sullomvercslolocn: line, 2S 8 A ee Ee ee ee eee er 84 
rab ie Omni Me Va COT weeeet ieee aero Re eee ek eee Ss La OP A ee Ee 333 
lites Gs JNM Cae ee Oe 5 ae ea i ae OY a a ee Ln ee ne ee, 507 


Reynoldssinternati oma oo ea ee a 2 ee 88 
Robbringineering. ==. 2 ee ee a ee 85 
Rohini «Haas; nes, 25228 ee a Nee ee 5 ee 254 
SardashstracioneWavoraziones -2: 2 Ps 22s ee eee ee ee 231 
Sear Graphics silin Css see eee ne es =e pe ee eee ee oe 60, 205 
Sealine sunGs, == ea 8 oe ee ee oy ae 84 
Searsi@Roebuck, (Co. 4 2 ee ee ee ee oe 391 
SIBWIGIMUAURY. cee ees Ses Oe) Se ee SP i ge ee ee 66 
Sperpyehands!Conp. ee eek oe Re ee ee a Be 509 
StrazaylMGdustvicsns ste Ses so ee eee en ts ak Ie 469 
StlbyseasOiltServar cess: bil ie ere eee eee ee ea re © See Be ec ee 71, 177, 189 
Submarine: Research ands Development Gorpoy es ee ee 55 
Submanimersenvicesslincys 22m sawed be We en ee) eee eee 221 
SUG vA A atl One eee eet See Se ele ee ee ee 209 
SunpshipbuildinerealrydockiCom = oe ee ee eo ee 61, 135 
PRA Ore Dvn COC TN COS m pean ae ee eee 7s Seen ere 2 ere ee ee ee ee 229, 605 
Mechnoceanis elt C= au ate ee ce ee se Oe, 99 
TBEINGiitttn Cotes: #ae nec on is in ee ee ee eee 501 
Ab, “AN oy go oSFEN 0 WDA OCG Be ee Seer ee ene he a ep ee Oe ee ee Se 196 
SOM S OM == OS an C0 spay eo eee re OE ey Oe Ae 481 
Wnderwater,MarinesE quipment. Wid’) 22222 es eee 141 
Wector Gall exCosgeeeans hak SMB Se ee Oe 341, 345 
MernesPnoineenin passes == We 20 eee! es 2 ee ee 197 
WackenssOCeami csewle (dylan oe cot eee ee ee eee 64, 69, 70, 183, 185, 237, 709 
Vain pags CLS Gal © S sige a ee ae ee ee See ee ee 346 
Western: MWarinesElectronics:@onps, ..-- 2. 5 Se ee eee 469 
WestinghousestlecthichGorpin a2. 2. =) aa ee ee eee 44, 115, 117, 119 
Westonudinstruments Coss. 2. ee = ea a ee a ee ee 501 
VomiuniShimbusNewspaper. 2.2. 25.) ee ee ee 239 


740 


SUBJECT INDEX 


Page 

Ale TEA OUD DUS RC eee Ae eae 706 
Albsolubespnessunes(psia) sd cline diam =ae ames eet ie es oes Se ee ee ee eee 282 
AtiminaltveexperimentalmOivines Uniti === Ee eee 361 
PANG CNB 11; Mae ae ee ee TS we De Sd Sa ss So Ls SNE a 59 
Ainavelshtwasaunetionvottemperatureland pressure) 222) === ee eee 284 
AEBACOREMhulltdracrcoeticientp==.== saan es a aaa a2 a Se ee eae 395 
AL COAESEAPRO BE 2x as a ee SD Pe ee ee see eee 705 
AMGOceanulmdustresssubmersiblesdescriibed a= ene eee 87 
CONLEOMAnrAN EME NUS hae a ee 5 Se os Be ae es SEE ee ee ee 398 
PUG CES ETS OLS Wie ete tie et i En ne Sn BE dh ke ee oe ee Be 485 
PANT UU VAUTEN AUG) eon eee ce aN alle ee So er WO ee 44, 63 
ContractorsHonisub-svstemsangl components). j=== === eee eee 281 

GES Chie Cue eee aa” ee Be eo en ee oes = eee 89 
examplesroteelectnicalimterferenceronlidatay sass nee 362 
electricalapene tra tons teat eee Ane dr SA he ee ee 2 ee 340 
null gcompressionuwithiGepth = =i ee eee eee 258 
hullRCONS ER CLLOM ewe eee ae Dena e Rok old pia ele Ons ee ED ew de SL 253 
CONUTOATEAN CCIE NCS pew oer eee ae Se ee i ee eee) ee 402 

VATE VAIN nen Ma 8 Na perenne a Bh lh nt eR DOME AOS, cok UM 44, 59 
CLES C11 ye Cl mee a ee Ba capac Rel on nae mt Oe a et CEE Sea AEE ee eee 91 
drarsroncevderivatlonsmeth Od =e ae eee 395 
null Reams tru Ctl Orietemee ea ne oN ee SES Epa ee le le i ay 252 
pressurevnullereleaseisystem) 222 == 8 oe ee ns ee 665 
Saliva CebPO MIO 0 Osh tee feces ed Sere wan Se eS Su eee Se a ea Se 561 
titaniumnelectricalapenetEratorndesl ors sss saa = aes = ae een Se 351 
ETETITT NES VS UG 11 ee Pa ool tn Fe i hn a ae FL ee EE a 304 
variablepballastsvstenihwe.s tase ose Ue Tee a ee ee ee eee 292 
VIEW DOL GAEEAM OO CMe ta kaa tea ee a ee ee ee SE eee ee 453 

WIE WDOLUISERCGS LO SULN Sie) = ae Se ae ed 2 ee ee Se eee 255 
PATDIentelihntisenS0 Kees ee ma a we ee 2 ee eee 545 
/ANTPAGTACENT 1BHUNRZEV GOES) aupoyoy ayes 54, 283, 288, 323, 644 
Glassedisubmersiblesw a. ssre sale eee a Se ee ee 625 

Oxy eenICONncentravlonssrecommended saa 412 
AMericankSocietyaolellechiamicall Narn oti ee 1:s eee nS 250 
BresSunemiesselt Cod epeaawen ae ee nso eh Cate. De to ne ey ee eee 255 
PANEER ECS UB pein ae ee a ne Sl i ee eo ee _ 43 
ANTVA GETEOU US S re ae atte ed Sa pe ey a eee 601 
PAVE OO TETLORS PACE CT ity me = a are ica al errs i ae vn SS 402 
/ANyoliecl Reseanon Ibploaremarayy, Wha, Oi UNE NS 175 
VAC) AVR! SW eet RN ona ee Be 8 i dd oa aye Doe oe ws SE ee ee 64 
GESChibed meee einen as ee Se en ey SO SR ee Pee eo 93 
Archie Ol Oe Cell ITN cu PT) se ee a a oe ee a Se Be eee 571 
PAVEC GEILE: DD Ee tae oe en ae a lad hs hee a Sr es Es 28 LE 42 
CLES Cini Cl meen RL Ae a ek ete ma en nee es es a ae 95 

AT ChiIMeGeSHp TIN Cp alle fiine Gee sense ee ee ed SE eS 16 
LN E ING NCOM BO Ee ee ee gee eg An ee ee ee es ee ee 2 
PAREC CY/ECO) NIE STG pee a a a a ew Agr ee Se Be sit 61 
CLES isI 1) c Cl meaner eee senna rac ee A le Be pe RE ae IS MARNE ALS we TE es 96 


741 


ATES CO tl G4 eae oa a es ee re ce a 1 
VALS ED EU eee eh a I I NS pik oe eC he 48 
described! 7 22 se eS EE ee 2 os 99 
electricalgpenetrators/ii._.. wee 7 ee oe oa ei ee ee ee 340 
Isobarisaltimeterisystem), <2." 22 ee ee ee eee 486 
Askanita Gravity Meter, 2-2-2)! 3. ee ee eee 553 
STC CUMEC AGO ee 2 Nee ee Sd ee ea lc ey Ig ee ee 377 
Assocsom@Amencan Railroads: < =.=" same Le re ee a 578 
Atlanticulindersealestands valuation Gente re ee ea a 49 
Atmospheric contaminentssallowablerconcentTations came ene eye 411 
AtmMospherichmonitorime td evil Ces eee ee 430 
CabING Dress UTC = 2s = se) Seems Se ee eee ee ee 436 
CAEDONEGIONI Gs Sew ek ew ee ae ly el od, Se ee 434 
ONO ET ee aE ae ie pe eR ee tt oe che op ee 430 
temperaturetand humidity, 25. 22-2 ee ee eee 435 
AUGUSTIETPICCARD. 2382.2 tw oes 2 ee ee 48 
CS erail Yeo ly SE ee ee ay ed a es Aya iy rR Ee 101 
PANG GET Ge ee i hl ee es i od a ol 49, 193 
PACZ TV aiiz hak Veg Gente oe sonal ee eee Oe eis Soa eS eee ee Sa, 2 oe 10 
BATA peepee ein a ok ee Se ee a ee ee 60 
Ballast/and buoyancysmethods, vehicle-by-vehicle) 22222022225) a eee 286 
Ballasting Systems, irreversible ——........-.. 222 =-_ 2.4 3.224225) eee 296 
collapsiblevbaps: ge et 250 eo les oe 298 
as Olin meee eee ee a eS a i ee i 300 
War OS GAn Ks eee = a ee es we ee ee 297 
ONES 1h O Gye eee ee Sk ee ed ee ee 299 
pressumethullls 2 ess ot ee ee eB 296 
smalltweirrhtidvopr, 22.224 ee eee ee 298 
Syntacticntoaln meee = 2 a 1 ee en ee 296 
Ballastin ea SySctemn saree resi] cy mca cen mene cena ns sm ei i 5 sues Ss cg ans gs 288 
ATI CH OTIN Gee er ee ee Se ge ee | OA Ee ee en BO ee 294 
Ascent/descent:weights: 22 =. 5-22 ee eee 294 
dnacgeables Bask ne se A Se ee os De oe ee a 296 
mainiballastitanks \ = 2s = se ee Pe ed 288 
vanlablerballast-tanks- (2. <2. = +2 se Se ed ee ee 290 
Barton Otis = === ous Soe Paola £2 een ee ee ee 32, 38 
Barmett ll Don =. 252 eet oR ee ee) ee eee ee 464, 625 
1SyeW ia oleess ON LV 01 0 ek Meee ee we ee ge NS aE eee et eae eee ee 497, 593 
IB ASSs Georee me. Geek Be I ee ee Oe ee 48 
Bathyscapht ...- 2. {ose es 5 oe Gere SEES. et oe ae ee ie a eS ee oe 38 
BATHYSPHERE. described), -o-2 2. 2 es a ee ee eee eee 32-38 
Internaliarraneements: --2-- 28-2200 2 a eee 33 
Batceriessadvantagesramd Gisacvearive yes eee eee a ee 319 
cellicharacteristicsioty three: tyes ieee eae a 322 
Chanracterishres ot Secon arsyat yes) eee eee a 320 
CELA OI Se we eS eae ee ee ee ere 323 
CLECES Os pPLESSUNE OTC ACh bye wee meee ee ee en 322 
effectsiotpressureron cellilitercricl icy,cliry oye eee ea 322 
ChfecisOnecemperablUmerony CSC hier tee. ici Le eee eae en ee 320 
PASSING Dela VO EAMG STONES SUIT Ce ee eee mee rn ee 329 
passing hazards G22 28 as ee ee eee 324 
hydrogvenweneration. 2-2 -5_ 2 eee ee eee eee 324 
in= hull lOCAtVO Wee ee ee ee ee ae a ek eB oe a ee 326 


DLessUne-nesistantspOGs === eens wees ny ene 2 Se 2. 2 ee eee 327 
PLESSURETCOMpensated Gupe= == ==n awn eanau erent en ae iene ye ee = 2 ee ea ee 328 
SV SlelneGes] 27) a= ene en eee ee eee a ee ee ae SE oe: ee ie ee 328 
desizmconsiderationssonaveniclerdiyimam CS ee ee 330 
[SORTER CORES), iat en he Ae ee ee ee a ee ee ee eee ee 330 
biolosicalteticct steamer seen tar FS a et ee Se ee aes 330 
Silver-zinesaischarce characteristicsrat, nigh=pressures= === === aes eee ee ee 322 
lifes characteris ticsmas= ae) see ee eae SNS ee Be aes Sea ee 323 
SOBs ol Coenen ie ae Or taint Oe Se See rn ee So See ee ee ee ee 323 
temperature, discharge rate and performance relationships __________________________-__- 321 
OLGA ERO EOI] CS wammr eis enmn eee a eo SUC tt ee es ee et ee ee ee 321 
EAE: Ree ee ee Se ies noe oot iL eS os oS a a OE ee 56, 64 
ESCH CC nme am eteriG mn ee arte Sek es. PP) PT Gets es 5 ee ee 103 
cControlwarranzeMmentspa m= ssnew ses 22S SR 25. tse ee es ee ee AL sda 400 
NOLSCDOW ClavSTeLeClrl CupO Welw == =a naan oes faa. See E! See Pe Se ees ee 397 
Manipulacomcnanaccelistics = —as=== asa. = Sse eee ee eee eee 532 
Primes Stem COMmpPONen tS ee 2—— — = See. Woes SR ee eee eee 307 
Bee bem Walliprn eee eet ea te ae ol i ee eee ee ee ee eee 382 
LByalhanhwrea, INeyeroraell IP wyaeh oye sOerouNTKO Ikvaseey Roy See ee ee PA 
ES EYNBECECAUN KG NG fs Det Se ee i ee Se eee eee 57, 60, 64 
ballastisyste mise ss sees dae bee eae ales cee ee ee ee eee 2 eee 288 
GESCEID CC amr aai ae Sens SNE ne anes oh 8 ee tee eee 105 
inapacal] ew eemee metas mr ae eae Re eh Ps 2S See ee eee ee 296 
electri calepenernato rs =e se a6 tates Se ae Bs ee ol Rea Se See a ee 342 
UI RCONS LU CbLOTIe= == = sea Ba wee S98 ss 8 8 Se Se es OO ee 250 
lifessiippOLtasy Stel ame See wes 2 De Dente Pees t oo See ee Seek ee Ue es ek ee ee ae 260-265 
PELEsoume kemenc@encyxesScCApelSCCNAT1 OM = see aman ae ee eee 661 
SOMAnODESV.SUCTT inmate somes tere al at Nn, Sal a a en ee tee ee 208) 
bemperatune variations Gn-hull)durmne GulfiStream Drift) 2222. ee 429 
Trackin gas y/ Sci eae Leese Baten Oke Ge eee ie Pe ee eee 501 
WALEREETIMESVSLCIN een ants Sa mean tens Fe is De a batts See Pa Sue oe oe os Be eee ee 302 
BIEN RHO Say gee et Sole oe RRs Os oS Aa aD ne Eee Ng Al Ea BS ae oe 44 
GeSchibed Marea Ua Se whe. Gi- eee oo) a a oe Are ee ere 107 
BEN DHOSCO PR Eee sees obo BS OS Pe a) i ee ee eee 38 
Cheer AlN CS ee meni me Bes Ne a biel Rin! oo ee ee eee Sa ee 484 
ES TaRVVCS1C Vaman Met eens Seale oars SA Se 8 CR ba eer ie Py Pe a Eee 449 
ES On TNEN) EUS ECO 10 G1: eee ae ee ge Si ea eee a ee eee eee 427 
BottomeMappmedinstriments: sss in 128 Ue 2s ee Sa ee ee ee 548 
SIMeSSCATESON 2 Laas ae ee™ Nees s ele ea See eS bo eee eee 548 
SUb=DOULOMADNOMleT Maths Weaker Oe Wie he aL Le AS ee eee ee 548 
STETECOPHOLOPTADMICIS Stem \at sw aeeess Coa 23 oes ee SS eee ee 548 
IBOLCOME SAINI A) GV COS iit seams eae ie oa hee ee eee 550 
Boy lang bec mean aera sees MN ae re Pee ee Ss eS et ee es See. 10 
LBORHIGHS) JUBSG «pe aia OE, ee ee ee, eee ey BAIR ne ee a 284 
Brad levallvobe tame aneierncnne MEL oS Ole Ai i ae oer) ha AT ng. I ee ee ee ee 608 
Brazosponis Coleco was sane aeeeias ee ee eS) Se ee 2 eee oe ee 213 
137:0 ye IY eg a he De ere BU i ed i I Te 7 
BUCY ANGVEneGUIRGINEN tS ape sae rence ae eames ee Ser ee See eee 16 
Bushnell] el) 2c eee emanate Be ee ee ee 1 
BTCC Otten Gea een eee ain eh ee rae Le oo ee kee ele cee oe a ee 
Caplestelect ri cal aara =a meiiaes ia fai eg eS oe ee a eee 351 
GESl oT SHINE SC meaner tee seen eae of DN a ee ee EO RS ee eT 352 
FEU RTT OCLC Santina am IE Arad el al Asp at met a ss be Sa eb LS 3503 


Gable-to-sunface; 1imibilicall 2x2 ee aa = ee ie ee 334 
CALYRS ORI Vs 232 = a oe os oe ne ee ee 42 
CanadianeWepe sole blew rae O TT e yatta ee ee eee ep 187 
Canadian: Worces\ 2 = os = 8 a ee Oe ee ee 191 
@arbon| dioxide. — 222 ee ee 2 ee eee 419 
ADSOEVAN COMI OU aC hale a CUTTS tl CS eee eee ae 421 
Chemicalkcompound store eri viel] (fie eee ae a 419 
effects of temperature, humidity and absorbant bed configuration ________________________ 424 
ONIGLETMO Vals Atri sk Stes teh ae Me SRR RE Pe Mar Pon, se 424 
eCHfEctS On cNUTNANS xp = we nha a ee ee 420 
molecular sievememovalisysteme sees eo.) 2a ee ee ee 424 
recomimendedwlinniitis== 2" sa ee ee 2 a 419 
Scrubber system) perormMancesmecOmmnenm Gat lorsy wees ee eee en a ee 420 
souLcesrate ofgbuild-ups removals peewee ee ee ee 419 
CRVIAG Fe en | ase loen coe bas care ee Se eh ee es ee 60 
Centerofbuoyancydenned: | 2-2 se eees os ee ee ee 16 
Gove vaveretss Clbivaver Ul oy aaereexsr Vey eee 17 
Centemolttenavity»detimed, ses = Be BaF. a oe ee eee 16 
Centres De tudes Mariner AwanCess «a a ek ee oe ee 60, 96, 211 
Central Research Institute of Fisheries Information and Economics, USSR ____________________ 10 
CeninesNationalypouralebxploicatlonnd esi © Ce ainsi eee eae 61, 95, 96, 211 
Gertiti catia nee eee es aire ee ea re en ot oe a 636 
Chinn Se eae a Se eae ee en ee 648 
LIFE OPEN aN let rae ee Ye ete ne ne ee Src Se i Ee woe See 648 
WES Navvanequirements,. a. 2.2222 2) oa le oe ee ee 636 
ConSiRuctionsandimabniCabloms =e eee ee ee ee 638 
INStrumentswextennala —-2= 2... see a! ee ee ee ee 639 
operability andmaintenance —.=- 2-22 2 a a ee eee 639 
operationalisatety, = es. —- — se aeaelS oP ed ee ee 644 
operator Competency, .<-.-- eo ee ee 642 
Qualitysassurance,, 22.2... 2c oe 2 ee ee 638 

TO CONG So eet ce NN TS US Sy a Ae REO TE a re ee” ee Ee 637 
Scope,otscertification: "-+ =~ =.=” 2a Pa eee oP ee ee Fo ee ee 637 

SUV Ver Sis cee a Aa ee ees a UN ee eee 639 

en IUD eee Op Ses se Pe eee ee geenan Ae eetpe le. ag oh ee ee a eee 639 

eS binge pete fase se ee NE eS Ek ee Ee Sees 2 ea ae ee 638 
ChavlencergMecn = —- Sat Se ee oc ee ee ee eee 233,484 
M@ivarlers wie ware ee ere eee es re ee a a ee 282 
Shloratercandlesy >. Wasi er sa 8 ee ee Bais. 2 ee ee ee 669 
ETE OO 2 ne el hs Se Be Pe ee 81 
Gincuitdesion*considerations: 2220-8. Va oa ee ee eee 356 
GOES) oA ODT G0) | eee ee AR ee ee ee ee eee te 356 
voltage and amperage requirements, typical outbound components _______----------------- 359 

Cle sSiiGeNnGin, AWneTACa hl ISU Ore Slow joioyee eee 644 
bpalllastisvstemy 2. 230 oe 2S es ee ee eo eee ee 645 
buoyancy:characteristics, --2.4 Se se ee eee 645 
calcillationsmequined(.=--="==452 52 5 ears ye oS ee ee Ce ee 645 
drawings mequine dy p22 a epee ee ey ee ee a ee 645 
Maneuyerabilitveand controll | se ee ee ee eee 646 
Stabilityeandstrim) ) 2 ate. Oe a ee a, Se een a ee Ene eee eee 645 

GI UI aT ss aad LT 0 hs,02 015 Rene mia ee cas ae nO ee ee ees etre See Be me eee es ee eae 8 700 
Mlosedicimenitsb realtime Teme reer GysUS ClO Lapa eee 668 
Coast: Guard vrequirements: <= o2-- 220 sso on are ee ee 646 


Rescuekanda Control Gentes essen ere eR eS ye 647 
Collapsa chyoun, clattines| Sa eS el ee ee ee ee ee eS 76 
(CoOminnuMnGAOOne <2 se ee ee ee ee ee eee 488 

7, INO IRS aE = Se ee ee ee ee Oe eee ae ee eee eee 493 

FOV AES © UIT C= 190 0, aumento Pe eg BN ge ee Be a a ee 494 

onal dau ckgeehkec tyes meee senate ae oe eee eS LL OE ey A a hte Se LP Shas Ba et 493 

REVO ROVERS WAN XGA GT OER pa aS eo ae ee ee See Ae ee See ae ee meee 493 

SUIOGURBYGS. . 2 ee Be ee es ee ee ee ee ee eee ee 492 

QUBARVOD Nee oe ee ea ee ee ee ee Ge Sere re eee 488 
(Compressedraimandedeballastin gard efit oreo te te vei) spe eens eee ane 282 
CompresscduGaseAssoctalhlo niga eres ae ee ee ee ee 274 
Concretesapplicationmmepress ure: lua siya a= ae ee ee ee eee 250 
Commecior Gecrncall) Clesieang, ell Vel 2 346 

Moldemelastomc tamer = ae ae ee ee Oe ee | ee ee ee ee ee eee 349 

TNOLGE CR DL AST Cm eaees Bienen eaten Ne ES es Se ee a ee ee ee 349 

Hndenwacendisconnectalblew === te 2 eS ae ee 350 

RATINCRTIN OG Cc tees = ene ee Me ty Re Se SN et De te en en ie oe ee 345 
(Conens/ Oneta Cols pe sees he SE ee ee on Te ee ee eee 713 
(COBO P CEE See emer Wenn soo ei ee A ee ee ee I Se 509 
COME, UNCOVER ee ote SN hr a ee ge nn em ae en een oe ee a 5, 36, 40, 370 
ECA ee nee Srey Saat eet t- SERIE ea OA 10 
Chaos ony, 186° 25 8 a ee ee ae ees Se ee eee ee re ey ern 199 
(GNEVIES oO n'areeere oe ore nena Ee Be a a 469 
GUSTS UAV fp se ae Se Pp a Se Dh ee 2, 43 
(Chummanranvavesl aie vials Breech kes se eo eo ee ee Silla OO 
(GuiGrentanCLGLs aerator eee se Re nt ee ee Pe ee eet oe een 548 
UTR re res oe ee ee SE Oe ee Ry SR ey eh 53 
OUTER AV AT a Ss a a es ee 8 pe le A 8 ee ee 705 
(CORYTATIN A et a yo 2 i a ee ee ee Pe Ali 
DYAVINES TARR Vie a ae eR en ee ee ee a 583 
DeeneDiversystemse Mikes lle tS 2 ee ee ee i ee ee ee 701 
EE AD) UVB ie Ne en a ee ee ee ee 56, 64 

GIGASET ee es ee re as eee See 109 

elechrcalipenetEatonsies ie. te So 0 ees eT ae en eee eee 340 

GIES S CTT ge, a naeetee ee Le 2S en ka eee eee 304 
DY BIRD | DY A Le ee ee ee ee ee ae eee Co ee 47 

Glescri ec aust Meeces te a Ae a Pe LO ee es pi es eee ete 
DE DROGEANYS URVIEYIVEHIGLE. 22.2. Sec 20 0 ee) ee ee 50 
Dear Ceenin Itedimollosay roe 25 338, 346 

DUD CAL ON Smee nant eS EE eee ee Ste 28 See ee oe eo ee 9 
DEERE OUIES pare trios OE Se eo 2 Oe eS ee 54 

Cablesnandlingspnoonarnigy ses. sees eee ke 2 Se Te ee Se ee ee eee 304 

Gnenaveell churmmysyiaves eanounavel iaseaateyoy Le 574 

Ghrimarine Dine SBME WAENAVN ST ee 23 

electncalapenetratordesl ong =a. = = are ee ae ks ee ee Se ee eee ee Re 257 

eLuSONable components tees ss mewn eee Wee Ss ee ee ee 26 

DUOCSECOMUEO pam e lies amen at OU Dak eA) Oe De eee ene ee I es 490 

UCC Bincl Gwe MEMNe Gimmie) 2 378 

SVS TEMG ES Cra Cl igemsabrenmema st) ona So SS ee Ee el re es 20-28 

WOTANGS Chases oversee = Sl NR a Te ie ee TE a a eye ee ee 113 
DEB PISUBMERGENCE RESCUE VEHICLE, == 62, 64 

kacveicillovevel - PE _ So a ee ie ee es Deere ene Pe ee eee Se ne See 125 


failluresmodesnnrainitnansportation: 22s eee ec oe 578 
rescuecsrequirements; . “22-29-22 we Saas ee eee 698 
NESGUC SCONALOW = lank ee ne ee ee ee eee 606 
Nudd eran GEGivesplarme/s tae OU lee Vereen ee TIN Ye 378 
webicle:controlearrangement.\ 22.) = eee oe. toe ee eee ee 402 
DEEP SUBMERGENCE SEARCH VERIGLE, 222-2) eee 63 
cablewrescarchyprograiniy potest es le ae 354 
DeeprSubmersible; Systems Project: a5 eee es ee ee ee eee 45 
Deeio Siillormnenyxerores Shyer lvemeny Cray) 45 
DeepfsubmersibleshilotstAssoc.- j2--eeb ee oi. Ne eet) 10, 643 
DEE PAVE We it eee, Brae ae Ee ee ES ST ee Oe 47, 65 
described ides 2 fee = 3 te ee ese >. Ee Se Bae ee ee 121 
hulllfconstructiony <5 52- seen ee ee 28 oe ie 2 ie ine | Oe 254 
DEE EV OVA GE Riviere aoe oe ee we De ee ee 60 
DEE RS TARGA a= 202 es eee eee os ee ee ee 2 ee 44 
DEE STAR 2 O00 0 tha See IE a ee ee Be ee es 59 
ES Cr CCl eae eh ee ee ee i pa ee oe ee 115 
DEE ESTARA OOO) eee oe a 2 ee es a Se So ee. he 51, 63 
ascent descentiballastingysysteims 22----.—. 22-2 ee eee 294 
GESCrilby Cc tame sears eS IE er 8 ok J ee ee aly 
ina tal leah alt Chit UN Kish Bama te tw Se we ee ee oe ee 673 
Oxy PCHISUP PlVsSV Steen was s= ed nO. ee ee ee a eee 414 
vViewportiarmangement 2.2. Me ek ee eee 454 
DEEP STARZ2 0:00 0 prs ee es ae Os 2 Se ak ee ee ee 62, 63 
CORrosionkcontrolaproeraims 2222225. = ee ee eee 275 
described gereme te Bak Pan aie ee eS ee A eee eee 119 
EINE Gi ee ie Se a ete Det re an Ee Se OS Be a ea ie ee ee 5, 207 
Density and temperature as a function of ocean depth —--.-___-_=-_______-_-_______=___---. 33 14 
Weparbmentsofathes inten OMeso=s, wn S28 ee Fe ee eee 44 
Departmentaofehransportationes #222220 co ee ee eee 282, 414 
Depth dicatonssstaccorspe hte Gtr cota c CUT cl Cygne a nn 483 
Bourdonsttubem=s]2selack ee) 1 Ps Dee ee ee ee 481 
MESTS CAN CENL YM CMOLESS UGE Mt ell S Cl UT Ce Type eer Eu 482 
SOT CHC C71 CCS mere ae ere eg ae ah a 484 
strainyeapespressurestransducers.22.-. <0 2 eee 482 
DickmanteB Wists pe tees ee we ee rcs he OR ee ee Se ee ee 40, 131 
Differentialepresstnescape: pa-2---— se... ea ee eee 486 
Iiesel-electricypower:generationy 222222. 22555. oe eee 336 
TT POROD yw seems es ae a a a a ee eS 5 ee ee 556 
Directionalvanternae:. 2 + Sees ee ee ee eee 518 
Directionalbynocompass y= wees os aes ee ee 507 
Diveuplanesie wets = ce Ds ee haere aa a Re cee 9 pe es 377 
Divers prolevinssubimersiblemescues a4 2 2 See 2 ee ee 700 
ID VAIN GSS AU CE Rios os ee ele eae 5 Se Sod ee ee, oh Eee eee 40, 48, 207 
Doppler Sonar ss oe sl oe a, ee Ne ee ee 508 
Dos tally atl aA Pe ee a a ne ad a ee ed ie 424 
DOV i ae ee en ee eee 56 
Ges exile aha eaters are es wl Rn ee te Jee ey eS ee ee 123 
propulsionrarrangvements ss =2 wean. baa ee ee 373 
Crimi sy Stemiscomponentss. 2 --2—se ee ee ee ee 307 
Viewineranranvements: 5-92-08 ee ee 2 ee Ae eee 459 
Draeger- MulticGasiDetecto twee s=s es ee ee ee eee 435 
pea Pe SR Pai ese i ge Ss ad re Seo, Sn er ee So 392 


RON CHIN? Som ne eS eS Se Se SS SS ESS 
flat (RAV GIRS 2 Se ee eee eee 
IDyaalyal, Crore; 3 es oe eee 
iDiay werelits, GlatineG| =. se eS 
DRL F ee ee Oe ee ee ee ee 


Biiie CLIVeR ONS E POW .ET kG ein) e classe ene ne 
Hlectnceowenryapplicanloninys ib mMersio]l es yeaa en ee 
TTC TELNET CC lyre a eee eens eae se Se ee ee eee 
tenminolopygandieneraliconsideratlonsi === === ee 
EYRE ERAUIATD YS TORRID S Sea | Vg ew a ere ee ee See ee 
Pimenrcenciessavoldanceldevicesiand procedures ss 
aucomaticrdeballastin ga =aeee = ae enews ee ee 
ES U0 S ea a ee ee ee ee 
lero. ge © jee a Se 
BCHORSOUM CTS yatta ees een ee ee ee ee 2 a ee eee 
Life RS Up DOLESIMOMI COTS ms eee Re ee ee ee 
PTT 1S ee ee ee 
SATAN N4S 0 1120 Tage ee ee ee ee ee 
SUEAcCe SUP POLL COMMUN EAL OMNES VS LOTT S eae a ener 
STRAT S [OO 10 Cl C2 meee ee ee ee ee 
UMNO TRIG NNONES ee SESE 
EOARAGHNTD CENMCIS Biel jaRoeolbIsS) 2. = 
QC NOWACTNG JEWNEON = 2 ESE 
HIPENCONICTO] ge ee es a ee ek ee eee ee eee 
HI OOGKCOMtNO tame = are ee a DE Wee ee) Ss ee eee 
lniain jomesgome: loalilests wank lon? ——— = = ee 
rial ace Ub cos eee ee nee ee ee ee 
IRS SUNOS EMIT GASHOS ES 
mMeanualgdeballas tin le nee 
Sasol GEARS Se SeS ese 
TOV. Teall OS S eres ean en Oe eee 
jomegsmn Twill Relea Wn eS ES 
meleaseablescaps il eget es ee oe eee ee eee eee 
GTM UO O De ea a ee ee 2 er ee ee ee ee 
eT Ol te CO 1 ieee eee ne ee ee ee 
design considerations for: 
elastin es] OS Spee em eee eee ge 
entanclemcn (a= == ama ee ee ae ee A ee 
fimerandenOoxi OUSt@aASse Spas eee See ee ee ee 
BOWE ll] OSS meme eee ieee eee ee Pe ee ee eee 
tamaain Nags) pe a ee 
devicesianduprocedunessavelicle-by—ve lil Clem aaa eee 
IT CAGL ERT SH ee Se Le NE ch we A Ele 0s ee ne ue Oe ee A ee eS 
arecwlomeall logins: wrenedens Choy) = 
syeouimulennam Or SaCliREME cL eee ee ee eee 
InWONy @IMIRINGIONNGING 2 oe 
CO lliSioramovatlawtnc tt OMe ee ee ee Se ee ee See 
Glavin fingrraetony Se ee eee 
IU Saliva oC meee eres aye Se ee eee ee ee ee ee ee 
elect calbtine: mute meat = 2s hr ee ee i ee ee ee es 
COMMER AEA UENO NENON GS ee eee 
(SI SHENG eos ee ate, DS ee a eee ee ee ee a 


TS UAT UT eg a ee ee ee et ee 694 
launchiretriev.als 2222. 223 aie 2 Se 22 os te ee a ee 692 
lossrofselectincalypow eres es. = a ae oe ee eee 689 
lossiofrouttinesballastinigy tee om ase se ee es 686 
operabmesineg Navalkexerciserabe aS seem es ae ee 692 
OVEEPOWerIne: watericurrentsie een. 2 ee ee eee 692 
Searstat cu vis est Sg ae ee ee wn i, Tc eee ee 694 
séaswater density: changes). 2220 6 Se ee eee 691 
separationfromysupportcrafty==— = 2s. 5 es ee ee eee 690 
underwater Collisionve 2224 ss = ee ee eee 686 
surface*devices:and! procedures; — 2.5 2 ee ee eee 670 
AUN CH OS nyo es Sneed Oe re en 8k ee ee 672 
breathing+easiexpiredte: 22 e-22) es 2. 7 2 ee ee ee ee eee 672 
flasivitn owlioih timer = Pee tS a ee ee | ea eer eee 671 
intlatablesmate nstruinkeen eee oe 8 ee oe a ee 673 
intlatableymo@ulesr £-~.-2sew = bo eI ee ee Se eee 673 
lifesrat tsi eiewe De be ee ee ee ee ee eee 672 

RAGTOISI PNAS Mee 2a oe kk ee ee 671 
PACLORLEANSCCINCTS wae eee soe ee ee ee ee ee 670 
rocketsrand wWilanes ter wee een oe oe Ae ee ee ee eee 671 

SNOTKe Wp ea se Ness oo ee se eb Re ee ee ee 675 
lmunderwatentelepnon@es 2-2-2622 ee 671 
Enyironmentalifactors influencinggvehicle design; 22225222) eee 14 
ACOUSCLCS tae eemens ieee a ie en el Oo 5 ee eee 15 
NIMBLE TE Gall nb ye eae tat  ea eke  e s 14 
bottomiconditions® \ss322- <3. ee oo 52 ee ed re ee ee ne 16 
CONGUCLIVIty aera a ee Se ee ee ee Se 14 
CURTEN TS ye Barter ee lee A a de a 15 
CLOTS ts Vigra eae ee ee 15 
NESS URC y elie atey wk es Dn ee a Se ee Ben ee 14 

SCANS Calle petereiiteedie desert 3 So be ee ee ee a 15 
temperat tne S26 co eE ete ee Be ee eee eee 14 
Hquilibriumypstates:of \e.=2. ww aes 2k Le ee ee oe ee ee 16 
Pxostructunendeined |) 2tecesatw ers. on 8 ee ee ee 263 
ExpenimentaluDivinevWnity st sseeee a a ees ee ee eee 36 
Pxternaleattach ments) GS1e-meCOmSlG eet tl Or) Sees ea 18 
Bxtennaltstructunes pass Se = a ee ee ee ee, eee eee 263 
EXOSERUCLURES =) has eS ee eS ee 263 
desion considerations =< == =..- =. ee ee 264 
jomineito;pressurevhulll .- 22 22s 2. 26 ee ne ee 264 
EAU YEU OS ea = ES ee a 265 
advantages vsxdisadvantarests—.- = ee Se eee 265 
DUG DO SC pte Be hn alr Sat 2 ale oe ed a ee 265 
Hatlsafe deballasting s.<<-. <2... be ee es ee ee 36 
AIM OW SSPrograin. a2 8 ba at nee one oe a 212 
Marrow MONG -eacea "= oo Se a 11 
UEIN TERS Nip seen as os a a en ee ne ee Ce nn Strate. SS Oe 35 
NRG a tet ties ee Se el AG ee ee LC ee 35 
ES CHL sie ag Ic i ee te ee 127 

BIN TRS a cipal TE By ees ms dy em ee Se ode OSE ee eee 38 
GES CEUDOC pyel tees ee Ee Te A Sela ea re ee Ree a RT Se, el ee 129 
OLOTOLE IN ig ae eel «a eS oe a, le Ue ae ak os eo ee Sa 483 
HondseNationallidellasRechercherSelenstiti cyte meses eee eee ee en 35 


lAtayaval Gy RVG] GMI ee ee ee ee ee 416 
Drea UT Vs ees cc Fs es oe ee 65, 249, 255 
Folio prate of risk NePnCAINICU: UNG 22 540 
HTRACUR® TACs GMOS — SESE 276 
Tiranda Wawel Sigel 2.2 ES 129 
DETTE 1X GG Fa N25 a ee 95, 127, 129, 133 
eTelecare ee eo Pe a Pe ae ee Re ee 331 
Twa @ TA, RXOLNSIAB. cee see a 2 
Ga enpResstne (sic) sce tine te see oe ee eee 282 
Che eget a ee 36 
(Crea en i ra I er ct ie a re ny a a ee a ea eee 51 
(Galerne ee Atn cic meena eames anon te er Se eee eS 703 
Gasrtcvlinders\colomcoding © 22 = 5-2. oe 2 ee 283 
CAS EER G0) Ui er rie a a ce ee ee 175 
G0 RSE 0 pea a ery ae ee De ts a ee ee 608 
(Giovarmnenmmvigel vere TUN ONYGIS. Se eS 337, 648 
Class, Cine ag (Ss a ee ee a ee ee ee ee ee 646 
CLASS MUTI NESS UTE UII Sop een eee eee a a oe ee 249 
CEO BUTE ee nag et a we a es es Ae Os ps 5 ee Sn ee 82 
COLD ELS Eis oe ae re Be a ee Oe 40 
LES C131) © Cl Guenter Rr es i byes ee SU BS Al es So ee eS 131 
Gravitvameasunre ments: = see = ees et eee ee eee 552 
GREE ON RG eSCribe dls Sa a eA ee ee eS 133 
GrouperdsEtudesjetide) Rescherches!Sou-marines 2s - 133 
GunltisenMerolessOre yea a) a see es se ee eee eee 37 
CUE DY arent EME ee NEI eee a OE UB ee Et UG eS eS a ee 61 
GeSCHiD eC ean Aaleee ean in seb ba Rees oie 28 2 9 Sess sy se Ge eee 135 
EGITMIMS YS LG IN" eens = See es Ane eee SS Se ee ee eee eee 306 
Wimbilicalupower syste Mp = saeee ene ese eee ee 335 
VR ER aa oe a ee eee 182 
sTlen ren bt ty ea etn le le ee Ses re ee ee oe ee eee 449 
abt ts an eet iy see dante Se). She SESS 2 oe ee he As Re ee ee eee 5 
Trae THTVe Uh ees aN SS 8 eae Soe ee Reh i a es aS et eee 361, 648 
EsHCea te Hts 10) Ma eins re 5 pt ae ia A ee ee a ey et Se ee eee ee 159 
Peeve AUUICU TING eps oe erat ab aD Batt op seals te te al eh en EY Iain ee SE eh ee eee 424 
EAT Con pe ae ee et Sg en ik ee te SO ol We ee eS i ee 82 
EAVES, er a ee Ne ee se ee eee 66 
GES Crit) CC eee eee nea etiaeren ee lest eee he ea tS es Se a en Ft ee Fn oe ee ee ILai7f 
Tp lealesye, JOxob oe nb WANG. ck Sek cee ge ge Ee ee eee eee 1 
Hardware inspection, devices and techniques ______--________-------------------------------- 571 
Hazards, potential for, from: 
OUEOTIMTERTC 7a Gee ten rlcion bee oars elt RE ce Ee al awh pec (pe ee tee 634 
CA es Eee sere, Serie Sa fro eon Jd ae I Beg ee AP ek aaa tty SOTA eee oR Re a rh ee 632 
EXPLOSIVELOFCINATICC Mem reee ww one a eo So se ee ee eee ee 635 
TAS ERRUINTLE TI ts aN ee ete a ae a wa Dee et Sd Ped eo ee ee ees 627 
launch nethievalasySterns ayes ene ee a See ee eee eee 628 
Material seamGEsuib-sy.s terns iene a mee ee nen on ee eles Je ee ees eee eee 626 
ODCEALO Tee eine Ai cael Sil ot Pe eek SS ty a ee eS Sie ee eres 627 
SUES UIIACEY Grreuhin Caetano aes 2 ee a ee ee eee ee ie ee eee eet 635 
STINE CO Ut TET] Capea an mee we Suess a oe da A ll ale es ree ae SS oy es Re Pe 635 
EO C Ks een rete eels iene Sais tElpe's oe «by oe eels Serer We ON NEE EE 633 
iniganalitesy, Wbeibar IN, eee eee eae Bee ee ee ree ee ee aS eee eee et eee ee 61 
Sieliipnan. [Sle wrol TEC iES IOV ae RR eee ee ee eee ee 701 


FCC eS AICS as fais ee Da ed ek gs ee 43 
LenS OnG!S ees ae Ae A a et ae el 70 
EDLKIN OS es a ee ee eS 8 I es ee 47, 55 
described eytecs ott es See Foe te ee Oe eee 139 
Hokkaid osWmiversity. 22: @a2- 9 Tae bo 3 a ee ee es eee 149 
lOmin Gays Me eee iene Ce we Fey nto Ee Be i ad il 
ACOUSHICIRCHECEONS gen a sect Oe See i 6 cd es ee Se ee a 514 
markenib WO ysteew =o = erie Ee ee ee ee ee eS ee 513 
passiverandbactiveracousticitangetsm es se ee ee ee 513 
DUT Se 1s Papen Ds Et So a he Be Ren 0 515 
CLAWS PONENTS ts ewe eee POSE ee ee et a 515 

FAG od Mahl ationmS ys ternisy ke O yell ON ctype eae 661 
Horsepoweridetined( pe tens) a eS ee | eo eee 396 
orton wl om aSwe aye eas Sa es et 8 ee ee 58, 70 
EXOUOtRGE OTTO), Sena = rer Dee ns eee 38 
HUDSONSHANDER RRM V2 5203. 28 2 eo ee eee 598 
bin penetrations ese od ct oe A A es a ee 5 255 
diveiplanesrandtriddersig® =. 2 94 Set ue 2 ee ee ee 258 
CLEC bia ceil ge mere eis Nas Oe Do en EE ha ee ee 257 
Nacchyshatt stemware a i et ee ee ae 258 
atch Cs tien een eee rs J Ses Bor ees (Seen tee Ne BO fa Rie 256 
hull entilatvongersee a. a- 2 oS ed i ee et es 258 
Manipulators” ese eS A oe ee es So ee ee 258 
[Ssh Oy FO\te 8 A ae ee ey Se ee ee ee ee eee ae ee 262 
propellerstandiithnusters; ..2.s2...5 2-2 Re eee 258 
KeimloOEce mente Owe —— = a— ee, hs ee 255 
BULENT OTA US pala a ee ER al Rs fal SO i ae vi Si Be a wt, | ge 258 
weishtadropshaltsees@208 onl eRe OPE ee Oe ee. 258 
Humantdesigniconsiderations!\=-2.=— =" = 2. ee ee ee 18 
Wa tea Cay SE ee ne aie eee ee ee a ae ee ee ee ey Ree Poe 19 
foodie diewateri S ce vee a ee he ne i eg so ote 18 
BES PLE ALG YG see ae eg ee ee ee 18 
temperaturesand numidity: <== 8 2 ee ee eee eee 18 
wastepmanacements. so teu oo ee ee ee eee 19 
Human MlementsRangerbxtender: (a ssss ss sies oe sees Os 427 
Liuimangwastessnatunerandsstonageues= amen an eee en en 2 ee 427 
Hiumidityacontroly ss sss eho 42). ee les ee a 430 
EV dnOCa Date eats 2a pi ar ieee be ee es A a ee, Be es ee 825 
ERY PDTC OR EAIBS pot Seat pata 28 ee tS et Se eee 56, 333 
LANUZ Zig A) ee ae amNY oes iy. Pe oo aw ve ae ee ee 606, 608 
Ih g¥oRb Y=} IN Yoyo) Cpe eee een eA Re ee ee ee Ue eM rctyrrt, Uncomgee OS wy es 40 
IMnstitutphrancaisdusketrole meee = es eee eee 61, 96 
INStLUMENts | CONStEAINtS| Ok CS! oma Gy Ap Llc AL O Time ee 538 
failnne+moderexam plese vos = as ot oe eh ee eee ne ee ee 542 
interference: with data), os=- 25 es eee ee ee eee 361 
ACOUSTIC a. 82) ee re A ee ee eee 363 

CUE yO a a a Ao ge A Sy OE eal Sol el ey ie ee ve Se a 364 
SCrenitiil Chan GrwOrk = ose Pt we ree Lo ee ee os ee ee 537 
Insvirancemequirements p= 22. 2 | oe a ee eee eee 648 
InitepratediGontrolcand Display 222-9 =... eee es a 2 ee eee 402 
Japanyship ss Vachinerys Development eA SSO Comes me ees ae a a 648 
deroninece: Wi branicinmy Ou ley aeOMUNO Soe 648 
IM; described): =2> hs 20 ses an sae BES ewe ee es ee eee 141 


LOD EINSOINS TOY «is 5 SS ee ee ee eee eee ee ee 143 
POLINS ONS EAST LN Kegpearetes etre sre ee eae ae See ieee oil Dey Bits ees er a el ee he 65 
ele COC MONTE? — = 5 ee Se eC ee ee ee ee eee 430 

GUE SOT EOL aT coy a ee es eet a ee a a ee A ee Se ee 143 
Jone, Sen@igel 2-8 os eae ee oe he ee ee ee ee ee ee eee 65 
AAO [NOSES "po aS ee ea ee ee pe ee ee ee eee eee 3DD 
5 () ace re rs a oe PP Sa ee ee ee 55 
GES CED cme are connie ee iain ee Sa ee A ER he ee A a ea = See 145 
LifeeSUIpP PONUESV SLM see ok ee Se ak es Se 438 
TT ReO IR, GRAN 12a Oe ee Se a nee ee ee eee 55, 438 
Treen ntl wl kam a Snes ee NE ee ee Se Se eee ee Ses ee es Ole 
ikirag loons Nile va «Ee ee ae oe ee ee eee ee ee ee ee 433 
KGL VECETCAT ET i oe re a pn ees ee 2 ee ee en ee ee ae 60 
Gesatlonel. 2 en Be ee Fe ee en ee ee as OS Se er 147 
UTED STUD | by ee Se es oe ee eS er ee ee ee 40, 150 
ROTO SEMD WE ee ee a ee ee ee ee ee ee 40, 42 
ESC: CC meni eee By er ye ee SS ee ee 149 
DOWermecneraLonUmbilncalac late CLES G1 CS) ee ee eee ee 335, 336 
PAVSOQUCOUPRENPLONGEANTE _- 2) =s2222- 226-2 22k 8s Se 207 
imaboratony oWlWnderwater Researchwlechnique, USSR) 222 10 
Fain chyjvecriev.alkSvStemS ups eee Sane Seni e Se a ee ee ee ee ee 592 
Aci Cul ategtboonle ss = Se a a ee eee 596 

DA OOTIRASS 15 te Mees ant ne ey eee Dar a eIENT tol 5 es Ee te eee 613 

eA THER Ya1 2h 17 E Te wa ee ere eae eke A Se ee ee 601 

CONIGE TIO. lll cores wee Fees Ye ER ee a BR ee oe ee ee 611 
CONSTANTHLETISTO Il Ieee c= Bes AE ee 8 ee en ee ee ee eee 608 

Loe Mei vec MB te ee a Tes SS ee ee ee ee 601 
Gira o1:1 0 oe mee eee emt Mei ors 0 Se eee 608 
CLEVAt OT meee en eee Lee eee 5 en i ee eee 606 

AL etsita Cl CC cies cee eee doe Si a Nii a ce re oe 606 

UIT Cl oH Ut Gaga eee a ee 613 

hinge Geranp mete ee alee ee ee ee ee oe Ae ee ae ee 698 
inaflacablewnann pie @a eo ee ee El Ss Se ee eres ee eee 611 
TINENteC MO hAliCim ee eee Been sek el a SS ee ee er ee 604 

JTePAVE 21 eee eae en ee car Rg ay es i eS ee ee ON ee ee 604 
MONsArtiCUlatccmMbOO UI se se ee ee eee 596 

COSA. SHAE le | ge ee ee a eee 601 
Overheads Meme ewee: Sons ot SN ee ee a ee ee See 598 

MUL CKES Teac hiees eee sere are cane nes RP sg SS ee 614 
MOMEUTE RCAC HIM Meta e tees = ei Ee SE Seen ne a eee 615 

SPAT UOVAWItheCrolleya| sea eemae sues eae ke Slee ae 611 

S GE TSIANGI*AUTI = Wi AS eee ne ee ee a ee se oe Se 606 

Silt CORO O11 eee a renner a Rimes ae) cee ee ee Sa ee eee 608 
SUID IID i CMe ee ee eee ne ee ge ee Pn en ee eee ® 604 
Submencediplattoniis oe ete ee hoe oe Ss ee a Jo eee ee 604 
E@LESCOPDINT OM LN OO MMe ee ees et eer a a ae ee ee ee ne ee 608 
PELESCODMM PAC Yili Cl ery mets oe ieee aera eg ee ee en ee ee oe ee 614 

SAAC TA (DETR Caress | se ee ee eee 595 
MAC Osterem Ro mibenon Gravwiniete bs ese se eee eee eee ee Se 553 
LAER CER). oooh A el Ee ee eee eek ene ee = ee Saar eees 36 
[el ieexs Sinan nl < ae ee a kg le eg Se ee ee te a Se ee ears 2, 626 
TAN ene ne re ee en pe eat ee EE 604 
Ie tii cli \ | NS cree es ee Se ee ee, | he 645 


Lifevsuppont)defiried). 5-6 22 a ee ee ee ee 76 
Ghanactenisticssandinstrumentiseyelatcle-biysve la Cle year ae area 417 
endurance, defined: 24s A ee eee 76 
endumances vehicle-by-vehicleji2 = = a ee eee eee 677 

TeAthtH A OO KS 0 vane ea ew NL a a Rp SN ee De aren ee nae 615 

Mishteattenvation absorp tloms)S GaGte nin Ox eSe eave e eee ee ae 471 
SOUNCEXCHALACKENI SUI CS Se pe a Se po, ES 477 
transmission.measurementOf- ss a4 4 Se ee eee 547 

iDyfedounvares, Gxiqoyerabaareraness loniy LOM bnavedoweyon (Cojo, 2a eee eee Se ee 475 
expariments7byeNlWIR DC «28s es 228 ee 476 
IMSIMespresSUTen hill: qe eel ee se Be 2 ee ae 462 
MOT CUNY VAD OT aot Se er he ee ee ee 473 
aN UGTON Mao UGK). = ee ae ee eee OO ee eS SE Se Le ee eke oe 413 
Cravokernie Nise Saw ee Ut © Se ee ere ee Se ee i ee ee 473 

Patra dione AA ae ton eee eS rg A ee ee ee 64, 148, 379 

Meri ca a cars kes eh) ae ee eo yt A el 109 

Mioyvdssveoi sterofes hip piney <a see ee ee 648 

Mockouttsulbmensibles - sae 5 Se i eee 18 

1B) RO ER Ss ee OS oe ee ee ee ee wer WEA eee Fe 594 

ELUTE WEDD S RV oT ig a ec Le ees 8 601 

Maloneticssmeasunement.Obe s2ee0—. 2 te ee le ee 552 

Maimepropulsionedenimeds =e ease 2 ok ee eee ST 

IU NON ee See ee _ SO ee Per Sh oe Ee 47, 65 
(CLES Te a pu ae Se Nr pe oe ee Rn Sy cy 151 
electro-ay drat espropull sir siys tenn) secs sence aa ee ee 391 
inflatablesbuovaneysmodules) <2. 222.5 225 ee a ee 673 
POOP UIISTONMC Cl CO Si wee eo eg aad ar pr ae A ed ag 373 
av eure ca To Le ho ea SNS iS CS AN a ee he I re 292 

Makapuuk@ceamtcdGemteratees a= eee le ey ek pe ee 60 

Maneuverability, requirements in design considerations ___-______-_-----_____~~---_________-- 18 

Maneuveninprotational/trams| ati ome erin U1 11S see eee 371 
Dygpropulsersrornllyse se ee ee ee ees A ee 383 
byspropulsenstactic dense cipal eyme Shy vse ee 385 

IV Leer iTyo Un eat 17S gp alae A a pe eee ee eg 519 
GENS ieee ee ec ee oe ek cee Mg R emne ere a eal mete mr 531 
control devi Ces yeas ee es ne Se a eee eee 531 
Ge fime dl gwen eee eee pe Re eg ee ee 77 
desipnrand! capabilities: 50 22. se 2 525 
desipnucOnsiderationsi oe ee 531 
electro-mechanicaliysmelectro-kny.cmaullicyalct ratio rim ese 526 
IANO G1 ON Sink, fee A kegel Ben oy 2 ee ee A} A re 2 ee 520 
TOV ame ge eae I a a oe A 523 
CEHTNITIO OP) at easy et CO aa MR oe AS eA cee oe ee 520 

Mannedisubmersibles\detined: =--<2<--..-- 2-2 S22 ee ee ee 5 

Mannedy Undersea Sciencerand) Mechnolopiya Ero cree yy meee eae 9, 69, 557 

Mewaueill jorenivere, Ay oyolbCehnorars thay Syolopa avery oS RS) 309 

Mare-lsland!Shipyandiyt <2) 5-2-6 n 235 

MamineySciencecd @amte tie te ts se ek ee Se we eh ee et 65, 143 

MarineslechnologyaSociety == 3s) 2 6. ol ee De ae ee eee 288, 648 
Windersealavielnicl ey Go rmninniits tee meee peewee ane ee 409 
Wndersea Vehicle satetya standards @omrnitite cy seme een ea Patil 

Manitime SatetyeA ceney- dian sit eee ee ee oe ee eee 203 

VEAIXOUN ED MV Be a oe Se a Se ee re a ee ee 583 


BTR CATED TRU ps Re ee ee a 66 
Beeeyeral ea ak ae ee ae ay eee eee eee 153 
ITB RAS VATED TAY ee a ee ee ee 66 
éloseloeel ” S538 28 4 «os A Se a ee ees 155 
Mietneanian Geninech “<0 cee a eee) a ee ee ee 16 
Miatincanicie Ineiedat deine) = 17 
AND CATT AU ee ee ee ee ee ee ee 59 
RINT DINABIR: CeSGal oe ae Sh ee ee eee 157 
DN Tei ee 668 
ZANT, (USING) ee ee ee ee ee ee 59 
Sinoint DASelitine RACINE SIGHT, So ee re iE 502 
WOGQYAINAN THT, Seep oe 2 OS 4 en Ss eS a oe ee ee eee 82 
iMi@moc), Wineqclona a = ee ee ee ee eee ee 38 
Migixere 1Bxaeiy SBT INC Se eee ee eee 623 
VIGGO ls Meee Eee ro en ee ee oe ee ee a ee ee eee 388 
NOUS, Ce TONG? ck ee ee eee 389 
venrarnvest eal vats cll cl emotes teagan ee 391 
ouaimnaminching, Ollie) = se SSS 390 
GVODMMEHMUIMOLTAeR, NNT eS SES 390 
VAC 1 ear ce eer a er A Be re 2 2 
Mimimell Aesisinmes IResene aimcl Sralkyayere lei ee 647 
Neral, IMGeraON nae ee Se ee ee 34 
National Agmomamiaes gracl Syeri@e obras noo) = 2 ee 60 
Natonalicouncilvon Viarine Researchiand Hneineering) 225555)" ==) 2s 54 
National Caos nne Seman 4 == ee A ee ee 34, 48 
iNininomel Marana lisihnenies Seiam@® ... 25-22 ee eee 370 
NanionalkOceanicand Atmospheric Administration) 222222) === 2 ns 9, 416 
RECO mATaeinGlael Mite Suan: GlWMNOIN ES 412 
National Searen sinel lesen bit 2 ee 647 
Naiiiemell Ttxcamical linorsmerom Seradiee 2-5) es 370 
INPAUUAUTON FH De ee ee ee ee ee ee eee ee 45 
SS CTE) C Cl Rane ee ek writ peice eee Se RE pe ok oat ee ek a IE oe oe ee 159 
INCA UU So 2a 2 Be ee a a a re ee a ee a 2 
NawaleAippliedasciencewabonatory | Soe 05 9 en loos se ee ee 249 
Newalmlectronicsslsaboratony. esas aes eee a ae ee ee 39, 556 
NeavalaO@ceanorraphici@Olnce 26+ -- 56 om ae ee ee 2, 6, 50 
Naw lkOndinan ced vabonauonys === <a sees ee es a ee 706 
Navall Ordinance Wasi Sinisa) 225 <2 == See ee ee 45, 111 
Navalysips Research and Development’ Center 2.222202) --_ 2-2-2 ee 270, 297 
Neralesuips syvstemsComimands -2o. 0 2.0 2 |! 8 ee oe ee ee ee 637 
NaNalaicaponsiGenter st nam i Nob ene so wae ee eS See oe a ee eee 55, 139 
Nawigation, sae alls lslormmine Siysuenng, lye 22 en 494 
DOAOTAN THOU! BKEOUIMO SIRENS <a ees 510 
GeACELe CK OM 2 =e = ae Serre Se eee ee Me ee OE ye on 2 ee ee ee 505 
ERAGON SS ea ge Ee 5 SS ee 5 ee a ee ee ee 504 
MACE CSCOM PASS mms eeame= sek ae Bee ee Oe Pe ee ee See 505 
TGC TRL UO S emer ik a neo ene er ee de Be ee oe 498 
SUIPBRGO TRACI GSESTOS sae ee ea Oe ee 496 
LCUINCES OMA CANI ON Ong ecies eee re A so Olen en la es ee ee ee 497 
OUayEReT MHC RO AVOID GAVGRIGIONS ee eee 498 

pINneer Eransponder—hy.drophone/lnterno pe LO tee ee eee ee 501 

SOG ASEM CRSIy,S Geile mee eee eae aoe ee aR Ses ee rE Oe oe ee 502 


visible markers 


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Nanya Civil Bmaineerin ga bora tory sas any ae 61, 163, 250, 258 
NENay Dini evavel Ojorsienmrorass Wieiawell 282, 424 
Navy Material Command, recommended oxygen concentrations ____________ 412 
Naviys Undersea’ Centerndes 050s Lr a Se eh! ee ee a ee 2 65, 121, 151, 163 
INE IKTON ALPHA? eee cs, ee ere Ca ke ee i Os ee 55 
NEKTON ALPHA. BETA) CAMMA- described) eee eee 161 
manipulatoricharacteristics: 22s 2-7 ee. a ee er ee ee eee 530 
FOLATE CS CU Chee ee oe ee Re ee Rs 2 ee ee 571 
INEM OF Sos Petts ts 2 2 = a ete ee Lee a 47, 61 
aintconditioneisystem. <= ee al een So al et ee he 430 
anchorme systemi™, 25s 43 yee ee Ee en ee oe ee eee 294 
described Dy ers 4 ee fe Pad >) rs ee ey eee 163 
hull’constru ction = se= a4 ieee ee ee > ee ee er ae ee 253 
Wie WIN erarranN se MEN tS mesa wee ee NORE ee ee ee ls 457 
INE RESETS Oks = 2 = Sere oe Bo Se ee ee 65 
EScri bed ey ae a IE ie he 2 hh on eR pa BL BASED 165 
manipulatoreharactenistics2=2— 94 tots eS ee ee eee ee 528 
INE ECE ED YO 0 eee ae Snes Oe Eos as a ee ee eee 65, 165 
INeGweastles Universit ya eee 6 8 ee ee een ee ee eee 406 
Newnan ye) (0 lanier ete Bere Ee? oe bs ee Ee eee es et et oe ee 506 
News VorkeZoolosicallMuseumt 2225... 2 a ee eee 32 
INTEINOLS OTT AAV VE IV The eee ge ne a A go re a ee 420 
Noiseeffectsjontoperatom ae es ee ee ee eee ee eee eee 462 
INonsuch¥lislandBermudan eves 22 28 Ji es aia oD Pere Se peer ey er. 34 
Ne oe aes Beer erat eh Pm. tn teh ews Joe PA. ce ee ee 60, 334 
INOLMAlsteniperatuTeramadsp ress unre (IND E>) mil etn e Cleaners ran ng 282 
INUIClEa TINO Wels mee eee eae eae eek ny) ES OR a ee ee 334 
Obsenverssdetined » Se see = asi o> sa eS es ELE a ee en 76 
OGEANGR ELAS Oy Ss Pere teu ite a. see ae ee eee ee 209 
Ongena oma ino, Wel eyouin love, 2 147 
Oceanieinstituter, Makapuul Point) 2222288 eee ee eee 147 
OfficeroMNavaléResearchiwase 2 Se ee oe ee ee ee 39 
Opentcinewity ore atl een ers oe 10 cya Se gee 667 
Openationalimstrumentsramd de vicesy (vehicle) emer en men nN 467 
Operationaltsatety. a= eae soo Dae ee ee ee ee ee 644 
Onperatine:depthsdetined 2] ee Se ee eee 76 
Operatmne/Sctentitickequipmients1c © hire cle eee eine me ee em 76 
Operator define ditme se t= Sei ee Bee Sor De Ses Do ee Se a eee ee Ti 
WiISINFde fim tio mes ie ee, ee eg ee 642 
OPRSUBNdescmibedy -2 1h < ies Wat es ee Ee ee Rees oe eas ee 2 167 
ORTOLANE (AS R=2 2) ie ee a ee ee eee 703 
Oxy cenrconcentratlonsettectsyo nny LAU eyr1s eee eee ee ae ae 412 
concentrationsirecommended by, MES) se ee ee 412 
COMUTOM LLG wea Ft tes ae ee eee Re? ie, 414 
external internals torag eure Ue Tyye i seamen te a 412 
hqurd advantages ot mlm eae Oe Boe ee ee ee ee ee eee 416 
hecommMendedtstora cent] Aska preSS Ure sees ae aaa ee es en pee 414 
Teplenishimentwase Os a Se i ee ee ee ee ee 412 
SENSOP@scakwaterrn Me fee. pu ee ee a ed 544 
Rallanper Gedroc sess Seema te 55 Le fees ee es Oo oe ee 357 
PAU LOU? 2 Sek esi ese ® Se ae Be  POOPE OL PD oe i ee ee ae ee 64 
GeSeribed i Mts Saks tee Oe Cok a ee ee ee ee 169 
Payloads detined: 22 28 =< Pek ee) 1 ee ee ee es es 76 
requirements'in; design oe. i0<=2 e822 3k es ee ee 18 


FEB OK © ns pet a a ee ee oe eee ys 176 
FEOCB AN (GD) nae eae ee a oe ea 45 
Bharat overeat pa a a ee eee 171 
TRESAB  2anck nk ee ee ee ee Oe ee ee a eee eee 43, 50 
desenlyatl. Sat. S. ae ae ee ed ee ee ee ee oe ee 173 
TAUGGlerP armel GUNS OS GUAR SVN TONG, a EE 378 
IRG3=X@describ cds ee ee ee Be a 175 
F205 = (en re ee ey eS ee ee ee ee 55 
GESCEI De Cie seine ea Cee ee 2 a a een ne ee eS 177 
AG RAB. Cesena Sates ee Sree ee ee ee ee 179 
EWU EATEN TON CINE Sia Sue ees Benen a ee ee ee eee 458 
= eR in ee NE es as ds SR ee es Se eee ee 229 
TEX ETON ~ es 28 Ee ee ee ee ee ee Se eee ee ee ee 83 
G21 02 ee ene RR ae ES el eee No) ss Sa 5 en A ee 83 
IRGZIARO cscrilbe dlmeennes fom en = Sa a Ss ee es 2 oe ee ee ee 181 
WehiGlercontnolkanran CMe NUS sete eee ee ee ee ee 399 
TEL 0 2 a re er 2 A A OE ye ES ee oe eee ee 83 
2 | pee Pe tenes 8 Se Oe EB ee ee ee 237 
2 OG ea etre ee ee ree 2 a oes A A el es eee 83 
EMeGhavorse CleGuri Call) Ruv;0e Si eaeeee = een 338-344 
hc Rembrsyaa1 216 wee ee ae eee ee ee ee eee 344 
nlltastenimoimethod ss 2-2 2 tes ee! See ee 344 
nllgseallimoume tod Sie sae ete Bo ees oe ee rag SS Oe 8 ee ee ee 344 
IN SEECECY DOS mueeset a meee Seen Se SP ee Bee Bea eB es ee Se Seo ees 344 
mioldedeclamdutyipey = ==—,. se 5 ee SE ee ee 342 
PRETTY, KONO, Sa ed eee ee 2, 43 
Rersonneleandushorestacilitieswe= 2-2 aan eee el ee ee eee eee 617 
Rersonnela@lransters Capsulege= ses ee ee a ee eee 661 
ON CIM CALC Ween awn 20 2 Orne 2a es Da See ee ee 647 
iiladelno nian Wari tines Mise viii as eee ee ee 215 
TO EIN DXG6 6 peri eg renee, aS ee es ee A ee 71, 337 
photography mUnNderwatery pew eae se a ee ee oe ee ee 554 
FT CC URC PAU US Ce me eae ere ae Se ee 2 es ee ee en ee 34, 296, 487 
Piecaral, Uaveciias: 5 ee Se 3 ee ee ee ee ee ee ee 38, 39, 48, 57, 483 
PZT CE ONGC S 2) 1k) eit ee a ie a Si ey eS ee a 703 
1 © ee ec ne ers) fe Oe ee Ce ee ee ee 7, 76 
in otn ead efine Cees eee en ee Oe ene a ee eee 498 
PTS CES) meee eee Panes Se oe Pe wei ae ee ee ee 52 
describe cia ses eceeesen or ae lees a 8 ee ee ee ee 183 
POlEMMELUSDOAISAlVAL Chee een ene Se ee a ne ee 573 
(eoneaevola) TREAGENVEN o= ee See ae ee ee ee ee ee ee eee ee 557 
IBISGESIIIMCescrib cope soe ote te ee ee ee Se ee ee 185 
MOG CALIONSELOGENOnthT Seam ne mee ae Oe Ree TN See ee es eee 406 
PISGES MT 2 See ee ee ee ee ee eee 60,68 
Ghosorallerexo| Se as ES co ee ee ER oe ae ee ee ae ee mee 185 
RUT ORIC hata CLETIStICSa 2 = Ser eae ye ee ee Oe ee See 528 
HOSOUIS: EVENS Gia SRST ee oe a ee ee ee eee 707 
PTS GESELVAC CS Chiba = ee nn ee ee eee ee oe See et de tS 188 
PPIQHES TMI | 2:2 a a a eae ee in eR 64 
W, cesaalosol’ 2. ee eee eee eee eee ee oe ee eo 187 
ES CE SEV ee en enc SE OR ye a ee es 83 
PISCIS WHE se ee a epi = See ee cee te ee eae eee 83 
I ESOE SAV eee a ek te Nes i coh Se. Bt ee 83 


IPISGE SOX (ye PaaS end wh Se See 28 Se Se he dS ee ee 83 
PISCE SX 2&2 a ee I es a ee a ee ee. 2 ee 83 
Pitch/rollindi¢ators®? 24.2282 22 Se es ee 488 
PE GAA) te ee a pa eee = Se eae el oe Be Ee Dee le oe ls 30 109 
PE GHAB Set Je oe Seg Se Sh oe le ns So le a ee en 201 
ENeuImMaAacle pOWers app liCatlO re ATS UIT SIO eee en 310 
see also: deballastingsandicompressed eae: eae ee 282 
PORBOISE stots oes S en sie) oe oes he ates eas a Fea See eed Per 2S ee ae 84 
Rotassiumssuperoxides «2-2 ses = 2 seamed ners = 2 =. = 2 wi a ed ee on ee 424 
Fower*electricall) 22208 soba ons Ee 9 1 po ee onthe oo 8 a ee be eo se ee 17 
ower distributions (2 === =~-Ae enor Be i. 2 oe ae res Re ol 3 i 338 
Powel sources detined ty ysesese= see ten oe Sd ee I. ee Se oe ee 76 
characteristics pviellele-toyavie linc) eae mee seen i aa cee 311 
evalWationl crite rd ave tetera are Os Pl el Se Ls ee ee 316 
GCOS Viton os 6 ee eke See i Se oe oe i A he ee En ee SY le OO 318 
mainéainability andinepair- «-see- 22s. oe ae ett eee os Be eee 318 
operationallinand linge Sa = = en sn a BO a ee ee ee 318 
Melialoilitys aes ere ws es J se eS he ee Del I a oe 6 318 
totalkrequinemenits® 22 s= 2. 5 os he oe one aes ae ok oe 316 
welchtiandsvoluimess2=2 <2. 8220. eu levies 3 = See eee ee ee 316 

Power spectrumyvanalysis eases <= 2.25222 ee ele Bae oe ee a 317 
Pressurescompensationsbl tds =2 2a <2) 2225 eek oe 2S ee ee ees eee eee 332 
Bressure hull tdetined ates 222 Mie = 2 5 oe eae bee ee lL es eee Oh he 76 
depth and payload as affects configuration and materials ________________________________ 245 
fabricationsprocedunes! (28462429)... Ue eke 1 eed ee ee 250 
AGITESIViE Seas SMe 6 I rn ip en A me peed ch RS on A 253 

Bolitin(e ie ere orn Pees ee ek a de se ee oe Dee es Se 253 
Lepr iin oe i a he osm ae me rh A ine to Ve eR OED Oe 254 
glass:tozmetal bonding 222-2222 2ssee wanes 9 ns a) nS ee es es oe 254 
Welding ire se eer Be oo te pene wee ED eee lL ee a OE 2A Se 250 
materials’ wens ee be A Sn ne bo ee eel lS 247 
chemicaltanalyses:ofisteels. =2222s22222 5-222 wa. Se ee ee ee eee eee 249 
measurementstand tests! soe oe ee oe ee ee ee 271 
SEPA PACES 4 oe PRE nes 8 Se A ty oe. penn pens Une 0b lee eo 272 
testssprocram for: ARVIN: 22222. -S- sSensase ans = 2. Wok See ope ce ess See 272 
VOLUMEtTICStEStin Gta Soc 8 es Seen ded tes hi ea kegel 274 
DPROPETbIES eee ee ae oe Be ee 2 ee eee eee 247 
brittle fractures == -«<855 5 Seen sek eens Uihel we 2 a ee ee 2 oe 247 
COTGOSVOM nef Pee a ey ee wre Bo ee eh et ee ek ee 247 

CHEGD Yr) ce 8 eee ak ea tee he Sees On ne hn SEE Be bn es oem ee 247 
Guctilitty, ste 0e © eee ce Ga oe ae tl ee bn ee a 247 
fORMabilitiyes: oe See ed OE Se Feet te oe he ead ee 247 
fractunestoushnesss 22522 3 r ee Su Nets nile ean EE cee 2k 247 
lowseycle Pati git Gye ae ee ee ee 247 
reproducibility? ot ewe ee Se) Rs ed ee ee 247 
stress-corrosion/ cracking: 22 =~ en ee eee ee ee ee eee 247 
stréss-reliciiembrittlement (22 02 i = ee ee ee ee eee 247 
weldabilitvcs 2422 90a ees Se a oe ee eo) Ed ee ees ee ee 247 

Seat Gy Spe es alien! oo es Sa 2 bl ee Oe i A ew ae a ee 241 
advantages and disadvantages of various configurations __________________------------ 245 
basicconhieunations: S222 222 oe: Aes ee eee oe ee ae Ee oe 246 
potential configurations and W/Diratios tor DSI Vs eee eee 245 
materialssandidepthsy velaicl e-by=vieli cle =a ae a eae ee en ee 242 


ERessuneutestin exe enercl COMMS erat O11 S pee ees ee 266 
Precis test iGihhes 2. ee ee 276 
are tz ea feted 1) 10 em ee pe ee a ee he ee 685 
PERRERVANIN DTD) RR WTI ee eee 60 
PYAR, IDO GIS aa ee ee 395 
Tecan, EP VAIMOIES) e® 70 
Preonects GUIDE WIEN se EE 53 
Evrae INMICINGIN| S S22 Ses Se ee ae ee eee 39 
[Progen TULTVNING SS a ee 351 
Projauillsormieoraneoll Glenmess, Cleviinvero| SES 76 
Propulsion clewicas, @yclolall janelle 5. 373 
Giwreries] jonray ere es er eee eee 372 
(BRED fOIROACIeTES. a ee eee eee 371 
Deane TGPAHANS) oe ek OR ee ee ee een a ee ee 372 
(era LAAT FOVROVON SO ES 375 
VEMGIVC CHD EO PU SLO Mes ere eee oe NE ee ne ee ee ee ee eee 377 
Wer FOS ae Se eee 375 
TPLROPDWIIGNO IM DONIEIP TRONS) eS 395 
PSTeWTN ePAUT CLL S ae ee Ps Pe es ee es ee ee 555 
PF ariel Be ee ee eS eee eee 84 
PSSM GeSGrily cdma sere ee ns ee ke ee ee ee 189 
Ren GHOlO 1 CAlEAS DEC LS mae eee ae as See on ee ee ee eee 463 
bon CUnOGy Clem seman: fata Sours a oe eosin Sie ee ee ee eee 337 
Pisypelamor Neel ee Se ee ee ee ee 337 
EU GED EVILS TR ae ps ne ee ee ee ee 209 
Peal, Aeovaray es at ES a ee ee aed 624 
PDX 9 i eo a ees ee 101 
XT ee Ns a oe ee ek See 57, 105 
TUES STE TE Dae SS a aE a pee ee ae eee ee eee 2 ee ee 84 
FEC HITT tz APA GLIGG S leat ae ee eee ee 39 
Rescuendevicesitolassist undernwaterebne vial ee aes ee 675 
TCOUS TCA ne in et ony wee Sener ee ee te eens 680 
DV OLG ANCES OIL eee wee toe eee eee ee ee ee eee 680 
Enwinonmentalksensorsmeseeens ener eset Oe eee ee SS = eee 683 
externalaconnectionsi (airy aassel ec): ewes en ee ee 682 
SGC METI li Fats pee ere es ee ee a oe ee eee 681 
litte Ad Cyc Smee enon meee Sere Se SE) oe be ee Se eee 682 
MIDEK CAD UON S eee ae ea ee Skee Ne eee SS ee ee ee 680 
Cele phones pees mee ee emer es ae UE es oe eee ee eee 676 
[ROC FROUDE, TRACOM, | ee ee ese 700 
Und ery aALerapPeTSOMMe le tiem Sic Teme eer enna En se ee ee 695 
Reseanrchbinsthuimentsiae == meee eS ee ee ee eS eee 555 
APPKCALONMINEVATIOUSHPOJECtS, sane eS te 2 ee ee ee 558 
IRe@wjanmenoray @Qunareiierane, Cereal a EE 419 
VEVAOlU SH MRIEO IS ernment te oe ee ee ee eee 44, 48 
Event Old SaniUTn bc rameter ee Se ee Pe 393 
ReyMoldssOshornew@stiskeiiue mates Wes See 9 ee ee ee ee eee 393 
VOGT te Tuer a i ene RT ek ee Ee i ee ee 488 
ROUT OG Ci:s een Sat Be SR ge en a sD 2 ee ES a eee 377 
Ringsiaaie, Chm co ee eae a ep ee ee se ee eee 159 
Saitetar Raaiuiives, Chaliareys| ye eee ee ee Se ene ee ee ee ee eee 77 
SantagBbarbaranGitva@ollege,. meses wate ae se Soe Ue ee ee 123 
SAVOTTIUIS SCO LC Tamer ae eee a ne) ee De SO oe eee ee ee ee 8 ee 487 


SCALDIS SM] V5 2222. os Se ee ee ee 38 
SchartfenbergerG ol, ose 2 a eee Sa ee ee el 51 
Schlumbercrersside:walll (corer == se 5.2 a eA ee 551 
Splice hse Se es ee Se Se ES Se ae se, 353 
SCORRION US Sie ee Ss et oes a Se a en 63, 511 
ScenippsminstitutevomOceanogaar lirypee meee ee er ee ee 111, 219 
S GET AeScrilo ed 2 ee a a is a a 191 
wehicle:controlvarranzements peo eo eo 398 
Seasbottom ppercentol: bottomiysecc ey tine ee ee ee een ee 246 
SHAG GIE Etre =~ = oe Se 2 a te ee oe ee a ee ee 57 
describedth 20s. 222 enen se ne ee 193 
Manipulators eta ee ow ee RL 0) eo eee 2 ee eee 528 
SARE XU OO BU a ee F ed e  e e 84 
AS EVA ERCUINGDAE Eon VA) Vag oe ese ee a ee eee al i 592 
SeaghifegranksWalinan'al oyeess- 2. BRS a eee ee eee 147 
SEAT OUST Rip oe = Sees aa See rete A es 8 ne oe ee en 64 
GeScrilb ec sen seewnripnope ss 2 ie ES a ee a ee als See oe 195 
NOVA Ul AGO tga ee er ae te Pe gl re ee 2 gon eee a 525 
rudderrandiplanesarnangement: 2...) ==- =< ee eee 378 
SIPAGRANGH RA described =o. 2 ee ee ee 197 
SEAL U ANY ap ee i paar ee Se ee ee ee ee 55 
eS cribed epee ree ee  a  ee e 199 
Seaystaterdefined as.) =-- 82-56 MIF. Se ee eee 14 
STAKE CtSKOMEMALIONS terraces ont SSO eb Sa et eo 595 
Seapwatemidensityranditemperatune aos eee 14 
SOUMGESPeeO INOR 22 ene ee. 2 a Se ee oe eee 15 
Searches dees CUC MES POMS IIIT Spl rg eet eee eee ea 647 
SearchysimulationsexpenmentsyDSSV <.-55 se ee eee 452 
SPARGHSITARIIM | Vi esas eee 8 oF en ee ee ee ee 59 
SIAIVPAIR KEM Vx ee AS 8 a ee ee ee 588 
ISH VETRAINICAG | 2 <= bx Sees oe 2 nr es 2k ee 10 
Shaftzhorseypowerxdetined! ts. skis Ee ee ee eee 396 
GENE pee eee Weis etree Ge ee ee Ee ee Sk he 397 
SHE EEED VE Rae 252-0. seats oo Leek eS ee eee ee eee 56 
GUSTS cflloveye | aM Sees Se a eS ee ee eee ee ee ee ee Se eee ee 201 
IMAM Ulatoe soe sw So aes 2 De oe le te SS A es oe oe ee 528 
View pPOktrarranvements =a. 2= 220 - - i a 2S Le ee ee 456 
SHUINIGATGescribed se 28 ae ee h  cok  e et 203 
Shiprotsoppontunityiy ee ee = es se ee ee U0 
Slantsrangeadefined? 22-2 = et a os eee eee 
Smuthsontansinstitutione oe tet OS ee a er ek ee ne ee 65, 109, 143 
SNOOBE RSS sal Se ee are ie ows NAS ls ee ee ee ee eee 60 
describediy 22s tetas oo et te ee a ee eee 205 
Sonaryacousticimagine . 2.2 2 eee eee 470 
(CR Mitpaeee es le 2 ee oe ee Ue ee ee ee ee ee ee 469 
echorsounders), ess. ae Se) a eee 468 
Wesmariseanmin panto a le Pe Oe ee 469 
Sodan [eseRIROA IMPOR La 44, 121, 163, 271 
SovietAcademmaotsSclences! ---2 J22c- ee nous Bs ee 83 
SovietaBlocsubmersibles tees ee.206 = ve es) a ee eee 10 
SPS OO ee er opel le ee es 207 
SP =350) described: ei en ee es eee 207 
fuelicell'experiments2=- = Se ee ee Se ee eee 334 


DRO OUUOM BANGS, 2 ee 
SPLARND) @ £2382 See 2 Ne a ee ee 
CERN NEG wane S Po 5 ae Se ee ee ee 
LS FS 0) Cm a ea a ee a 
GeESCril) cl game eaters tee See en eee ee a ee ee 
SHanis ted ebombpisearchi gees = see. ee SS 
SpaacLemdinmanes, denies! _. 2. --2222-- = 
Syowael timaliceweress ss a 
ISIRORTS MAINES OOV SOOO) a aa a eee 
Glagenibeg) 9 jy. = saa pee Se a ee Ree eee ee 
SUNT IS 3 UII a 
Sialon ay, RAG RONROTETNES 
Salo css amen emer ee ate ee ee ee Ee 
Sine nity, ele See ee 
Siovraclarrel IM ins @aerGEGInISKES 5 
Standard temperature and pressure (STP), defined = _______________-_--- 
Standotmdistancessampleicalculatiors se 
GIPAR TP gh RE Sat Se ee ee ee 
Ghegyersl reve ly ee eS ee ee 
Ruel eal SoegaVSTeNTTET aS ns ee 
STRMR I-22 ee ee ee ee 
Geschi be dag sents tein oo eee 2 ee ae ee 
STRATE IU £5 3 ee ee ee 
Gescrily ed emer tae eee Te Se et ee Se 
personnel emergency escape procedure _____----_-____------------- 
veluGe comuenel raramneemNeMS) ~_-- 
Straimmcare samplemeadings on DSRV—2) 2s 
SUIBTROGA.. eee ca EE ee ee ee 
SUB IUAUN ANU din (lec ei) Bes es a ee 
Glesesiloacl - a ae Se ee ee ee 
SUIBIWVAINA Ulta (Martine), 22-25 oe en a ee 
GESCHIDe Cemeeeatt eis ete eT el ee 
direselkelectricisy stem) = eee ee ee ee ee 
LUGdderandidivierplanesanran semen t= == eee ee 
Mi ew POnGAnnan cement eeee n= sa ee eee ee 
SUBSE RA? "ope ee A ee a ee re ee ae 
Glasvergil ners) ys ee er ieee so ee en a ae a 
Suibmemimnes Developments Grupos Orme ge a ee ee 
Submarine Rescue (Chamber, rescue scenamo 22-222 === =e 
ROQCUO THACMMMSTNAMNS, 2 
Submersibles, data sources and references _____-_____----------------- 
Cenuincavions proposed legislation ea 
COMERGIEG Gy COS meeenntt mk lei tem ) DTh a e  ee e  e 
Glomiinaal Oe VAIEIS) 2 a ee 
Gletminvacl Toy WISIN eee ea ee ee 
CeserTNWe WaIMmlinOloyay —-- ==. oe  E 
listinespasteypkesent-duture: veniClesy === ss ee 
(DUOC AIMOMS OF WERE: 2. EES 
MESCuUeKd ei Ce Sram d abe Clann CULES age ee 
MeuMevaledevaces sam pueclirny CUES ie eee ee ee 
OND Tal AGUS Sa ee ee ee ee es ee 
SOS Chalibieel ips ee ee Ne ee 
Sulomaers ilo Ces y;S tenn y cementum Se ee ee ee eee 


designiandtoperationallconsid eration see ee 13 
Submersible: Satety: Seminary ec. a ee ns ee a ee ee eet 683 
Supportrandioperationalicosts.. == =k ns Se ee ee ee ee ee 594 
SUpPPOLUCONSId erat OMS sERAras p OL yb) Orie ee ae ar 19 

laumneh/retricvallge > os 23 SP ae SS Beers 2 20 

Po eat Verias ee Se eS eae eae ae le le a ee a 19 

trackinelandi navivation’-<oo4 ee) ss ee ce ey ee a eee eee 20 
Supports plattormss submersible related eq unprine rit; esses eee een ee ee 592 

UTI ChION SMe em a Se Fe ns Oe ee a Se es ee 581 

representative Craft. 2. 5.) see tee sn a eas eo a eee 592 
Surfacetsupportydehined ame... ~ seas De. 3 oe 2 ee ee eee 77 
SURVAdescribeds- = 2.542. 2 sees ey 2 ot ee a 227 
SURVEY sGemneds tesa e2_ tne oe es he ee es ed ee ee ie 544 

INSLEUIMENCS Useqducoxcond Gta = ae oe eee ee 544 

weightskandedimenslonS~s 25.42.20. -2555..22 2 222-5 ee Se a ee eee 545 
SURVEYS UBS oe cee eh oe os De ee er 61 

(GKEIS(S ol oysye MRE ae ane cS ee ee ee EE NE en ee ee a 229 
ES IY A TINA TV cme a yn ee i NS ee oe 587 
Swimumnerdelivernvavielhhticles 22.222... sk a ee ee ee eee 5 
Sy CAGE Cyl AIT ey eee ee oe a 8 es ee ee eee ee a 296 
YANO) XO) 0 Dt ee ee SP ee 2a Sa Soe Re ee Rares oe a een RR eee Se 85 
DAUR 'S pate eevee eet DFM a ee a ek 85 
RE ED TVET ge I ee ly be 173 
MRCS vai S10 Tigi aie Ce ee eg Ne as tl oe al eee ee Le 480 

lowalightulevielQm@iwe a oslo Baltes ond ee eee 481 
Remperavunerandsnumniditvareite cess omso CCU ATS eee aap 427 
Memperatunes.combrolmmp Res sure a knw | ee ee ee enna aL gn 429 

layennesinepressunevh ilies ee). 2-2 4st. =. eS ee eee eS 462 
MexasvAtG MMUMIVeTSIGY. ==2-.e 2 Ss ee 181 
BIG FA OVIA TS SON TeV wie on se ak RO 0A St I Mp Ph 0k neat OS 625 
PHRESHER USS O22 Se os ee ee ee eee 45 
Himrustensed elie ds eke SNe tear a Tees De eet RS 377 
miburony Marine dMbaboratoryes 25225 ee ee eee 213 
ime-latey denne diya" 2d es Se te 5 eet eee 707 
MOC IRR Raikes eee Po ae ee ee ee 661 
ihoolswengineeringwinspectionnsalVage. Gs...) =— = a ee ee 557 
ogreawellerwViar Ce eee Se ee 43 
FRCP IKCANT irs ee Es Ne oe he ee a ee See 85 
hopaltpower-<capacity. defined... 22— oo eee ee ee ee eee 76 
OURS G4 S66." tao es os ee es ee eee 66, 336 

descenibed! *i 24 ee et Pee ee eee 231 
PracercontaminantsS: 2 2- 2s ee es ee ee 426 
Mransportation, all 22. Ss ee Se ee 580 

Nepnid etch ct SN a Se ee aon 578 

Op gh a ene an ees GIES me eee ee ey OR oe yh eee oe et a 579 

tederalureoulatonyCOdes)) ma a a we cree ep 581 
TRANSGUESTAMIV6 qo oo a a ee ee ee ee ee ee 590 
TRIESTE VsAdesion 222.92) oee 2 os ee ee ee eee 58 

describedttsss et oe ae ol aS ae ee ee ee 233 

electricalipenetrators 2202-255 ee ee eee 340 

hullimeinforcements; .2 5282 es a a eee a 255 
RTE STE 20 e352 Oe ee ee ee ee eee 45 

SCHL) 1 ee ON i i le he ars wr Rl pak ie 235 


lnUIlll COUNGWANCHGIN a= =e 52 ee 2 a ee ee eee 254 


lleenaelayiRaneNall OGiGES~ heey Ae ee ee ee ae Se 2 300 
T= en ete ee ea a Re ee i ad a 7 
@kenmiineyel © ws ee ae SP ee See rr Ce Se LE Be ee ere 76 
FRET (UWE OVENS SO a et oS a eee a ee ee 16 
SHRISIONS Gxerarmnell eo jae IRS NI ee Re en eee 304 
balllasthwelontgd no peat =e een Sd Sete en Be a ee pie oy we) ee ee a le 306 
sets tee ra yanss Ih tegument nee ke Ey pe ce ae Le oe ek iy to be 306 
IMME Chinese alll) se Se = SE ee ee oe ee ee ee ee 306 
TONGA EOS ES ae OP ee ee a ee ee ee a ee en ee 304 
OU WRN eS ee ee ee ee ae ren Fee ee eee Oe ee Oe 307 
Shotghoppeneditierentlal giles > se a= = ee eee se eee re 306 
WASTE Chun eeeReraL OMT ee ee ee ee een ee 304 
Vel elea CI ci)S Le Geers ae ey RO tS we CS Sue Se ae ie ee aoe eae 306 
SVSLEIMSgNSIdeypTESS Urey Ul nee es Ses ee ee ee 301 
WNUENP TOKE oe a Se a ee ee es eee a 302 
WEL Osh GES Hi eee = aera ee oh Nn eer Oe ee Oe ee Se ea 304 
SVS tel seaeml Cle ty-ve tall Cl erage eet se iets ny nae Se et a es Sn ee 306 
SEN LeeeeDe eo Se ee ee eee ey ae ee eee ne es ee 229 
TRUDI OTR ws 5S a Se eee ae a ee ES a NE ee eT Se eee ee 5, 189 
Ube Bushinellis) sy 828 2225) oe ee ee ere eS 1 
TN UTR TN GTS QUUISIN Pi oS et a ee SN 2 a ay ae ee En eg Te ge ee eR we OS eee 57 
GlasGiailasels S55. = Bee Se ge ce Ee ee et ee ee 193 
Uicleaill, Sirenyane- So = 7S ee Se a ee ee ee ee awe ee 44 
WINDERS BAQHIUINE Re | Viasat ee ee a ee ee eee 586 
Windenwateratelepho ness mee eee a ere ee eet ee ee ee ee 679 
LUTE OONE «Sati a aT era a eo Ree es eee eee eee gee ee a 508 
University sol ennsyiVianilawes saeoe oct Sl Oe 2 PRN 22 oa ee eee 571 
Ora ZeTES (yao tid be alta Sy loycea ra ea VG rs ara eee nN 48 
WinmreannedavelniCles seas seen ans ea eeein rs Oe eee Se a ee eee 703 
CREP oa ee oS et ee ee ee ee ee ee I yas ee oe ee = 
WS, Aitte- TRON = Ee se Se ee ee ee ee ee Pt OS, ae er eo 171 
USS, Airy 2 See oe pee re ees ee en Oe ee Ey Cu 172 
LOISSUUA Gy UDO Ree NS ae Ea is Ese ee ea ne eae ge See re Re ie A Georges yee Se 593, 615 
(UPUREA eS a ee ee ee a eee epee ae ne ee 85 
Warrialblemiallllastasiys tems save ln cl e=10sy= ie TC eyes cae ea en SS 286 
Waseem, IDIGG). “<p oS wee ee a ee en ee ee eee ene = 39 
WAMGUIP AVURUUE “2 ST sa Pe eek ae ee 1) Se es NT ae TER re seer Saye Ute 145 
Vernon w) anes mane eee aii lye Ewe ed a er ls oO ee 625 
VA CIGERUSEV.O) VA GEA | Vie ee ee ee ee ee eee 183 
WACO ECS AVES INGR OIE Ea Ve es ee es ee 183 
Wiewnonis, Gomieall aemylie AGHe ao 261 
ier AGAUNEIOGGG “Aes Le. ee AY oR le eye eee er et Ree ee een. eR. Sad eee 260 
DROVeLblessOlelasshan Goplas tl Cems ee et ee ae ee 259 
RECommMendedudesioneandyseal Spas meee ee ae a ee ee ee eee 261, 262 
RAGS eee ee ee ee ee a a ee oe eee 16 
Wilsall, Aagealinoaiie 2, 5 Re = ak See ey es a Oe te eee Og eo ee ee 480 
Wirneemt, C, eae ee ek oe Ue ee Oe a ee Oe ee ee ers 34 
Wittne, Akyin “2.2 ee se eee ee oe 2 ee ese 44, 606 
AUP OTOL AST EL ae ee ee ee) a ee Renee fe eens Se ee ee ee 85 
VRDTERIG TE ok eS a a ee ge es ee Oe ge eee or See EE Te 64 
Glasyera|sevoll ° 22 ae ee See, NS ea ee ee Se ee ee ee 237 
Wol unm en (ire e) sinmnvey 1 OWLS ave In Cl es mene ee ae ee ee eee 450 


Wakersteering 4 .~ 5 aaa ee ee ne ee st ee ane wg 388 


Weal slinwlt) Ker — das eee roe ee a ere ne A 353 
Wiel shi DO yit qetsrs Bane ewok i SVE Ws se so wes = I ae ee 39 
Washingtony Navy eVierd eigen 5 a de a ee ee ee ee ee 234 
Wiaterisenson pod). s 252k ete. ee Se ee eee 544 
Watson: Walliainiws==2.. 92) 232 ee Se oe eee A 551 
Weicht-and.volume.estimates! =e =. bie us 8 ee ee ee 279 
Wieighit-to-displacementmratioi(W/D)— Sse ne ee eee 241 
WAEEETESAIN DS USS et 6s 4 tra 1 woh ie eg oe a SU A ee 300 
DVD ese Ea ep ee ot eo ee ee wD EI eG ee 595, 606 
Winrets@lidiford faye ee 2 a ee a ee ee ee ee 9 
Woodxinvpressunethulls: 2on222 9. 2) 8 es A I ee eee 250 
WioodspitoleyOceanographiGs (i2ebess5 2 ee eee 8, 91 
Wionthimo ton: Kai ee okt eee een a 2 ee 6, 519 
AEA OT. cM Vag eo 8 ee ee eo ee ee 240 
NASETE DONE BV ia ieee ee ee Sk As ee ee ee ee 10 
VOMIURIndescribediie. 22 2— 3). eau ee es eee eee 239 
YominrieshimbueNewspaper ee ed ee eee 240 


762 


ADDENDUM 


The first proof print of this book was made in November 1974. Since then, the changes in vehicle 
characteristics/components/instruments and their owners have been substantial. Probably the easiest 
place to begin is with the purely mechanical corrections; these are: 

Page 399—Contronex should read Controlex. 

Page 399—PC-14 has been redesignated DIAPHUS, not TECHDIVER. 

Page 615 and Fig. 12.31—Pelican Hook should read Standard Lift Hook. 

Now, owing to the tremendous impact of offshore oil, i.e., the North Sea, on submersible 
employment and a subsequent gain of knowledge on the author’s part, the following corrections and 
comments are presented in order to provide a semblance of currency to the topic. The most logical 
approach would seem to be chronologically chapter-by-chapter; this method will be followed. 

Contemporary Submersible Development—I am indebted to Mr. Motoyoshi Hori of the Japanese 
Marine Science and Technology Center (JAMSTEC), Yokosuka for supplying me information regarding 
a 4-man submersible built at Taiwan in 1929 by Mr. Ichimatsu Nishimura. Mr. Nishimura was both 
designer and funder of this submersible and a follow-on vehicle in 1935. The vehicles were equipped 
with glass viewports and were built solely for fisheries research and undersea construction. The second 
was used in search of the H.I.J.M. Submarine I-63 which sunk in a 1939 collision in the Bungo Suido. 
While strong currents inhibited the vehicle’s effectiveness, the Imperial Japanese Navy recognized the 
potential of these crafts and had two identical vehicles built for salvage-type operations, one of the 
most noteworthy tasks being the search and investigation of the sunken battleship MUTSU near Kure 
in 1943. According to Mr. Hori, these boats are quite distinct from the midget attack submarines of the 
Imperial Japanese Navy and were intended for fishing and salvage purposes only. Briefly, the 
characteristics of the third and fourth submersibles were: 


Length: 12.8m 

Beam: 1.85m 

Draft: 1.80m 

Displ.: 20 tons 

Operating Depth: 200m 

Power Source: Lead-acid batteries 
Propulsion: 2 ea. 16 hp DC motors 


From the point of view of modern deep submergence, I believe Mr. Nishimura’s 1929 vehicles to be 
the first contemporary civilian submersible. 

Manned Submersibles 1948-1974. Little would be gained by again reiterating the changes that have 
and are taking place on individual vehicles and the field at large. Table 4.1 is as up to date as the 
publisher will tolerate revisions. Still, some comments are in order to make this Table more accurate. 

ARCHIMEDE—No longer operational; retired. 

DEEP DIVER—No longer at Ft. Pierce, Fla. 

DEEPSTAR 2000—Sold to GO International, Marseilles, France. 

DEEPVIEW—Being refitted with a plastic bow dome. 

DOWB—Being refitted with a plastic bow dome. 

DSRV 1 & 2—Classed as operational. 

GRIFFON—Operational. 

MERMAID I/II—Refitted with plastic bow dome. 

Pressure Hulls and Exostructures—Not mentioned as an active pressure hull material was fiber 
reinforced plastic which constituted the entire pressure hull, ballast tanks and conning towers of the 
SEA EXPLORER of Sea Line, Inc. A consistent trend in virtually all newly built vehicles is the 
inclusion of a plastic bow dome in liew of separate viewports. Many of the older vehicles, as noted 
above, have been or are being refitted with bow domes. 

Life Support—Since the advent of PISCES III and the JOHNSON-SEA-LINK incidents, the life 
support endurance on a great number of vehicles has increased by orders of magnitude. Vickers 
Oceanics, Ltd. state at least 7 days/man; Northern Offshore, Ltd. 5 days/man; others have followed suit 


763 


to the point where most, but not all, supply at least 72 hours/man. There is a greater tendency towards 
the use of LiOH as a COz scrubber, but in many cases it is carried in reserve rather than for normal 
use, while baralyme or soda-sorb is used routinely. Because of the tremendous increase in life support 
duration on individual vehicles, Table 14.6 should not be regarded as accurate. 

Instruments—The majority of instrument development is concentrated on work tools rather than 
scientific devices. This, quite naturally, reflects the nature of the work being performed and 
anticipated. One of the more active service corporations is Vickers Oceanics, Ltd. A recent brochure of 
theirs provides an indication of the direction in which work tools and developmental techniques are 
proceeding; this list includes: Impact wrenches, drills, grinder/cutters, corers (hard rock), chainsaws, 
guillotines (cutting hawsers, ropes, etc), mud pumps, stud guns, handwheel operators, wire brushing, 
explosive holecutting, underwater non-destructive testing, reciprocating saws, underwater burning, 
concrete chippers, and underwater welders. It is evident that engineering and work tools are coming of 
age. 

Safety Devices/Emergency Procedures—Changes in this area include not only increased life 
support, but the appearance of releasable marker buoys that may be used for homing by rescuers; the 
carrying of protective (i.e., thermal) clothing and underwater telephones with at least one carrier 
frequency of 8.0875 kHz compatible with Navy UQC. Unfortunately, another submersible-related 
tragedy occurred in early September 1975 with the STAR I. STAR IT is launched/retrieved with the 
LRT system (p. 594) which requires the assistance of three ambient divers: 1 to control the LRT depth/ 
buoyancy and 2 to release/attach STAR II to the platform. While the incident is still to be fully 
investigated and reported, it appears that depth control was either unattainable or misjudged, because 
the sole surviving ambient diver recalls passing the 300 ft. level before he abandoned the LRT and 
surfaced. The remaining two divers perished. STAR IT was released and surfaced safely. The incident 
tragically demonstrates the systems concept of submersibles. 


764 


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